Last Updated on January 19, 2021 by Defy Help
2021 Update on What is the Best Defy Stain for Cedar Wood
When applying to cedar wood, it is best to use the Defy Hardwood. This varies based on where you live though. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Maintenance on a cedar decks and homes are essential for the longevity of the wood. Cedar siding takes a lot of abuse from Mother Nature, from rain, harsh UV rays, snow, and freezing temperatures. All of these natural elements do harm in their own way and take a toll on wood fibers, which can deplete the natural oils in the wood causing them to dry out and deteriorate. When maintained properly, a cedar home can last for many, many years. Regular cleaning and staining the cedar is the key to a long-lasting beautiful cedar wood.
In terms of deck and wood stains, one brand name has always lived up to consumer expectations in helping wood last. Defy stain is a well-known deck and wood stain that is in a class of its own. Using defy will preserve the cedar while giving a beautiful finish. Defy produces many types of wood stain for certain specifications. So what is the best Defy Stain for cedar homes and decking? Although there are several different Defy Stain products that could be used there is one that will be the best for cedar wood.
The best Defy Stain for the cedar is Defy Hardwood Stain, which is specifically formulated for cedar as well as other hardwoods like mahogany and redwood. This synthetic semi-transparent finish will dive deep into the hard to penetrate wood fibers of the hardwood types. Defy Hardwood Stain for the cedar is available in 3 different color tones that still allow the beauty of the wood grain to show through and will even enhance its appearance.
For the best results in using Defy Hardwood on a cedar, pressure wash the wood with Defy wood cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and grayed wood fibers. Then use Defy wood brightener as a final step prior to staining the wood with Defy Hardwood Stain. This deep penetrating synthetic stain will protect cedar for several years while enhancing the wood grain’s natural beauty.
Used Cabot Australian Oil Natural on cedar deck—it’s been on for about 10 months. Pleased at first but now water seems to be penetrating/soaking into wood, not beading. Also, mold is a problem here in Northern Virginia. Plan is to clean and brighten deck and reapply Australian Oil—but I’d have to repeat process yearly.
I love the natural look of the cedar (and natural tone of Australian oil). I don’t want a an orange toned cedar deck. I’m very interested in Defy Exteme.
—Which defy extreme semi-transparent stain would you recommend?
—What color? Would natural pine be a close match to keeping the natural color of the cedar?
—What is your recommendation or absolute preferred process or steps in applying Defy Extreme on a deck that has had Australian oil applied?
Thank you!
-Try Natural Pine in the Defy Extreme Stain
-Similar to a wet look
-You will need to remove the old stain with the Defy Stripper and then the Brightener.
Thank you!
Just a little clarification…When you say similar to a wet look—does that mean that when Defy Extreme natural pine stain is dry it will look like darker like my wood is wet? Am I understanding that correctly?
Looks similar to as if wet with water after the Natural Pine dries.
We are making an outdoor table for our daughter out of kiln-dried cedar. She lives in Milwaukee, WI. We have never used your product before. She wants a dark brown tone with gray to get as close to her existing fiberglass table which has failed. See picture below. 1. Do you recommend an application of Extreme for hardwood and a second coat of Extreme to achieve a dimensional look? 2. I was hoping to use Butternut color, but after reading your comments, it seems light walnut is the darkest available color in Extreme for Hardwood. Correct? 3. The picture below is the look we are trying to achieve. Any suggestions?
It is not possible to get a dimensional look and you cannot apply a second coat on top of a dried first coat. If doing two coats, it has to be wet on wet. Butternut is darker than Light Walnut.
1. Can I use extreme over extreme hardwood doing a wet on wet application? 2. Do you recommend extreme for cedar?
One final clarification…1. You have Defy Extreme for Hardwood and Defy extreme, correct? 2. Of the two which offers more UV protection for cedar wood. 3. Is Defy Extreme for hardwood also semi transparent?
Same UV protection for both and both are semi-transparent.
Hello,
Last year this ding dong I hired to stain my deck must have done something wrong. I bought one gallon of semi transparent cedar. It was a deck built a year before, but did not appear to be dirty. The first coat looked great.
He then bought the second gallon and put on and it took on this orange hue and almost looks like a solid stain. Now already it is chipping and peeling after less than a year. Where did he go wrong and what do I need to do to fix it? Thank you!
