This post was updated on April 8, 2026
Defy Extreme Wood and Deck Stain Review
✅ Defy Extreme Stain Review (Quick Verdict)
Defy Extreme is a high-quality water-based deck stain that offers excellent UV resistance and color retention. While it requires proper prep and careful application, it performs well for those wanting a durable, eco-friendly alternative to oil-based stains.
✅ Defy Extreme Stain – Key Takeaways
- Type: Water-based / acrylic penetrating stain
- Durability: Above average with proper prep
- UV Protection: Excellent (zinc nano technology)
- Ease of Application: Moderate (less forgiving than oil)
- Maintenance: Moderate—requires proper prep for recoats
7.5 Rating Defy Extreme Wood Stain
Defy Extreme Stain was introduced in 2008 as the newest member of the Defy Stain family. Defy Extreme Deck Stain is a penetrating water-based stain that does not film on the wood. Defy Extreme contains synthetic epoxy resins that “harden” the wood pores below the surface.
Utilizing nano-technology, Defy Extreme is one of the best stains on the market when it comes to preventing UV graying.
✅ What Type of Stain Is Defy Extreme?
Defy Extreme is a water-based semi-transparent wood stain that uses synthetic resins combined with zinc nano-particles for enhanced UV protection. Unlike traditional oil-based stains, it relies more on surface bonding while still offering some penetration into the wood.
Defy Extreme Deck Stain Ratings (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5
– Defy Extreme Stain had a rich look to the wood. Natural grain was highlighted evenly throughout. The Defy Extreme did not mask the grain like other water-based wood stains. The penetration of the stain into the wood was excellent. The Cedartone color was slightly on the “orange” side but acceptable for a cedar deck stain color.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9
– One of the best in the industry. Testing over a 2 year period showed little to no color fade. The zinc oxide nanoparticles seemed to help drastically with the UltraViolet radiation that turns the wood gray.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
– Better than average wear and tear. High traffic areas show some wearing but overall tested
extremely well. No noticeable peeling.
Cost Per Square Foot: 7
– Defy Extreme costs about $55 per gallon. For two coats we got about 100 square feet per gallon. We used 8 gallons for the 750 square foot deck translating to a per square foot price of $.55 a foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
– Defy Extreme Stain is a water-based stain that does not promote mold growth in the stain. A very small amount of algae was noticeable but was only in a shaded area and was on top of the stain. More of an issue with the decks’ location, not the stain itself.
Ease of Application: 7.5
– Fairly easy to apply. One issue we noticed was that it can dry very fast when in direct sunlight and on a hot day. Easy cleanup with water.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 9
– Stain changed very little in color after the 2 year period. No noticeable darkening.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5
– No noticeable darkening, deep penetration, and little wearing make the Defy Extreme Stain an easy product to reapply when needed. Mild wood cleaning with the Defy Wood Cleaner and Defy Wood Brightener is what you would need to use to prep.
Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 8.5
– Defy Extreme is an excellent product and easily outperforms the majority of stains on the market. When it comes to water-based “Eco-Friendly” stains, Defy Extreme is our top choice. Defy Extreme performed in the top three of all stains tested when it comes to preventing UV graying on a horizontal surface. On vertical surfaces such as railings, the Extreme had no color change.
✅ Real-World Performance
In real-world use, Defy Extreme performs well in terms of color retention and UV resistance. However, like most water-based stains, it can be less forgiving during application and may require more thorough prep to ensure even absorption and long-term performance.
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $59.99 | |||
 | $269.99 |
Product Information:
Help or Questions? Defy Extreme Stain
Cost: $55 per Gallon, $269 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: Cedartone, Natural Pine, Light Walnut, Clear, Redwood, Butternut, 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: 750 Square feet
UV Exposure: 90% Full Sun, 10% Shade. South facing.
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 into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Defy Wood Stain Photos
✅ Defy Extreme vs Oil-Based Deck Stains
- Defy Extreme (Water-Based):
- Better UV color retention
- Faster drying
- Lower VOC
- Oil-Based Stains:
- Deeper penetration
- Easier long-term maintenance
- More forgiving application
✅ When Defy Extreme Works Best
- Decks in full sun exposure
- Users wanting long-lasting color retention
- Environmentally conscious homeowners
❌ When to Avoid Defy Extreme
- Poorly prepped wood surfaces
- Users wanting the easiest maintenance option
- Older decks with heavy wear
FAQs – Defy Extreme Wood Stain
How long does Defy Extreme last?
