Last Updated on January 20, 2022 by Defy Help
2022 Update for Tips and Advice for Defy Exterior Wood and Deck Stains
Defy Deck Stains have become one of the top-rated water-based exterior coatings in 2022. We love hearing from our customers who have used the Defy Stains or have questions on prepping and application. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Welcome to the official help site for DefyStain.com! DEFY wood and deck stain products are formulated with premium quality synthetic resins that resist mold and mildew growth, are easy to apply, and are environmentally friendly. Defy stains offer protection from UV fading, wood rot, water damage, and mildew for all types of wood species. Use DEFY Wood Stains on pressure-treated lumber, cedar, mahogany, redwood, or any vertical or horizontal exterior wood surface.
The Defy stain help site is designed for exterior wood and deck owners looking for help with Defy Extreme Stain and Defy Stains for Hardwoods. We will offer tips and proper application instructions for Defy Stains so you may achieve professional results.
Please read our articles and ask any questions you may have as we are here to help.
I put natural pine semi transparent on our pine deck and it is way too orange. Any ideas?
Color varies based on your wood type as the stain enhances the natural grain. If it has an orange hue to it then your wood itself is this way. You could remove it and try a brown color like Butternut.
I stained our new PTP deck in June 2020 with Defy Extreme Natural Pine. Was going to add a second coat this spring or summer to the decking only because of how much the initial coat soaked in. Was told on here to wait a year then use the cleaner and add a second coat. Time and weather has kept me from doing this for this year. The deck has accumulated a lot of algae like stains over the past few months. I’m not going to get to the second coat this year but don’t want to leave the stains on over the winter. Should I go ahead and use the Defy cleaner on it before winter and will it remove this? Picture attached…
No, just leave as is as the alage on top of the stain will not harm the wood through the Winter. Prep and stain in the spring.
How long after staining a deck with defy extreme semi transparent can a cat walk and sit on the deck. I have an outdoor cat that thinks he owns the deck.
4-6 hours as long as it is fully dry.
How long before or after a rain do you wait to apply brightened? Also, it was said not to apply brightened on metal. I have black aluminum spindles. So, what do you recommend for that? The deck and stairs were thoroughly cleaned and sanded. Pictures included.
Rain does not affect the brightener process. Avoid getting the brightener on any spindles. if you do, rinse them right away.
Hi, I still would like to know what is the lowest outdoor temperature I can stain my deck and not ruin it, and will the new cedar clean and brighten well if we don’t have a chance to stain it before snow flies?
50 is the lowest. You can prep with no issues in the Spring.
How long after sanding deck should I wait to apply stain?
Clean the deck after sanding and then wait 48 hours after that to stain.
Just thought of another question. If applying the stain in the evening how long does it have to dry before wildlife can walk on it? Racoons and maybe a possum or a stray cat?
4-8 hours.
I know you should wait 48 hours after cleaning and brightening. What, if for some reason, you have to wait longer. Do you need to clean and brighten again?
Staining within 2 weeks of prep is okay.
Want to make Light Walnut a lighter shade of walnut. Can I add paint thinner (how much) to the gal. of stain? Then, can I use the clear stain for the second application?
No, you cannot thin it. You can add the clear into the stain as a mix to lighten it. You cannot top coat over the stain color with the clear.
Hi we stained our new deck last fall and I contacted your company to see if we could apply a single coat this spring and the answer was yes we could,,
Before we do that is there anything we should do to prep the deck beside cleaning it – I was thinking of powerwashing it ?? Anything else we should do
Use the Defy Cleaner while pressue washing for prep.
We have a mix of older and newer cedar-the first few rows next to the house were in great shape and not replaced. I sanded the old stain off of those with 60-80 grit. My husband replaced the rest of the boards. We allowed them to weather for a year. We cleaned and brightened the deck. Put a single coat of stain on and wanted to wait a year for the 2nd coat. It looked beautiful last summer but unfortunately looks terrible this year-we we’re planning on putting the second coat on but it’s peeling in several spots on the newer wood. Now what?
Use the Defy Wood cleaner for prep first.
So use Defy cleaner to get off peeling stain? do we need to brighten again before we put second coat of defy on? I’m not sure if you received attachments.
No pictures. Please upload them. They have to be below 3mb.
I sanded the old boards to remove a different oil based stain. Most of the boards were replaced with new cedar. We let the boards weather for almost a year in Michigan. Last year we cleaned, brightened and put one coat of Defy stain. Old boards look great. All of the new boards are peeling.
Strip and brighten for the prep.
I am in the process of cleaning our wood siding with Defy cleaner and even though I have thoroughly rinsed after cleaning, I am having a hard time getting the streaks off of the glass of our windows. I have tried dawn dish soap with water and light scrubbing. Do you have any suggestions?
