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! 🙂
Where can i buy this in Ontario?
Not sure if you can. Best to contact them directly.
Hi, I live in Coastal New England and have a 500 square foot pressure treated deck. We have Cabot Solid on the rails and replaced the deck boards last summer as Cabot Solid turned into a nightmare around year 10. Based on your reviews, I plan to clean and brighten and then use Defy Extreme Deck Stain on the pressure treated boards. The deck gets sun from noon to the end of the day…very hot…Any thoughts on this plan?
Just the one coat for the floors. Prep is correct. I assume you are just using the Defy on the floors as it cannot be applied over the Cabot solid color stain.
Yes, keeping Cabot solid on the rails. It’s held up well there. Thank you!
One more question – the Defy instructions say two coats wet on wet. Can you clarify?
Only one coat for new wood.
Got it! Thank you. Your site and response times are off the charts!
D
We have a deck in WI that sits in full sun. its been stained by Perma-chink stain, Hickory color (initial stain by contractors). this stain does not hold up. We restained two years ago, and looked very poor in one year. We are planning to restain this spring and your website has been very helpful with “how-tos”. would we have to strip this deck if we go with a different brand like Defy brand? How do you recommend we begin?
Thank you in advance
Hello, yes you will need to strip this and the brighten the wood. Use the Restore a Deck Stripping Kits.
I’ve decided on Defy but want to make sure i understand how to do it right. I installed an new redwood deck last year and let it set all winter in the snow. should I use cleaner, brightener and put on one coat or two? Thank you, this is a great site.
Prep is correct. Just one coat this year and another light coat 1-2 years late.
We just finished a remodel project in January with a new deck on the back of our house. Approx 20’x10′ with railing all around and 3 steps about 3′ wide. We are about to stain and seal it and want to use defy extreme. The deck is made from yellow wood pressure treated pine. We have some green resin coming up out of a couple of boards. Do we need to use a cleaner brightener first? And how many gallons should we anticipate needing? We are total novices at being deck owners!
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Yes you have to prep. About 3-4 gllons of the stain.
Thank you. I had hoped to use Defy but the article doesn’t have that in the recommended list. Is there a reason not to use that on new wood? It will be 4 months weathering by the time I am ready to do the job.
You can use the Defy. Just one coat for new wood.
I was unsure of what stain to use on my new redwood deck until i found this site, I’ve never see anything like this for any product, it’s great. I have only one question, will the green color stand out, I don’t want a green deck.
Sorry, but we have no idea about what you mean about “green” color?
I applied Defy Extreme (Cedar) deck stain last year. Looks as good today as when I applied it, however the water does not bead up on the flat surfaces as shown in the pictures. Should I apply another coat and if so what prep should I do first.
10 year old elevated pressure treated pine deck in good condition.
No on adding another coat. It is actually breathable and should not bead water but shed water. Do a coat next year.
Hello, we live in N. KY and had a pressure treated pine fence installed in Sept 17 and it’s never been stained, it’s in full sun year round and is approx. 170 lineal feet long. The boards are rough and there are some areas that have spots with greenish tint. Ok to stain now, or do we need to wait until green tint is gone?
Before staining:
Do we need to clean and brighten?
If yes, do you recommend RAD vs. Gemini Cleaner/Brightener?
Can garden sprayer be used to apply cleaner?
How should it be removed- garden hose or pressure washer?
Stain will be applied with pad/roller and brush, how many coats, just 1?
If we use Semi-Transparent stain, what brand do you recommend for longest lasting results? Oil or Water based? TWP 100, 1500, Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck?
If we use Semi- Solid stain, what brand do you recommend for longest lasting results? Oil or water based? TWP 100, 1500, Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck?
After we stain now, should we reapply in 1-2 years to get a good base coat?
Thanks so much!
You can stain now. The green is part of the treatment and does not go away fully.
Clean and brightener. Either of those kits will work. Yes, can use a sprayer for the prep. Pressure wash off lightly.