Typically 2–3 years depending on exposure and prep.
Is Defy Extreme better than oil-based stains?
It offers better UV resistance but may require more careful application and prep.
Does Defy Extreme peel?
It is less likely to peel than solid stains, but improper prep can lead to adhesion issues.
Is Defy Extreme easy to apply?
Moderate—requires attention to avoid lap marks.
Texas Gulf Coast Dock Application Review.
I have a 2 1/2 year old pressure treated pine dock on the Texas gulf coast that needed a sealer preservative application. I had applied Thompson’s after initially allowing the wood to dry for a few months, but the sealer had lost its effectiveness after only 9 months or so. I researched diligently and chose Defy.
I followed the instructions strictly, using first their wood cleaner, then Brightener, then a week later applying the stain. (I had already pressure washed the deck boards before beginning.)
I am highly impressed by the products thus far. The cleaner was very effective and easy to use. The Brightener was a really easy step that I was curious about, but I did it and I’m glad I did. The Brightener makes a huge difference in opening up the wood pores to receive the stain/sealer.
I then applied the Extreme stain/sealer in Natural Pine color. I sprayed it on with a deck pressure tank sprayer followed immediately by brushing in with a car wash type brush (Unger) and followed with a second wet on wet coat, same steps, within 15 minutes or so, again following the instructions as strictly as I could. I was careful not to over-apply. (The deck is about 500 square feet, but I only used about 3 1/2 gallons.)
I am super happy with the whole process and appearance on completion. It looks fantastic. Really first rate. Let’s see how the next two years of wear and tear go.
Bill in Rockport.
Thanks for your review.
Hey Bill, how did this hold up for you? I’m in Florida and looking to do the same on large deck – blazing sun, humidity and subsequent mildew here is probably similar to Texas conditions. I love the natural pine color but have been wondering if I should consider going darker for the additional UV protection. Thanks! 🙂
I live in Seattle WA, and have a north facing clear cedar deck (accumulates moss). I just stained the deck with extreme stain, but see with the above thread that I may should of opted for the hardwood stain Can anyone tell me the pros and cons to applying the extreme to clear cedar?
We have found that the Defy Hardwood penetrates better into the cedar wood. This will help with less wear, especially of you live in a state where it freezes over the winter.
Have a 20 yr old redwood deck here in San Francisco Ca that I have sealed with other clear brand sealers. 5 yrs since I sealed last. Avg temp 55-75deg year round. Considering Defy Extreme on deck and on new redwood fence around yard that's 2 yrs old. Have purchased a Behring brand cleaner which I have used in past. Do I have to use Defy Wood Brightener on deck before applying clear stain. Rec is to do 2 coats while first wet. Okay to do 1 and another coat next summer?
Probably best to use the Defy Wood Brightener. Apply tow coats wet on wet is the correct way with Defy. You can apply another maintenance coat every year.
The response is correct. Once the 1st application dries, it creates a very strong, water resistant coat and the 2nd coat will not be absorbed.
We just put in a cedar deck in May. Should we use the Defy hardwood stain or extreme? We live in Wisconsin and winter is brutal. I know it is suggested that the deck weather for a while but does that hold true for cedar? If so- how long should we allow it to weather? Thanks!
Yes weather and prep well first. Stain with the Hardwood version.
Last fall I had my Deck House decking replaced, 3×6 western red cedar, fairly clear, nice wood. I let it weather over the winter, and then selected Defy Extreme, in light walnut, as the product to use. This is supposed to be applied wet on wet, two coats. However my painter reported back that he had applied only one coat, because it was beading up. (I don't believe he prepped the wood, it was clean, and any mill glaze had weathered off.) It looks nice, but I am concerned about the lack of two coats. Should I just wait and see, or clean/brighten and apply a second coat to the exposed surfaces myself? I also noted in reading the instructions on the can that Defy says (in the case of western red cedar) to apply the product when the wood is new, not letting it weather. by the time I read this it was too late of course. Anything to worry about?