It is just soap residue so maybe try a green scrubby with some windex.
Ok! Thank you. I will give the green scrubby a try. Is there any risk to the windows when using the brightener next? Specifically the metal frame?
Keep the brightener off metal. Should not harm the glass.
How many coats for a pressure treated pine picket fence? I’m using the cedar tone extreme wood stain color. Thanks!
Two coats applied wet on wet is best: https://www.defystainhelp.com/what-is-wet-on-wet-stain-application/
The temperature will only be over 46 for about 5 hours this afternoon in Ohio. Tonight it will be in the lower 30’s – maybe freezing. Can I still stain today, or will the temperature drop tonight affect the curing of the stain. Also, I lightened the deck about 5 days ago, then I decided to sand a small area (2’x 18”) to remove a dark stain. Do I need to lighten that area again?
Temps need to be above 50 when applying and cannot drop below freezing at night.
I am using western cedar for posts and railings on my covered front porch. I want to retain the color but protect from mildew and moisture. What product do you recommend?
The Defy Extreme Stain: https://www.defystain.com/wood-and-deck-stains.html
I’m staining new cedar posts for my front porch. I’d like to use the extreme in butternut but I know there is also a stain specifically for hardwood. Is the extreme okay to use? Do I need to allow it to weather, if so how long is recommended? What sealer do you suggest?
Yes, using the Defy Extreme is correct for the cedar posts. See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
You do not need to seal over the Defy Extreme.
We have a new tight knot cedar deck. It has dried for 4 weeks. Please advise as to what we need to do to prep for applying Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain.
See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
Hi I am getting ready to “refresh” my deck that was stained with defy semitransparent woodstain about a year and a half ago. Couple of questions:
1) How/with what product should I prep the desk before applying new coat?
2) Should a use the same color stain I used originally or should use a lighter or clear stain?
3) How many coats should I apply. Will one maintenance cote suffice?
4) Is there “how to brochure” that describes this “maintenance” process?
Thanks for you help
1. Use the Defy Wood Cleaner for prep.
2. Same color.
3. One coat.
4. https://www.defystainhelp.com/tips/how-to-prep-for-defy-stains/defy-maintenance-coats/
I have used defy wood cleaner and will use defy wood Brightener next.are your defy stains a sealer also or are they just a penetrating stain
Defy stains are sealers as well.
I have composite deck 17 years old ,, is there positives or negatives to putting on a 2nd coat?
No need.
How to clean any dried extreme stain Splatter on vinyl Siding and railings
Use a water-based graffiti remover cleaner.
I used Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain in Driftwood Gray on my very weathered deck last year. I followed all instructions concerning cleaning and brightening and the result is great. I remember reading that after a year I should apply a light maintenance coat. However your website now gives different instructions as how to clean the deck beforehand, eg. mild soap cleaner or brightener. What should I be using?
See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
Use the Defy Wood Cleaner for prep.
thanks
I have 21 large cypress posts on my Acadian style house! They are 15 years old and very weathered. I originally wanted the weathered look but they are suffering from exposure. 10 of my posts get the hot Louisiana evening sun and rain. How would your products work for these posts? I can not redo 21 posts every 2-3 years. Any suggestions????
Do you have samples of small quantities to buy and try first?
https://www.defystain.com/defy-stain-samples.html
Prep with the Defy Cleaner and pressure washing. Defy Brightener after. Use the Defy Extreme Stain for these posts: https://www.defystain.com/wood-restoration/wood-and-deck-stains/defy-extreme.html
I am looking to stain my deck posts and perhaps the joists, my deck is composite.
I am looking at the DEFY Extreme Wood Stain product for this purpose. Is this product:
a) allow air to move in and out of the stain so that the stain does not trap water and cause decay
b) when the coat overtime fades could it just be re-coated or will the previous coat need to be stripped?
c) where can we get samples? I would like to try out some color combinations
A. Yes, it is breathable.
B. It can be cleaned and recoated as needed.
C. https://www.defystain.com/defy-stain-samples.html/
Please confirm, utilizing Defy Extreme Water Base Stain on a one year old vertical pressure treated pine fence only requires one coat? Thanks Dan
If a year old then do the 2 coats applied wet on wet.
Best method for Applying stain to upright spindles. I know Defy is watery, should I use a lambswool mitt?
Also, can I use latex paint to cover any stain splashes on painted side of house?
Thank you!
Use a stain pad or brush, not a mitt. You cannot use paint over the Defy.
If I cannot stain in 15 days after prep, how to redo prep? Using brightener and then wait for 48 hours?
Lightly pressure wash and apply the Brightener.
Thanks!
Our PT pine deck is on the north side of our house and is heavily shaded by trees. The last oil-based semi-transparent stain I used mildewed terribly. I have spent many hours sanding away the old stain and as much of the mildew as possible. I plan on trying DEFY, but is there anything more I can do to help prevent mildew? Upstate NY.
