Defy Extreme Wood Deck Stain Review
Important Note: This is an updated Review of our original Defy Extreme Wood Stain. See Here for First Review: Defy Extreme Stain Review
Summary: Defy Extreme Wood and Deck stain is our top choice for water-based deck stains. It has superior UV resistance and has the ability to penetrate into the wood grain almost as well as an oil based semi-transparent. The mold and mildew protection is superior to 90% of all other semi-transparent stains due to the nanoparticles of zinc oxide.
In 2008 Defy unveiled Defy Extreme Stain, which quickly became the most popular stains in the Defy stain line. As a water based stain formula, Defy Extreme penetrates wood surfaces and does not form a film. Defy Extreme Stain utilizes synthetic resins and nano particles that harden the cellular structure of the wood pores and helps reflect harsh UV rays like a sunscreen to prevent fading and graying.
Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5
– The initial appearance was a warm rich finish with even natural grain highlights. We were impressed that Defy Extreme Deck Stain did not conceal the wood grain like other water based stains. Wood surface penetration was outstanding. The Cedartone test color revealed a hint of orange but was tolerable and almost expected for a cedar deck stain tone.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9
– Defy Extreme Deck Stain was hands down one of the best we have ever tested at stopping UV graying at the 2-year mark. The formulas zinc oxide nano particle additive appeared to help tremendously with UV radiation. Very little wood fading or graying was detected.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
–Our 2-year check of wearing was better than average. Some high traffic areas showed minor wear and tear but overall Defy Extreme held up well.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– For the 2 coats used on the test deck, we got a spread rate of 100 square feet per gallon. We needed 6 gallons of stain for our 600 square foot deck. At around $45 per gallon for Defy Extreme Wood Stain, it came to .45 cents per square foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
– As a professional grade water-based stain, Defy Extreme does not encourage stain fungal or mildew growth. A slight area of green algae was detected in a shaded area of the deck but seemed to only be on top of the stained surface. This seemed to be more of an issue of the deck’s location than with the actual stain.
Ease of Application: 8
– Defy Extreme Stain in our opinion was user-friendly and easy to apply. One concern we had was with drying too quickly when applied in direct sunlight during the heat of the day. Defy Extreme was easy to clean up with soap and water.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– As expected due to very little graying and fungal growth Defy Extreme scored well in color shifting. There was no apparent shifting or darkening at the 2-year inspection.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5
– Because of very little color shifting and the product penetrating so well Defy Extreme Wood Stain would be easy to recoat. We would suggest a light cleaning using Defy Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener prior to reapplying.
Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.5
– Defy Extreme Stain is an outstanding exterior wood stain and effortlessly outperformed other water based wood stains we have tested. In terms of water-based, eco-friendly wood stains, our new top recommendation is Defy Extreme. Scoring in the top 3 of all stains tested as far as UV graying prevention, Defy Extreme Stain is an easy choice. Defy Extreme gave us a beautiful professional finish that held up to UV radiation for 2 years and outlasted most other stains on the market.
Product Information:
Help or Questions? Google Search Defy Extreme Stain
Defy Stain Facebook Page: Defy Exterior Stains
Cost: $45 per Gallon, $223 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: Cedartone, Natural Pine, Light Walnut, Clear, Butternut, Redwood, Driftwood Gray
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats. “Wet on Wet”
Coverage Per Gallon: 100-150 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Saver Systems
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 600 Square feet
UV Exposure: 80% Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: Cedartone
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take inconsideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
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26 Comments on "Defy Extreme Stain Review 2017"
I am currently in the process of building cedar shutters for our home. I’m debating between the Defy Extreme, because of its mold preventing properties ( as it will not be easy for me to clean and reapply once hung), and the Woodrich Timber oil because of its ability to go on new wood. I am wondering, can I use the Defy Extreme on new wood, or will I need to remove the mill glaze before hand? Does the Timber Oil hold up against mold issues? Not really looking forward to prepping 18 shutters before hand.
I have usd TWP on our cedar fence and do have some mold issues, although it seems that it is only on the surface and cleans off easily. Again, it will be difficult to clean the shutters once they are hung and would like something long lasting.
Thanks for any suggestions!
With the Extreme, you should weather for a few months and then clean and brighten the wood for the prep. The TO does pretty well with mold prevention.
I recently bought a house and would like to stain the deck. It has been stained before but I am not sure what was used and I am not sure what type of stain I can now use. Attached are two pictures of my deck. One is a picture when dry and one when wet. From these pictures, can you tell me what type of stains that I can use?
You cannot apply a semi-trans stain like the Defy on top of this old coating. It must be stripped or sanded off fully first.