Leave it alone and if needed apply a light maintaining coat next Spring. No worries.
I just sanded my deck to remove all the old stain. How long do I need to wait until staining the deck again
I (Janie) posted a comment Friday, but my comment has no reply from deckstainhelp. What am I missing?
Not sure what comment, we probably missed it.
I see the comment posted 3 days ago under defy comments but no reply about my questions. Should I resubmit?
Best to repost.
Hi. The questions I had are about a 12 yr old deck. Never stained. Water sealed for last 4 years. Some boards replaced 2 years ago. It gets all sun and heat in summer. Hot humid summers usually. We get all seasons so rain and snow too. Boards are grayling. The ones we put on 2 yrs ago are also grayling. Deck is huge. It is about 800 plus sq feet, 2 levels and the support pillars and stairs will need stain also. what's the best way to prep? What should be done about mixing old and new boards to get the best finished look? Desperately needs new life. What stain recommendation? We have defy dealers in our area?
Prep with a deck cleaner and pressure washer withe a wood brightener when completed. Use the Defy Extreme stain. New and old wood will not match no matter what the first time stain is applied.
I have an ipe deck
Is the Defy hardwood better than the Extreme?
I like the natural ipe color, and I think the hardwood stain only comes tinted.
Used Penofin before but it just last three months
For IPE the Defy Hardwood will penetrate better than the Extreme.
Our deck is 12 years old. Never been stained but water sealed every year since we've owned the house (4 years). Water sealing seems not do much at all as far as protecting/sealing. The deck is in full hot sun in summer but live in ky with all seasons so rain and snow too. Deck is very dry, some grayling. Replaced some boards last year and they look gray. Some boards are splitting, a few rotting. Some may still have a little sealant on them-the newer ones. I know we will need to replace boards this year. The top railing boards are splitting and may need to be replaced? There is some mold as on side panels. Sounds beautiful, huh? We want to give this new life. It is about 800 sq feet so not a small job. 2 levels with very large wood bracing pillars and stairs too that will also need clean and stain. What advice do you have for prepping this. What prep products? What about the old and new boards together? Once we figure all the prep/replacing, what stain would you recommend?
What stain do you recommend for a deck made from thermally modified wood (ala Thermowood)? The deck is a few years old and has never been stained before.
Defy extreme would work very well for this.
Is defy clear stain a product that you will notice peeling with? I have not had any luck over the years with other stain. We just prepped the deck and will be finishing it up soon. I ordered a sample but really don't want to have to redo my deck again in a year. Does anyone know if it really absorbs and will not show scratches from my dog playing on it or moving deck furniture around? My husband said to purchase cheap sealer and call it a day. I have had problems with stain feeling sticky in the past as well. This deck is in full sun in New York region. Any thoughts would be great!!! The deck is ptw and railings are cedar. It is a very large deck! Thanks
It will not peel but it will not last more than a year from graying. The Extreme is a tint will give much better UV protection.
What's the very best stain to use on a deck in Florida. It's built of P.T. And has a coat of latex stain and clear thompsons. It's very dry but looks great when it's wet . I wish I could find a product that goes on easily without streaking and made it look like it was wet. Any ideas?
Dan, you cannot apply anything on top of what you currently have. You would need to remove it first by stripping or sanding. Look at TWP or Armstrong Clark in a lighter tint for the wet look you want.
I live in the foothills of Denver CO at 7500 ft altitude. I have a very large 1500 square foot cedar deck that os in full sun all the time here. We do get a few weeks of extreme cold each year as well as some large dumps of snow from time to time. Still, it's the full sun and extreme dry that seems to kill any stain i put on it fast. I started with penofin years back and 44017127389 was okay, but needed a new coat every year. Then i tried sikkens — harder to put on, but lasted 2 years then started peeling on the 3rd. Finally i tried behr. It lasted like sikkens and is now in full peel mode. Now the only thing that seems to get it off is klean strip and a whole lot of labor. Once i get it all off, what stain do you think will look and last the best for this arid sun drenched climate of extreme temperature swings? I am tempted to go back to penofin since it never peels and you can just throw a coat over top, but every year needing to do this is a bit much and expensive too. There must be something better that is reasonably priced and will last longer? Thanks!
TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark. Darker colors last longer from UV fading.
I applied Defy Extreme stain approx 6 months ago near Birmingham, Al and water still puddles up on it. I have never had a stain do that. Also, I have always had problems with carpenter bees boring holes in the handrail but they must not like the Defy Extreme because the only holes I have this year are underneath the stairs where I have no stain. I guess I need to apply stain underneath the stairs.
Thanks for the great reviews! My cedar deck currently has the Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat on and it peeled horribly!! We live in Montreal, Canada where the weather gets really cold and now the deck is pealing on all horizontal surfaces.
We will strip all horizontal surfaces and sand them down slightly to get back to the original wood and will purchase the Defy Extreme Stain to retreat the deck.
However, most of the vertical surfaces are still in perfect condition and do not need to be stripped down. Therefore, I was wondering if I can apply the Defy Extreme stain on the Benjamin Moore without having to remove it entirely since, like I mentioned, the vertical sidings are not pealing at all…
thanks so much for your help!
Melissa
Melissa, you cannot apply the Extreme or any penetrating type stain on top of the Arbor Coat. Sorry..
thanks for the quick reply…should I apply a coat of the Benjamin Moore over the vertical surfaces for prevention/protection then or will it make it more prone to peeling? Is it necessary given that they're still looking nice?
thanks again!
Melissa, verticals are probably okay as they are much less prone to peeling.
I have a 5 year old deck that was originally stained with DEFY Natural Pine. The deck has not been cleaned since and has a lot of mold and such on it. Will it be OK for me to clean the deck and use the deck whitning product and recoat with the DEFY Extreme Cedar Tone? Do I have to sand anything or just clean and brighten the deck before recoating with the Defy Extreme Cedar color?
Curtis, we typically clean and brighten when redoing with Defy. The Extreme can go over the Epoxy. Since the cedartone is a little richer than Natural Pine you should be ok.
How about reviews of people that Used this product and not only questions?
How about seeing what you experienced before us doing the same great thing/choice/mistake?
John, anyone can post reviews.
I just bought porch wood called perennial wood, its a modified wood product made for durability. The tech specs say to apply two coats of an all acrylic latex semitransparent stain – What would you suggest?
Rich M, sounds like they want the stain to peel on you. I doubt the stain will absorb well. I would think an oil based penetrating stain would be much better but I would ask to make sure as we have never seen that brand of wood.
Can someone help me. I live in PA and it's getting cold here. I just applied thompsons water seal 3 months ago and the deck has looked great. I woke this morning to all these white stains on my deck. I am so confused !!..please help
Can you post a picture in our forum so we can see?
Hey, Washington State here. I am a pressure washer that also does decks and sealing. One of my clients has a super slippery deck. I believe it has an oil based stain and some algea decided to grow there. I like the idea of the Defy Extreme not having much opportunity for mold and algea, but what do you think about adding sand into a product to make it more gripping? Is this a possibility in any of the sealers and stains?
Erik, you cannot add sand into semi-transparent or transparent stains. You would need a paint that films for that to work.
In Chicago area, very large cedar deck that hasn't been resealed in 5 years. We spent many hours sanding with 80 grit and then power washed with a cleaner. Do you still recommend using the Wood Brightener? Also I wanted to try a two toned look, verticals one color and floor boards another. Does Defy offer colors that would work for this application?
Kathy, when doing a two toned look most will use a solid color for the verticals and a semi-trans for the horizontals. Defy only comes in a semi-trans. It would not hurt to brighten.
Sue, either would work for you as well as the defy extreme.
It's now getting to be fall weather and I need to seal before winter. Will Defy work if temperatures are 40-50 degrees F at night? Also, is there anywhere I can see a deck stained with this stuff? The 'swatches' tell me nothing.
Northeaster. It should be fine at those temps. I would check the manufacturer site for some examples.
We have cedar shingles that were treated with bleaching oil. Mold is a significant problem. We plan to clean it and then apply a stain that is mold resistant. Would DEFY Extreme be good? Can it be applied over an oil based stain.