Thanks.
Make sure to clean and brighten the wood after the sanding. No, there is not anything else needed or can be done additionally with preventing mildew.
Do I need to use a cleaner on new treated lumber to open wood pores?
See here about new wood: https://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
I have a 5 gallon bucket. Do I need to stir, can I pour what I need into a bucket that contained scented powder laundry soap. Do I need to remove imbedded stuff from cracks the pressure washer didn’t get out
You have to stir it first. use a clean bucket if transferring to another container.
how many coats do i have to put on a new, but ready to stain fence. can i spray it once and backroll or backbrush it or is more needed
If rough sawn wood, 2 coats wet on wet.
if i used defy extreme on a fence 3 years ago can i restain it without stripping it
Yes, but you will have to clean it.
I have a few drips on a vertical surface applied with Extreme. What is the best way to remove the drips and keep the consent color of the stain?
Post a picture.
Photo
You cannot just remove the drips and not the rest of the stain. It will all have to come off.
Well the deck is cleaned, brightened and stained. My contractor was so impressed with the product he offered to buy the cans we had left over for another job he is doing. We stuck to the advice of your team and just did one coat but I believe the deck floor could have definitely used 2 coats. We will be waiting until next spring to clean the floor and apply a maintenance coat. But the deck turned out beautiful. We chose Butternut and it is gorgeous. I didn’t want anything real dark and I didn’t want a stain that had red in it. I have attached pictures. All the research I did and my final decision to purchase DEFY was well worth it. You get what you pay for. I have attached some pictures of the deck. It is a large deck (24′ X 32′ with a wood skirting.
Looks great!
Well it is 9 months since our first coat of Defy on our new deck and I believe we are now supposed to do a maintence coat?? Pictures of finished deck is in my original post above. Do I need to use cleaner and brightener before maintenance coat? If so where do I start? As you can see the deck bottom is enclosed with wood and stained. Do I start from top to bottom or bottom to top?
Personally I don ‘t think the sides need a maintenance coat but if cleaner and brightener run down on it will it make stains and marks?
Just use the Defy Cleaner and lightly pressure rinse. You can probably get by with just doing the horizontals and skip the railings. Just one coat of the stain.
Will the cleaner cause streaking as it runs off the floor onto the side panels? That is my concern. The sides do not really need staining but the floor, steps and top of railings do need a maintenance coat. I was thinking of having my hubby stand on the ground with a hose and if any rolls off from the floor to the side panels he can wash it off immediately. Do you think this is good idea to avoid streaking of the side panels?
It should not if you rinse off any runoff of the cleaner right away as you mentioned.
What kind of wood. PT PINE OR CEDAR WAS THIS WITH butternut stain?
My contractor is here to start staining and he said the can says in bold letters not to apply in direct sunlight. It is going to be sunny every day. How do you avoid direct sunlight when the deck is wide open with no shade. The temp is about 79 degrees right now. My husband is going to tell him to move forward. Just not sure how we avoid direct sunlight. Even if he started at 8am the job will take most of the day to complete. The deck is huge and has a wood wall under it that also is to be stained.
Tell him to move fast so it does not flash dry if in full sun.
Ok. We are only applying one coat because it is a brand new deck. If it gets too sunny he is going to do the railings and come back when the sun is not a high and do it in stages.
I have used the Defy Extreme wood stain for about 6 years now on my wrap around porch. I am getting ready to do a maintenance coat again. On the porch we have railings, etc that are stained with a solid color stain (looks like paint). I am wondering if I treat the railings with Wet n Forget will that hurt the Defy stain on the deck boards? I am planning on covering the deck boards when I apply the Wet n Forget but when it rains the product will eventually come in contact with some of the deck boards. This is the active ingredient in the Wet n Forget: Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride 9.9%
From their site:
Are you tired of the never-ending cycle of cleaning black and green stains from your home? Introducing the easiest solution for eliminating these issues without using elbow grease or harsh chemicals—Wet & Forget Outdoor Cleaner! Simply spray and walk away! That’s it. Wet & Forget goes to work with the wind and rain to gently clean the surface over time.
Thank you for your help!
It should not harm the Defy Stain.
I need a five gallon pail of stain. I was hoping you have a record of what I bought. It is a steroid base stain, but I don’t remember what color. I lost all of my records when my computer crashed.
Jac
Both times you ordered the Defy Extreme Cedartone. We forwarded your last order to you.
We have a new fence and are trying to decide if we want it to go “naturally gray” while still protecting the wood. If so, would it be any more protective to use driftwood gray instead of clear?
If you want it to naturally gray, use the Clear.