I have a 1 yr old cedar deck in Minnesota that gets full southern exposure with no shade. It was covered with 1 coat of Cabot satin Spar Varnish (we didn’t know any better at the time) prior to installation last year and the clear finish is now peeling and the boards are an ugly gray. I hope to get the beauty of the cedar back again! I want to refinish the deck with a stain that will enhance the cedar’s natural beauty and NOT gray. Debating between Defy Extreme and TWP 100 series…any suggestions on how to get the gray away and which stain would give me the richest cedar color and protect from graying given my sun/cold exposure? Also, recommendations on the best products to use for getting rid of the Cabot varnish and prepping for the stain? Thanks
Best is to sand off the Spar Varnish as penetrating stains cannot be applied over this. Stain strippers will not remove the varnish.
Both stains would work well for this as long as the prep is done correctly.
Wasn’t able to do a second coat at initial time of application. It’s going to rain a few days before I’ll get the chance. Do I need to go through the same cleaning / brightening process, or since we’re only talking about a week or two am I good to just clean off debris and apply?
Too late now. Best to wait 6-12 months, do the prep and apply another coat then.
My first comment is it’s not as east to put down as they claim. a roller didn’t do much. I ended up using a brush between all the cracks and dents and most of the wood. . I had cleaned my 3 year old deck, and used all products Behr recommended on the can and pressure washed it and let it dry for two days. and got all the advice from home depot and followed it to the letter. I did the two coat and it came out sooo nice looking. in summer it was too hot for my Chihuahuas to walk on in the direct sun. I put carpets where they would walk to the grass. my BIGGEST disappointment was a year later when all the weather changed. peeling, everywhere. what a mess. I think the only fix is to take all the boards up and replace them or turn them over. It did look so nice that first summer but didn’t make the second summer.
I just cleaned, brightened, and stained my 10 year old deck with defy cleaner, brightener, and extreme stain (redwood). I did two coats (wet on wet) pretty quickly in the late evening (I have twin infants at home so time do house projects is limited) and didn’t get good coverage on some areas once the stain dried and i was able to look at the deck with proper lightening.
Can i go over those lighter areas that didn’t good coverage with a 3rd coat 4-5 days later? Just want to double check and not do something that could make it worse. I’m just not very happy with the look of some lighter spots, so hoping to remedy without too much effort.
No, you cannot add more now. The stain has already set. Adding more and it may not adhere or soak in.
I have a new PT 14’x20′ deck. I have let it dry out for a year and I have sanded it with 60grit and cleaned it with Behr Deck Cleaner and now I am ready to stain it. I live in Western MA so it will get sun and snow. Half the deck is covered by a pergola with a roof. So, I am very frustrated in my research in trying to find a good deck stain for my deck. What is your recommendation for a new PT deck? Oil or water base?
Thanks gary
Hi Gary,
I am frustrated too with the stain market. Consumer Reports has failed to test many stains, especially any online only products. I live in eastern NYS, near Albany and have an old PT deck and natural cedar verticals. The deck is beat. I used Cabot stain 2X on a previous house deck…first time great, second time, terrible. They had to switch to the low VOC and I was forced to buy a water-borne oil product.
What did you decide to do? I’m torn between going with an unknown online stain product such as TWP or Defy and going to a local hardware store and getting what everyone else buys. I’m also torn between buying TWP (oil) and Defy (latex). My experience with latex is negative- within ONE year I had worn areas that showed through to the bare wood on the deck surface!
Thanks.
Either would work as long as your stain absorbs into the wood. Defy Extreme is a penetrating water based stain when prepped and applied correctly.
I stripped and neutralized deck. Powerwashed after both applications.. Not good enough so Sanded it.. 100% of the old stain(s) are off. Bare wood. Do I do 1 or 2 coats? And…. how long after sanding can I wait… very hot weather in the forecast. Wood is high quality western red cedar.
Rinse well with water after the sanding. Wait 48 hours to stain. 2 light coats applied wet on wet.
I see two conflicting statements about how many coats to use. We have just finished building our flat deck by a pool. We would like to use the Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain and Defy says 2 coats. However I’ve read somewhere on your site that one coat that soaks in well is enough to prevent it coating the top like paint. Any clarification you can give me would be helpful! Thanks!
We followed Defy’s instructions for wet on we application. The stain coated the top like paint and washed off over the winter. We are going to strip and use TWP, which in my experience never had these issues. We live in the Pacific Northwest. I’m not sure where you live, but by a pool makes me think that it would be much the same result as in our rainy climate. Good luck with your decision.
Defy states only 1 coat for new wood and you should weather and prep first before applying.
Where can I buy Defy Extreme Stain in Birmingham AL?
Not sure. Contact manufacturer for assistance or buy online.
I am replacing old painted white cedar fence panels with new ones. Can I use an airless sprayer to apply? Also, how long should I wait and what prep do I need to do before applying Defy Extreme?
Wait about 3 months and clean and brighten for the prep. Defy can be sprayed on.
Many thanks
I used Ready Seal last year and was considering switching to the Defy Extreme for longer UV protection. Is the Defy similar to the Ready Seal in that it shows the wood and does not cover it like a paint? I would like a brown color for my deck in Texas.. Thanks
The Defy Extreme is a penetrating semi-transparent. It will show the wood grain and not mask it like a paint or solid stain will. The Butternut color is a medium brown color.