Mary, best to strip and brighten for the prep. This way the Extreme would work properly as the old oil will be gone.
Thank you. What do you suggest using to strip and brighten? Is it a difficult process?
Mary
Mary, Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener. It is not overly difficult but it does take time.
The deck is pressure treated wood and is about 15 years old in Ohio full sun in summer and considerable snow in the winter. It has been stained with Sherwin Williams Deckscapes from the beginning. Two years ago due to peeling it was stripped and sanded to the bare wood and a few boards were replaced. Unfortunately, I was unaware of your website at the time and reapplied Deckscapes. Very unhappy with the results. The wood has surface cracks and is turning grey in some areas, and the stain has worn off in others. I was considering Behr deck refinish until I read the reviews. Please advise which products and stain you would recommend for my deck. So happy I found your website. Please help.
Monica, remove the SW again. Make sure the wood is clean and absorbent for the new stain. The better it penetrates, the longer the life. Try the Defy Extreme or the TWP 1500.
I am installing a brand new pressure treated wood deck in Anaheim Hills CA. We get a very strong southern UV Exposure….what do you recommend as a coating….my main priority is longevity…….we go to Home depot everyday and I was going to purchase Behr stain……until I read your reviews…..I just read Consumer reports review and I am totally confused….How can Behr (HomeDepot) be the best on 1 site and the worst on a different independent site ??? Some one appears to be getting paid off….but which site….??? Please help……
Mark, did you read the comments left but homeowners on the Consumer site for the Behr stain? This will easily answer your question. Last year 11 out of 12 gave it a 1 star. Please read this about Staining New Decks
We have a four-year-old cedar deck that has been finished with Australian Timber Oil at our painter's recommendation but it has not been satisfactory. The majority of the deck is in full hot sun for six summer months and under snow during the winter. We have been experiencing a lot of flaking. Now looking at either Defy Extreme, Armstrong Clark wood stain, or TWP 1500 series as per the reviews on this site. In Canada, so will have to have it shipped, though we can pick up "over the line" if it's shipped to a U.S. location. Would you recommend one of the above over the other in our circumstances? For preparation, do we need to remove the Timber Oil completely, or would a wood cleaner and brightener be enough?
Kim, remove the ATO first with a stain stripper followed by the brightener. Try Armstrong Lark as it penetrates better than the others. Less chance of peeling.
What stain would you recommend for Duluth Minnesota…i.e. cold country on a cedar deck? I'm so confused by all the reviews I've been reading on deck stains. The deck is in the shade quite a bit. in the summer.
Should I used oxygenated bleach wood cleaner first and a wood brightener on a new cedar deck? It all seems a bit exhausting, and I sure would like to avoid doing it again for 5-7 years or longer.
Joan, please read this about Staining New Decks.
Nothing lasts 5-7 years. 2-3 at best for a horizontals surface. The first time staining does not last as long either as the wood is less absorbent for the stain.
We have a 10 year old pressure treated lumber deck. The last time we had it sealed and stain was about 5 years ago. Most of the wood on the deck floor is gray. Some of the floor planks and 3 of the posts holding up the deck were replaced with new pressure treated lumber about 8 months ago. So we have a mix of old and new wood. Plus our railings still have some of the old stain left (honey colored – but we do not remember which stain was used). What do you recommend for prepping the deck and which stain/sealant do you recommend. We live in northern VA and get sun on the deck but also a lot of shade. Two questions: How would you prep the deck. Some companies just want to power wash before applying the sealant and stain. Some want to sand the wood before applying sealant and stain. Also, which stain/sealant would you recommend in this case: Defy Extreme or TWP 1500 series. Most companies here are using Sherwin Williams oil based semi-transparent or water base. Some use Wolmans oil-based. Some use Ready Seal, others Sikkens water base solid. Very Confusing.. Your advice would be very welcomed as we need to take care of this before September. Thank you.
Grace, apply a stain stripper to the railings and pressure wash off. Apply deck cleaner to the floor and pressure wash off. Rinse all and apply a wood brightener. I would use the TWP 1500 for this.