For the stain, 2 coats applied wet on wet. All of these brands will last about the same in a semi-transparent color. If you go with a semi-solid, only the AC will have options.
Reapply every 2-4 years or as needed for a fence.
Thank you, your website is a tremendous help!
You are welcome!
Previously you guys told me defy extreme would be a great option for my pressure treated pine privacy fence. How many coats do you recommend on initial application? Okay to only stain one side of fence?
New or old wood? Rough sawn or smooth? Makes a difference on how many coats to apply: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
It would be best to do both sides if possible.
It is 2 years old and we are going to pressure wash beforehand. Rough cut. Unfortunately can’t do all sides as that is on others property.
Do two coats for this after the prep.
My deck has been previously stained with Olympic semi transparent oil based stain – gray in color. It’s been 3 years since it was stained and is faded with no water beading.
I am interested in Defy or TWP in a semi transparent gray.
What is your recommendation as per cleaner, brightener, and which would be the best stain to use.
Thanking you in advance.
Hi Pete, you will need to remove the Olympic so the proper prep is to strip and brighten. Use the Defy Stain Stripper and the Defy Wood Brightener. The Defy Driftwood Gray would be a good choice for this if you want a gray. Any other should work as well.
I have a cedar fence that is probably 10+ years old it has a semi solid stain on it and is peeling off.I plan on pressure washing and cleaning with restore a deck cleaner and applying a new stain.
It has been somewhat neglected over the years and some of the boards are kinda soft or punky.
I am looking for a good penetrating stain to get whatever life I can get out of it.
I am thinking about using Defy Extreme Stain (thinking about a water based product.
What do you recommend.
Thanks Jeff
We live in New England..
Jeff, your only option is to fully remove the current semi-solid as you cannot use a penetrating semi-transparent product over this. Cleaning and pressure washing will not remove it. Stripping and pressure washing may but it depends on the brand you are trying to remove.
I installed conheart redwood fence 3 months ago. The fence still looks new. So I still need to use a cleaner and Brightener before staining?
Yes. It is need to remove the mill glaze and open the wood grain for the stain.
I have a 20 year preasure treated old deck built over a pond it gets all sun no shade. I had to replace some of the boards I would like to use Defy Extreme stain on it. will the new wood show through or should I go with a solid color stain
The Extreme is a semi-transparent stain so the wood grain will show through.
For new wood, do you recommend the 2 coats wet-on-wet with this product or just one coat (w/maintenance coat in 12 months) per your “Staining A New Deck” article?
Defy says just one coat for new wood.
I put on a single coat of the Light Walnut on my new deck after it had been allowed to weather for 4 months. The directions on the can say 2 coats wet-on-wet, but does not specify about new wood, so per this comment I only put on one. The wood is pressure treated lumber that had been cleaned and brightened several days before application.
However, now I am seeing the wood shrink significantly with large gaps forming and many of the boards cupping. The problem is worse near the railing which is the side that is most exposed to rain and sun. The worst spot is near that platform where the gaps are around 1/2″ wide. I am now worried that water is penetrating causing the wood to shrink when it dries, and that I should have put on two coats initially. It appears that water it is being repelled and stands on the deck after a hard rain, but doesn’t really bead up either except if the rain is light. Can I put on the second coat at this point? I had intended to do the one initial coat with a maintenance coat 6-12 months later. The first coat was put on about 1.5 months ago.
Jeremey, a deck stain will not wood from shrinking or cupping. This is a natural thing that happens with PTP. Nothing you can do to prevent this.
Best to do nothing and apply a light coat of Defy in 12months.
Ok, well that makes me feel better knowing it wasn’t something I did (or didn’t do). But is that much of a gap common? It’s gone from practically no gap to 1/2″ in just a few months which seems excessive. I live on the Gulf Coast. It was installed in November and it’s really just started happening since it was stained in March so maybe the warmer days/higher sun angle have something to do with it? And is the cupping and shrinking permanent? I’d hate to think I’m just stuck with this eyesore (and not to mention safety hazard) so soon after installation
It is the quality of the wood itself. It happens and is permanent.
i made the mistake of applying thompson water seal to oak barrel chairs. two months in and wood is already drying and turning color from sun exposure. can I apply defy directly or do I need to treat wood first?