You will have to sand it off to fix this.
It has just been a few months since we stained our large deck with Defy stain. It has since dulled/faded. Can you please give your recommendation on what we can do to revive the color and make it look more freshly done?
Thanks!
Next Spring, do a light wash and then one light coat.
I have a cedar fence that has been previously stained with an oil based semi transparent stain. It is starting to chip off, can I use Defy..if so which kind and what is the best way to remove the chipping stain in order to prep the fence?
You can only use the Defy if you 100% remove the current coating.
I had my vinyl siding house and knotted cedar deck power washed. I just found out they used only water. Knotted cedar deck and steps came out pretty clean with exception of 2 boards. The posts and handrails not as clean, but good. It was previously stained 3 years ago, but most had been burned off by sun. Can I stain with just Defy Extreme for Hrdwood/Cedar, or do I need to use the brightened first?
Post pictures and if you have any old stain left, it has to be stripped and brightened for prep.
We originally put Defy Extreme on our cedar log home and Defy Hardwood Stain on the cedar deck. I now want to put another coat on the house. Is there a problem with putting Hardwood Stain over Extreme?
Sticking with the Extreme would be best.
I have a mahogany deck that I would like to stain. I am unable to find the hardwood stain. Can I use the extreme stain? Is it the same?
No, you need the Hardwood versions as it soaks in deeper into dense wood.
About 2/12 years ago I cleaned my cedar lap siding and applied “Penofin” cedar tone to it. Within one year the entire house started to darken and within two years it is totally black with mold or mildew. I have used a bleach based siding cleaner in a few spots and the black disappears, but it appears that the Penofin may still be on the wood. I want to clean the siding again and apply a DEFY product. What steps and product do you recommend? I calculate approximately 3000 sq. ft. of siding.
You will need to remove the Penofin and that requires a stripper followed by a brightener:
https://www.defystain.com/defy-stain-stripper.html
https://www.defystain.com/defy-wood-brightener.html
Once removed, you can then use the Defy Extreme Stain for this:
https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
I recently completed staining my deck with Defy Extreme and I love the results. My wood fence is now ready to be stained; however, we have had a lot of wet weather and the wood is totally saturated. How many drying days will I need before I can apply the stain? Also, if I am unable to do the staining before the temperatures get too cold will I need to repeat any of the cleaning steps in the Spring?
48 hours. You would have to redo the prep if you wait until Spring.
If I’m not sure my deck is cedar is defy extreme a good product as an all purpose stain?
Yes.
If I use Defy Hardwood Pine color can I switch to Defy Hardwood Cedar color for maintenance coats?
Yes.
How long does a new cedar deck need to weather before staining with Defy Hardwood? THe moisture in the cedar is approximately 12%. Should it still be allowed to “dry out” 3 to 6 months? Ideally I would like to stain before winter.
And a final question. For a 2 story deck is there any benefit (or harms) other than looks to staining the bottom of the deck boards?
Yes. let it weather for 3-6 months. Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener.
The only benefit would be for appearance to stain the undersides.
I have a cedar play gym the is about four year old and needs to be re-stained. What stain and cleaner would you recommend? Do I need to remove any plastic pieces first?
Remove or tarp off the plastic pieces. Use the Defy Extreme Stain. As for the prep, does it have an old coating? If so, use the Defy Stain Stripper. If not, use the Defy Wood Cleaner. Brightener after either one.
It came with a clear stain. Now it just looks weathered.
Try the Defy Wood Cleaner and then the Wood Brightener for the prep.
I am ready to treat my new (2 months since installation) cedar fence, what would you recommend ?
Hello,
Prep first with the Defy Wood Clean and light pressure washing. Apply the Defy Wood Brightener after the cleaning. Once prepped and it dries for two days, use the Defy Extreme Stain: https://www.defystain.com/wood-and-deck-stains.html
Several years ago I applied Defy Extreme Natural Pine to the cedar siding on my home. I just read this article that the Defy Hardwood is better for cedar. It is about time for another coat. I plan to use the cleaner and brightener and then reapply stain. Can I switch over to the Defy Hardwood Natural Pine if I originally used the Defy Extreme Natural Pine?
Hello, to switch you would need to strip and brighten to remove the Extreme. Best to stick with the Extreme. It works great on verticals. The Hardwood is suggested more for cedar decking.