Thank you so much for your reply. It is helpful but I want to make sure I understand. So, I have four questions for clarification. 1) Some companies refer to pressure washing as deck cleaning. They say that the chemicals that they use in pressure washing cleans the deck. But, it seems from your reply that a deck cleaner is different than pressure washing. Please clarify. Thanks. 2) Does one have to rinse the deck after pressure washing? 3) Does adding a wood brightener help the stain adhere better or is it more for the look of the deck? and 4) Does the deck have to be completely dry before using TWP? (how can you tell when it is dry or still a little damp) Your help with answering these questions is greatly appreciated!
Grace,
1. Deck cleaners are chemicals that aid in the prepping while pressure washing
2. Yes
3. It restores pH balance so the stains will preform better
4. Yes, 2 days is normal
Help!! We have approximately 10 yrs old deck. Used a solid white stain (I think Ben Moore) on the railings and the balusters and a clear stain on the decking. The decking is NOT the problem. The white has peeled & chipped. We have had it pressure washed professionally, tried some scrapping. sanding and power washing again. There is still quite a bit of white on the balusters and any vertical boards. It still has pieces that don't look they the stain is stuck on solidly. Do I have to completely get it all down to bare wood? If so, what is the best way to do this? As you see we have already put many hours into this project. Do I use a chemical stripper? Haven't heard many good reviews on them. I want to keep it white….what do I do & best products to use? BTW…live in NH. Area gets morning sun, afternoon shade, late afternoon sun. I appreciate any recommendations…Thank You
Michelle, chemical strippers will not remove solid stains or paints. You need to sand it all off or you could replace the railings. If you do not than it will just continue to peel.
We have a deck that we thought was stained with a solid color stain but in fact was painted! If we can get the vast majority of the paint off can we use the Defy Extreme? Thanks.
Bill, only of you remove 100%. You cannot apply a semi-transparent stain on top of a paint or solid stain.
Tom,
1. I would at least use the brightener on the rails. Apply with pump sprayer and lightly rinse with a pressure washer after 15 minutes.
2. I would maybe wait a month as most.
3. Defy Hardwood works better for Cedar wood. Also look at the TWP 1500.
4. Hardwood penetrates into cedar wood better.
5. Not possible to match exactly. Just work with one color and it will be close enough.
Hi!
We will be installing a red balau batu hardwood deck. We like in the Okanagan (British Colombia ), with colder winters with some snow, and very hot dry summers. The wood is more resistant to stains as it is a very dense wood. Are there any toxic chemicals in the Defy hardwood deck stain? Should we coat the underside of the deck so we can install it and let the rest sit until next year and then stain it? We would like a semi-transparent deck stain that isn't full of carcinogens and is better for our family and the environment? I don't mind refinishing yearly as long as it isn't going to affect our health as that is our priority. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Melinda, no toxic chemicals in the Defy Hardwood. No need to stain the underside before install. I would install, let dry out for a month or so than apply the Defy Hardwood Stain after prepping with the Defy Wood Cleaner.
Hi Great site. I have a new barn in Maine. I am putting shiplap pine siding on that was KD. A builder friend reccomended applying stain to all sides prior to appying the siding. I see you reccomended not doing that on an earlier post. Why not? In theory should reduce cupping. I decided to use the Defy natural pine Extreme because mold and mildew has been an issue here for oil based products used on other projects.
MNBarns Best, we have never seen any benefit to applying to all sides. Many stain manufacturers suggest against as it does not allow the wood to \”breathe\”. I would contact Defy and see what they suggest.
I just had a composite deck with cedar posts and railing installed (with white aluminum posts). From reading your replies, its seems like you would recommend Defy Hardwood Stain because it penetrates better than Defy Extreme. However, it sounds like it drips easily. (I am interested in a semi-transparent stain.) Is the Defy easier to apply than the Armstrong Clark? I saw that you recommend waiting 3 months for the Defy. How long for the Armstrong Clark? If you recommended the Armstrong Clark, which stain would that be? Thank you so much for your help. Consumer Reports was no help at all given customer ratings were "1's" for their top rated Behr!
Janet, you need to wait 2-3 months with the AC as well. Either product works well. AC actually applies easier as it does not dry as fast as the Defy but Defy has easier cleanup.