You will need to strip and brighten the wood for the prep to remove the Thompsons before applying a new coating like the Defy Extreme Stain.
I’ll start off by saying I really like this product. I used it last spring to finish an outdoor, covered deck. That said, it looks somewhat hazy, maybe a little dingy after it dried. When I clean the deck with water and a squeegee, it looks amazing and the color gets very rich and deep again, like it was before Defy dried. Then the water dries and the finish goes back to being hazy. Just so it’s clear, the water is not penetrating into the wood. Perhaps the low gloss is just the difference between the water based product and the oil based that I’m used to, but is there anything you would recommend putting over the Defy to keep the color rich and the finish a bit glossier?
No. You cannot add a coating over or on top of a deck stain. It will peel.
We used Penofin blue label on a new redwood deck, we waited about 2 months first. 3 1/2 months later, it is growing mold all over as well as showing streaky areas that look unfinished. This is both alarming and incredibly frustrating. The company advised to wash, brighten and reseal with red label.
After reading here, we’re thinking we should switch products and try Defy extreme. How much stripping will be required beyond washing and brightening for a successful switch?
Do you have any other product recommendations? We’re in Northern California, deck is shaded from midday on. Thanks
Penofin is easily removed with a deck stain stripper. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener kits. the Defy Extreme would be a good choice for this and would not turn black or attract mildew like the Penofin did.
Thank you so much for the reply. Your knowledgeable advice is so helpful!
Just ordered the Defy Extreme Wood Stain in Butternut to cover pressure treated pine railing and posts. The deck is 4 years old and had previously been sealed with Olympic Maximum Clear Waterproofing Sealant (3 years ago). We had planned on using Olympic or Cabot semi-transparent stain before I found this site. The deck board are composite planks so they do not need staining. We just have the railing (minus the ballasts which are metal and have been removed for easier staining of the remainder of the deck) the header boards and the boards going up and down the staircase. We cleaned the wood thoroughly with Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner (again, before we found this site). The cleaner did a good job of removing all of the black stuff and breaking up the Olympic Maximum Sealant from before. There was still somewhat of a “yellowing” and scratchy surface so we decided to sand down ALL of the boards and posts before re-staining. They are all prepped and ready to go. I did order the brightener to apply as directed before we stain with Defy Extreme but I have a couple of questions before we proceed this weekend:
1. How generous do we need to be with the brightener?
2. Will the brightener affect the color of our composite decking if it comes in contact?
3. How long do you have to wait between brightener application and staining?
3. Should we tape off and cover all of the composite before proceeding?
4. Is is best to apply the Defy Extreme Stain with a deck staining pad or a brush?
5. Is one coat sufficient for a pine deck (in good shape)? On a side note, we are in Nebraska….home of harsh cold winter weather!!
Thank you in advance for all of your helpful advice!! This site is now bookmarked on my computer and I have shared it with all of my homeowner friends with wood to stain!
1. Follow their mixing directions and coverage rate. Do not under apply.
2. It should not.
3. 48 hours or so.
4. We like stain pads as it helps to get the Defy into the wood.
5. 2 coats applied wet on wet is best.
Hello. We had a Low elevation deck built in June that ties in with the 14 x 20 upper deck that is 14 years old. We previously used Behr semi transparent stain on the older deck. The application from 2 years ago has peeled etc so I plan to change to the Defy stain. The new deck info is straight forward but what products do I use to strip and prep the old deck with? I would like to begin this weekend and planned to use what I could buy locally at a Big Box store. We live in Virginia. Thanks for all the great infomation on this site.
Why are you stripping if the wood is new? Just clean and brighten for the prep.