I have applied 2 coats of Driftwood gray at air temp of 49˚. The stain took longer to set up for the second coat and the final results had great penetration but not as much gray color on the surface as I would like. Can I add one more coat on cured product to increase the gray color?
No, not at this time as it will not take or adhere since it has already cured. You can lightly clean and apply another coat in 6-12 months.
An older friend had a can of Biowash Natural Deck Oil (OLD) and I put it on her porch. It won’t dry, how do I get rid of it and replace it with Defy wood oil. She like it cause there is no chemical that she is a allergic to.
You would need to strip and sand to remove. Once removed, brighten the wood.
is Defy and biowash natural deck oil the same thing
Defy Extreme is not the same thing. Defy Wood Oil is very similar to the old Biowash NDO. Same colors as well.
can you use Defy on picnic tables and chairs-wood
Yes you can as long as you prep correctly.
I just used cleaner on my deck. A large deck a little tired at 75 . Can I wait to do brightener or does it need to be done right after the cleaning. We have been having some pretty hot days in the 90’s. How long can I wait to stain. I am concerned the stain will dry to quick . My deck is in the hot sun all day. Thank You
It should be brightened as soon as possible. Stain within 15 days of the prep.
I have a 1 year old, unfinished, gabled tongue & groove red cedar ceiling over a paver brick patio. It is trimmed in Trex siding so it is not exposed to the elements. I live in Northern Illinois. I have been told that although the ceiling does not get any snow or ice on it that it is possible that as the sun sets in the afternoon and shines down on my brick pavers that the ceiling can be getting some UV exposure. My patio is not enclosed. Not sure if this is true or not but makes sense. At times I think that I maybe can see some subtle very faint grey streaks buy might be just in my head, not sure. Would the Defy Extreme or the Defy Hardwood/Cedar stain be better in this situation? And what would be the best prep for me to use? I really would love to just keep the natural look but tend to think I want the longer protection I will get with a tinted stain. Or maybe because it gets a little reflective sunlight I would get more time out of a clear than if it was a deck surface. Also, what would be the easiest way to apply the product since it is a ceiling? I ordered 4 of the samples colors today.
Use the Defy Hardwood as it will soak in better. Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner. Use a stain pad to apply. Watch for drips and cover the patio below.
My ceiling is 18’x18′ and is 13′ high at the center. How much stain do you think I will need? Should I apply 1 or 2 coats this fall? Or 1 coat this fall and another next spring? Just to clarify then you think I only need to use the cleaner and not a brightener? Thanks.
Just one coat. About 3 gallons. Yes on the prep.
Should I go ahead and apply a second coat in the spring or wait and see how it looks first?
You will most likely not need another coat on a ceiling next Spring. Maybe in a few years.
Although it’s been at least 48 since the last rain some of the boards still feel wet. Am I okay staining today?
Not if damp. Let dry longer.
I have a 15 ft vaulted tongue and groove ceiling ,unfinished pine, two year old screened in porch Would be a bear to clean.No weather exposure. Is prep necessary in this sort of application. Wood looks great, but needs protection no graying or fading yet
Hi Jeff, yes you have to prep to remove the mill glaze. Do a light cleaning and brightening.
I used Defy cleaner, brightener and stain last Spring on my new deck after waiting several months for the wood to dry. It looked great! I doesn’t seem to be repelling water as well as it did at first. Should I apply a second coat this year, and if so, do I need to clean/brighten again first, or just wash with soap and water?
No need to apply a coat unless it visibly looks like it needs it. Defy “sheds” water and does not “bead” water. If you do want to do a light coat, then use the Defy Wood Cleaner first as the prep.
Hello
Approximately 7 years ago I stripped and restrained my log home using the Epoxy redwood stain. I see that is no longer available. I am going to use the extreme redwood this time. Do I need to strip the epoxy off of just give it a good cleaning and then a apply extreme with 2 coats wet on wet?
Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner and pressure washing. The Epoxy and Extreme are compatible
OK good …. I still have the cleaner 🙂
Thank for the fast reply
Hi – My wife and I just finished restoring our deck with your products (stripping, brightening, sanding, and staining). Hard work, but result is immensely satisfying. We love the light walnut tone. We have two single gallons left, I ordered generously to protect against running out. How long will the stain keep in a fairly cool basement for a refresh down the road? And am I correct in thinking that for a deck that gets quite a bit of sunlight and rain (Maryland climate) at least the floor boards and railings will need a new coat in 2 or 3 years? Thank you for your advice. ck
Yes a light recoat in about two years is normal. See this about shelf life:
https://www.defystainhelp.com/defy-stains-shelf-life/
I previously applied Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood stain with very good results. Now it si time to reapply. What product can I apply over the Epoxy fortified stain?
The Defy Extreme Stain:
https://www.defystain.com/defy-extreme-stain.html