I used defy extreme stain (butternut) on the woodsiding of my home. The final result is more brown/red than the darker brown that I was expecting. How to explain the difference in color? Does the red tone come from the wood (cedar) or is it present in the butternut stain? thanks
We have used the Butternut only once it was mostly brown with maybe a hint of red. Colors always vary when dealing with decks and stains that enhance the natural grain of the wood. We can put the same stain brand on two neighbors decks and the results will not be the same.
Hello! Yesterday we cleaned and brightened our cedar deck (never been treated before, 5 y/o deck) and it looks great this morning. I did use a pressure washer but very lightly just to rinse.
1. How long should we wait to apply water based stain/treatment?
2. We were going to use Thompsons semi (rainy, light snow, sunny area). Is this a good option or should we look into the Defy hardwood?
Many thanks
Scott, wait 48 hours after the prepping. We would stay away from the Thompsons. Defy makes a better water based stain.
Thanks. Any national retailers selling Defy?
Scott, I do not believe you will find Defy in any big box stores. Might want to contact them to see if there is a dealer locally.
Thanks for the advice! I'm a little confused about product because you advised someone who lives on the cal coast with a redwood deck to use Defy for Hardwood. The Extreme is what I was considering, then read that you recommended the hardwood for redwood(surprising since its a softwood). Thank you!
Anette, I get confused with the Defy products sometimes as well. The Defy Hardwood is suggested for Cedar and Redwood as it penetrates the wood better than the Defy Extreme will. You can use the Defy Extreme as well and that usually gives better Uv protection.
I have a 20 year old redwood deck in San Francisco. We power washed one level of it 2 weeks ago and that part looks pretty good. We used Zap cleaner for power washers. After finding your site we ordered the cleaner and brightener you recommended. Should we re clean the part we already cleaned or just brighten it?
When we last stained it we used TWP 511. Terrible results. Am undecided as to what product to use this time. We get some sun but have lots of humidity, fog. Considering defy and TWP again. What would you recommend? We were going to sand after cleaning and brightening. Should we do it before?
Anette, it would not hurt to lightly go over that area again. Lightly sand after the prepping only if needed. Try the Defy Extreme this time.
We need a specific color on our decks because of our Condo Association rules. Is it possible to add a tint to this semi transparent stain to achieve a darker color without harm? If so do you have any idea which brand of tint to use, or would it be a good idea to get two different Defy color stains and mix for a darker color?
Yvonne, Defy stains cannot be custom tinted but you can mix the Defy Stains together to achieve a new color.
I just installed new yellow pine deck boards that I want to stain with semitransparent driftwood Defy Extreme.
What is the minimum waiting time before I could apply the stain??
Thanks
J Campa, for Defy it is 3 months.
My pressure-treated lumber deck was built last year in July. Is Defy Extreme Stain a good choice or is the deck still too new?
Matt, you should be okay now the Defy Extreme.
Thanks. The Defy web site suggests using a staining pad instead of a brush for the Defy extreme stain. Which do you recommend? I'm worried that the pad will not penetrate the wood as well as a brush would.
The defy web site recommends using a staining pad instead of a brush. What do you recommend? I'm worried a pad wont penetrate the wood like a brush.
Matt G, pads are better then brushes in our experience when it comes to applying stain.
We are in the process of cleaning and re-coating our deck and porch. We live in Central Florida, lots of sun and humidity. I will want a clear or very light color. Our biggest concern is protecting the wood and preventing graying. Which product would be best? I see the TWP is oil based, but the Defy is water based????
Thank you!
Lottie, TWP 115 Honeytone or Defy Extreme in Natural Pine.
The defy pamphlet recommends the defy hardwood product for cedar however others recommend the extreme defy. Which is really the best for cedar and why. Thanks!
Jim, we like the Hardwood version for cedar wood as it penetrates better. Less chance of wearing down the road.
How does your reviews take into consideration the voc rules such as one state may have a different formula than another due to their state voc rules. I wonder if I should go to another state to buy the product. p.s. your site is very helpful!
Deb, depends on the brand. For example TWP has two formulas that we test for the different VOC. Defy only has one as it is compliant for all states.