Not stripping the new deck but was requesting clarification on best product to use for stripping the old deck. I dont want to use the Behr products on the new deck due to the poor results. Again i used Behr semi transparent weather proofing all in one wood stain and sealer on it the last few years. Looking to atleast strip the old stain off this fall and re stain if time and weather cooperates! Thanks!
Ok, try Restore A Deck Stain Stripper. Behr is a pain to stripp off though.
Best product suggestion via your recommendations not Big Box store offerings. Im not making that mistake again!
Unfortunately I did not follow instructions…….I cleaned my very old deck (which has had many coats of sealer applied) and now after 24 hrs. and half the job of sealing with clear Defy done, I realize I should have used two coats…..any solutions?.
Wait until Spring and lightly clean and reapply another coat.
and….I forgot to ask…Will the water based stain last as long as an oil based one? Thanks!
Yes.
Just had a beautiful horizontal redwood fence built about a month ago. Concerned about the toxicity and high VOC’s of some of the oil based stains. I like the idea of using the defy extreme water based one. Do I have to wait a couple months more before applying for best results? Also, I would like some of the wood grain to show through after staining. Is there a better color for me to choose; I don’t see a Redwood color.
All of the Defy Extreme Colors are semi-transparent so you will see the wood grain fully. Wait 3 months (or Spring) and prep with their deck cleaner and their deck brightener.
What brand/kind of sprayer would you recommend for your product? Our project is large-3 decks; stairs; and lots of spindles & hand rails. We’re considering the Wagner 9155 3000 psi Airless sprayer.
The Wagner should work just fine.
I have a new redwood deck in Denver CO – I’ve let it dry for about 2 months now. Hot dry summers, cold winters with snow. Considering the defy extreme instead of Penofin. The home currently has a lot of exterior cedar accent pieces (soffits, ceilings, etc) which are on the darker side. I am trying to decide between cedar tone and redwood for the redwood deck – not sure if there is a huge difference but want to match as best as possible. Any advice is well appreciated!
I would try some of their samples. Also, consider the Light Walnut color.
We used defy deck stain and were very disappointed with it. It did not last on our deck floor at all and our deck was pressure washed and cleaned with all previous treatment on floor removed. It did not last on the flat top of deck railing either. It stayed better on spindles. I would not recommend it to anyone. All the hype about it is deceiving.
Most likely something was done wrong for it to fail. Improper prep or possibly over application would be the main reasons. Feel free to post a picture to help determine the cause.
which Defy product would you recommend for staining a Braziliaa hardwood deck? I want to stay with a water based stain.
Their Defy Stain for Hardwoods: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/defy-hardwood-stain-review-2014/
There are several. I am thinking about the Defy Extreme clear stain. Any comments on that product. Thank you.
You would want their Hardwood Stain and in a color for this wood type. The clear will fade quickly on this wood.
Which defy tone has the darkest/richest color?
Butternut.
Thank You. On my monitor, all the colors on the samples look so washed out. Do these look accurate to you?
FYI, we do not allow external links on the site so we modified the comment.
Colors vary drastically on wood types and the age of the wood so it possible, it is always best to test actual samples on your wood. Defy does allow you to order samples.
Another couple questions. After reading a few other posts, is it best to roll on Defy Extreme and back brush or is it best to use a cloth to rub into wood? Should multiple coats be applied? Also, since I am sanding remaining stain off boards should I reapply brightener before staining? STL MO area. Previous post with dog on deck.
Do not roll. Use a flat exterior stain pad for best application. If doing two coats, use the same pad for both. Defy is to be applied wet on wet if doing two coats. After sanding, clean and brighten all for best results.
I was initially going to go with TWP 1500, but have now been leaning towards Defy Extreme due to water base and eco friendly. I have a cedar deck with cedar railings. Have stripped deck boards and railing of SW terrible stain. Could not get it all off so I have been taking up deck boards, replacing bad ones, and sanding off remaining stain, and sealing ends of boards. Considering painting railings because of too much detail to sand them all, and restaining deck boards. How long can boards go without having to be cleaned or brightened again? Also, on the few new boards, can I sand them to remove the new wood finish in order to stain with old boards? Picture attached, ignore dog, he was helping.
Try to stain within 2 weeks of intial prep. If you cannot, lightly clean and brighten again.
Anybody have any experience with Defy Extreme stain vs using TWP on an older PT deck?
Thanks.
We use them both all the time on our customer’s decks. They work well and are comparable in longevity. Key is the prep and application. You want the Defy Extreme to fully soak into the wood.
I have a new custom cedar fence I’ve installed, and the wood is about into it’s 3rd month. Lots of questions:
It’s hot in the DFW area with highs near 100, and it won’t let up until probably mid September. Should I wait? If a contractor says no, should I find another contractor?
I know that your site is primarily deck related, but if you can offer advice on staining fencing, that would be great! I’m reading through your reviews and it seems like the TWP 100 series would be a good selection, as would the Defy Extreme. One is oil. One is Acrylic. With new wood, is one type better than the other, and on cedar fencing do you recommend a different stain than either of these two for the DFW area?
Prepping for the stain, would pressure washing the wood several days in advance be acceptable, or will this lead to problems? Or… is there something else I should do instead?
Cleanup on concrete is a concern. My fence follows my driveway, and the pickets are on top of a concrete curb. I’m concerned about staining the concrete. Aside from protecting it as much as possible, if stain gets on the concrete, is it better that it was an oil-based stain, or an acrylic water-based stain for clean-up?
100 seems a little high to apply a deck stai but this does vary based on the brand.
Does not matter if oil or water based for your fence. Key is to use a penetrating coating and both will work very well for this.
Prep with a deck cleaner and a pressure washer. Brighten all wood after.
Neither oil or water based stains will come off concrete very well. Does not matter on the type if it does spill into the concrete.
Hi there. I’ve done my fair share of staining…using both oil-based and latex. For what it’s worth, here are my thoughts:
1. If both stains are equally reliable, I would suggest the latex. Easier application, cleanup, etc. You won’t have to worry about the odor you have with oil. You can wash and reuse brushes, rollers, pads, much more easily. Latex will dry in 2 to 4 hrs, oil in 12 to 24 hrs. Big difference.
2. I worry about latex on horizontal surfaces in terms of their “wear”- getting worn off by foot traffic. Since you’re doing vertical fencing, this is a non-issue (unless your neighborhood has vertical foot traffic issues) 🙂
3. You or a reliable contractor will absolutely have to protect all surfaces (concrete curb) from getting stain on it, including “bleed through”. In other words, if you used cotton dropcloths, the stain will bleed through and hours later you will have a permanent mess on your hands. There is typically more bleed-through with oil stains- the solvent goes right through cloth.
So, I would suggest is a two-layer solution. One: Put down a new tarp- polyester. Make sure it is good enough quality that it won’t rip or shred. This is your bleed through prevention. Two: put down corrugated cardboard (read: empty boxes such as a refrigerator carton) on top of the tarp. This cardboard will soak up some of the stain as you’re applying it (the drips) and prevent the whole area from being so slippery it would be dangerous. This twofold cover should protect all concrete. After all staining is done, remove the cardboard and see what the tarps look like. After 3 to 4 hours and all risk of drips is gone, remove the tarps too.
This Defy Extreme sounds like the better choice.
Wait until cooler weather. What’s the rush? The wood will still be there, and won’t get much “dirtier” in the meantime.
You’ll want to prep the fence properly in terms of cleaning it and probably brightening it. Do this well in advance of staining. Follow the directions on the stain can in terms of prep time, wait time after washing with water, etc. Typically, you have to wait 4 or 5 days for the wood to dry, though in DFW area, it could be 2 days perhaps.
Hi there!
We have an old deck that we previously used Deck Over on and it was a nightmare. We’ve since flipped all the PT pine boards and let them sit for a while. We needed the wood replaced in one section and money was tight, so we had some old cedar available to use, and after sanding, we laid that down. There are some marks on the wood left by metal chairs that wouldn’t come up after pressure washing, so we plan to sand the entire deck and use the Defy Extreme this time.