I have a three year old cedar deck that I've cleaned/prepped and am ready to stain. I see the Defy for hardwood is recommended for my deck, but the Defy Extreme got better test results. Will I really have better results with the hardwood one?
We like the Defy Hardwood for cedar decking as it penetrates better into the wood.
I have a deck around my pool thats 6 yrs old with ptw i've been useing behr premium well after going out there this winter and seeing my deck it was heart breaking . My deck is in sun ALL day long and i mean ALL day well the wood on the floor and the top rails we had to replace with plastic because the wood was dry rotted i spent the last 2 weeks sanding the rest of the wood but now i need to put something on it . im in Rhode Island my deck get all day sun and pool water i need the very best stuff out there im getting to old to do this every year next time it needs to be stained i would like to just power wash it so what should i use ? I need the very best stuff at this point dont care what it cost either just need the best
Nina, The Defy Extreme would be a good choice to finish the rest of the vertical wood.
I am having a screened-in cedar deck installed and am trying to pick the best stain. After reading the reviews here, I had decided on either the Defy Extreme Clear or Defy Extreme Cedartone. After looking at the Saver Systems website it seems like they recommend the Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods for cedar decks and that the deck should be stained as soon as possible. Do you agree or have you tried Defy Extreme stain on cedar? Thanks
Rob, we have used both and we like the Defy Stains for Hardwoods on cedar. It soaks into the wood better.
Thanks for the quick reply. Do you normally let the wood age first, or stain it right away? I am looking for a color as close to natural as possible. Which color do you think is better to achieve this look, Natural Pine or Cedar Tone?
P.S. Thanks for running such a great website!
Rob, Natural Pine would be lighter. We like to let the wood weather some as the stain will soak deeper into the wood.
Just finished cleaning and sanding my cedar deck with 80 grit sandpaper. Going to apply defy extreme when the weather is clear for a couple days. I am reading that only one coat is necessary for cedar … is there any harm in going with 2 coats or is that just unnecessary?
Andrew, us a deck cleaner and brightener on the deck before applying the stain to help the Defy absorb better. I would follow their directions with the amount of coats.
Thanks. I used a deck cleaner, then power washed and followed with light sanding. Is it really necessary to apply brightener after power washing and sanding?
Yes as it neutralizes the cleaner.
I have a new Redwood deck and live on the central coast of California. Would Defy Extreme or Defy for Hardwood be a better choice for this deck? Also, do I need to let the wood season for 3-6 months or apply it immediately. The Defy website is a little confusing on this subject.
Dan Jo, yes you should let it weather for a few months then prep with their cleaner and wood brightener. We use the Defy Stain for Hardwoods for your wood type as it soaks in better.
I live in Dallas, TX and we have very hot summers. I installed a new Cedar Pergola two months ago which is completely exposed to direct sunlight. Which is the appropriate stain that you recommend for a two month old cedar pergola. I consider TWP 1500 series, Defy Extreem and Armstrong Clark. I would like to know the right time to apply the stain, because some previous posts indicates we need to wait for some time before application.
I would also like to know Can i apply any color (redwood,pine ) on a cedar pergola? Currently i consider Cedartone because of the pergola is made of cedar wood.
This site mentions that cedartone defy extreme is little bit orangish in color. How you consider this particular choice? Is it a beautiful choice? Do you have an opinion?
Any suggestion on stain, color and time of application is very much appreciated.
Johns, all stain brands want you to wait before staining new wood. They differ though on the amount of time to wait. TWP wants 4+ months while AC and Defy are close to 3 months. No matter the brand you choose, you should prep the new wood first to remove mill glaze. This can be done with a deck cleaner and wood brightener. Defy Extreme is an excellent stain but you might want to look at the Natural Pine color as it is more golden then orange in color.
Last summer I used Defy Extreme on 1,000 sq. ft. deck on the Maine coast. Application was a nightmare because it's "wet-on-wet", it's not just "orangish", it's downright orange and hideous, and, most importantly, it didn't even stand up to one Maine winter. There are spots where it didn't adhere, some places where it partially adhered, some where it worked. Now I have a hideous deck. Oh yes, it's also too expensive. If you haven't already bought it, stay away from it.