My questions:
1) Should we still use cleaner and brightener right after sanding?
2) I gather from other posts that stain color appears lighter than samples shown….should we go a shade darker to achieve the color we want?
3) How different do you think the stain color will appear on the PT pine from the cedar section?
4) In a few years when it’s time for a touch up, what is the process then?
Thank you!
Julie😁
1. Yes, that will help
2. No. Best to get some samples to test first
3. Close but not the same colors between the two wood types
4. Clean and recoat
Would you recommend using Defy Extreme stain on a deck which gets more shade than sun on over 1/2 of it or the TWP Stain. The deck has not been previously stained and is 2 yrs old. We plan on using the Restore a deck cleaner and brighter. There is presently a green algae buildup in the grain of this pressure treated deck especially in the more shaded areas. It is on an island along a river and we do not have access to it during the winter to clear snow or leaves from it.
The Defy Extreme should work very well for this.
Defy Extreme Semi-transparent Wood stain is extremely transparent. I bought ‘Cedar Tone’, and one can hardly see it. Also, it has very low viscosity, make it difficult to apply because it splashes all over, and very little of it is held by a brush or pad. Do not put this product over existing stain – with its low viscosity, it beads up. I strongly recommend stripping any existing stain before using Defy’s product.
Defy is a penetrating stain so yes it has a low viscosity. This allows it to soak into the wood and not film on top of the wood. This is why it is not prone to peeling like many other water based stains.
I live in western Massachusetts and I built a brand new deck out of PT pine last summer. It is under direct sunlight for 80% of the day. I have recently gone through the process of using a cleaner / brightener, pressure washing, and sanding stage. After reading your reviews, I feel as though I am ready to try the Defy Extreme water based stain. After reading application instructions, it looks like they want 2 coats applied before the first coat dries, that seems pretty straight forward. My deck is only 13’x17′ but it is 7 feet off the ground. What would you recommend as the BEST application method. I want the best possible result.
Use a deck stain pad. Apply the first coat and apply the second coat about 20 minutes later.
My house siding and deck are due for restraining. Previous product was a Sherwin Williams product that has peeled badly on the deck and is peeling some on southern exposures of the rough siding. I will likely be replacing the deck boards. Based on your site I have interest in both defy and twp 1500. I do understand the need to strip, clean, and brighten before applying either and waiting on new wood. Which would you recommend for my siding as I like the idea of penetrating stain and ease of maintenance coat but also do not wish to restain my entire house every 1 to 2 years. Would there be a better product for the siding
Location: high altitude colorado with lots of sun and snow.
TWP or Defy would work for the the siding as long it is prepped correctly by removing all previous coatings. On siding, it will last 4-6 years.
Pressure Treated Sienna Brown deck installed April 2016. I really wanted to use a water-based product that would penetrate and not peel. Based on the reviews and ratings on this site, I decided on the Defy Extreme semi-transparent stain and ordered 5 gallons from the U.S. and had it shipped to Canada . I cleaned and brightened with Defy products November 2016, but it was always too cold or too wet to stain last fall just north of Toronto. I brightened again in May 2017 to reverse any UV damage over the winter. Finally, we had a weekend in June 2017 with no rain and applied the Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent stain using the brown Butternut color. The color is perfect.
I was a professional painter for ten years, so I thought that this would be a fairly easy job, but that didn’t prove to be the case. I found the product a little tough to work with for the ‘wet-on-wet” second coat that must be applied after 20 minutes of the first coat. I was very conscientious not to apply the stain in direct sunlight, so I only worked in the early morning, during heavy cloud cover, or during the late evening before sunset. But the odd time it was very windy or the sun peeked out from the clouds or moved past a peak on a neighboring house and watch out! The stain would flash dry almost instantly and my stain brush strokes would become permanent and darker than other boards.
The parts of the deck that were done in complete shade and with no wind have a matt finish and no brush marks – they look awesome. The boards I worked on when it was windy or when there was thinning cloud cover have a shinier finish and some brush marks – ouch! All second coats were started right at the 20-minute mark. My only concern is that the ‘wet-on-wet’ second coat will eventually prematurely peel off. Time will tell. Has anyone else experienced something similar and things still turned out OK? Would love to know!
Overall, the color is great; the stain sets up nicely in just a few hours; there’s no odor; clean-up is simple with soap and water. However, the wet-on-wet second coat is challenging.
Advice:
Work on 2 or 3 boards and work ahead very little for the wet-on-wet second coat. Having a second dry stain brush to work our any unabsorbed stain might also help – I wish I had thought of that at the time!
We have a 7 year old redwood deck (approximately 900 sq ft) that was stained after installation (not sure the brand as our contractor did it). We subsequently used linseed oil yearly for 2 years and then every other year. We are looking to restain this year and are trying to decide the best methods. Do we need to clean and strip or just clean? Part of the deck is covered and so there is still good stain as this area is protected, but part of it is not (see pictures) and is fairly weathered. We were thinking of using the Defy system- is this the best option? Thanks in advance!
You must remove this old coating. Strip and sand if needed. Brighten the wood after. Once fully removed, the Defy Extreme would work well.
I bought Defy semi transparent stain because of all of the reviews on this site. I am totally disappointed with this product. The deck was new, pressure treated lumber. The stain does not go on evenly. I would give a negative star rating. Like a minus 5. I hope to cover it with a solid stain, if not I will be stripping this from a brand new deck.
Hello, your review is based on application? The Extreme is a water-based stain which means it can start to dry quickly when in full sun. Always best to keep a wet edge when applying so it dries evenly. Also, did you let the new wood to weather for 3 months or longer after install? Did you use their prepping products as well? Mill glaze from new wood has to be removed prior to applying. It should not have dried as unevenly as you mentioned so there must have been a reason.
Are there any opinions about using this water-based product vs an oil-based product when there are house pets present? Do these products present any problems – health or otherwise – for dogs? Thanks.
Not really. Once cured and dry, there are no issues.
If I use only three to four gallons from a five gallon pail. Can I store the rest to touch up in a year or two? If so what’s the best way to store it? Transfer into one gallon containers?
Possibly. Transfer to single gallons, close lid well, and store where it cannot freeze.
I just applied defy extreme cedar tone to a new cedar deck that had weathered for 9 months.
I used the cleaner and brightener but the cleaner cause a lot of wood pulp to come off the wood and so I took it really easy on the scrubbing. I used a floor polisher to remove almost all of the furring but it seems the remaining Grey wood did not absorb the stain very well. It appears blotchy.
Will a maintenance coat in the fall solve this or do I need to strip, brighten, and recoat next spring.
Yes it should. It is normal for knots to be lighter in color though.
Hi, I’m getting ready to strip and brighten with RAD on 8 y/o cedar and plan to use DEFY Extreme. Questions: 1. The product info from DEFY notes one coat only for horizontal surfaces, but in your description you say two. Is it one or two?
2. I have a good airless sprayer. Should I use it and just back brush with pad or brush?
For what it’s worth the deck is 900 sq ft and I’m trying to get an idea of how much product to buy.
Your site is fantastic and thank you so much for your expertise!
1. We apply the coats wet on wet if needed. It is more like 1.5 coats when you do it this way. The key is to apply as much as the wood will allow to soak in fully.
2. Yes, you could let spray on the first coat and back brush the second coat within 20-60 minutes of the first coat. That would be the “wet on wet”.
You are welcome 🙂
I have a pine pressure treated, roof covered 500 sq ft, second floor deck with sun-rise exposed stairs. I was lucky enough to find this amazing site in order to properly prep (required Defy stripper and brightener and sanding) my deck for stain. However, I am truly conflicted on which stain to purchase! I had my heart set on TWP 100, but it is not available in my state. So I thought perhaps Defy Extreme may be the way to go (also it is easier to procure from a local hardware store). My questions:
1. Is Defy Extreme a good choice for NJ Weather? Or do you prefer TWP 1500?
2. Is Defy a stain I may reapply as needed with proper prep without stripping (that was brutal before I found your site)?
3. Do you recommend staining beneath the steps/deck?
4. Are you an angel, because your advice is honest, timely, and beyond helpful?
Thank you so very much.
1. Yes.
2. Yes, but all coatings can be built up over time. Best to choose a “penetrating” stain. This makes future reapplication and prep easier.
3. We never stain the undersides unless it is for aesthetic purpose. Just the exposed wood.
4. My kids think so but not the wife. 😀
Thanks so or your timely and informative response. I am dealing with a local hardware store which has been problematic on many levels. They “found a 5 gal. can of my product” in a corner. Does stain expire?
Yes it can.
I have 1700 sqft of pressure treated 5/4″ pine in San Antonio, TX that is about 4 months old. It appears the Defy Extreme Stain is probably my best bet and light walnut seems to be enough tint for good UV protection.
I have several questions that I think I know the answers to but would like to confirm:
1. Do I need to use the cleaner? I was thinking of just pressure washing the deck first in lieu of cleaner, is this okay? If I need to use the cleaner, what is the best way to apply it?
2. Do I need to use the brightener? Same question as #1. and what is the best way to apply it?
3. How many coats of stain do I need to use? It appears one is sufficient on a new deck.
4. What is the best way (and cost effective?) to apply this much stain? I want to make sure I get as even as a coat as possible.
5. Do I need to tape off the rock walls of the house when applying?
6. Will the slight “greenish” tint to a few of the boards show up in the finished product?
7. Do you have any pictures of the light walnut on PT pine?
I plan to do it in sections after the sun has gone down. Are there any other tips you can give me to help make sure I get it right?
Your website is amazing and your help is much appreciated.
1. You need a deck cleaner while pressure washing. Apply with a pump sprayer.
2. Yes
3. One coat for new wood.
4. Deck Stain pad.
5. Yes
6. Possibly but hard to say.
7. No, we do not.
Might want to read the Defy Stain Help site. Lots of tips there.
Okay, great news I cleaned, brightened and stained my back deck (about 400 sq.ft.) and it came out pretty good. As I went along I learned the best techniques for each step so when I get to my courtyard it should be perfect. I do have a question: Early on in the process I have a few areas that I was inconsistent with my coloring (in other words didn’t apply enough stain). Can I come back and “darken” or reapply those areas or do I just need to wait a few years when it’s time to reapply?
Thanks for everything!
Best to leave as is for now.
Post a picture if you can of the final outcome.
I have a 3 year old cedar deck in Vancouver, Wa, near Portland, Or. we have stained with woodrich timber oil for the first two years and would like to switch to Defy. Half the deck is under a large pine so not much sun. The other half get a lot of sun especially in the pm. A retractable awning shades part of it. In the wet winter, the deck gets very slick. I pressure washed it and in many areas, the stain appears to be totally gone. Will it be okay to clean and brighten and then apply the defy….if we ever get some non rainy days!
As long as all of the Timber Oil is removed 100% you can then use the Defy Extreme after the final prep.
so are you recommending I use a stripper or will power washing, cleaner and brightener probably do the job?
Post a picture please to make certain.
hope this helps
There is still Timber Oil on the wood and that will need to come off. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Brighten after with the RAD Brightener.
Hello,
I have just pressure washed an old tired deck that came with a home a just purchased.
Will I still need to use the cleaner and brightener before applying the sealer?
It would help the stain to soak in better.
I want to use the Defy Extreme on my deck that was previously coated with Ready Seal. I plan on stripping off the Ready Seal as you suggested. What is the reason for the brightener? I do not care if the deck wood is dark as I want the final color to be a brown color. What stripper should I use?
The wood brightener will neutralize the stain stripper. This is important before applying a deck stain. Failure to use the brightener could result in the stripper reactivating in the wood grain when the wood is wet from water. This could break down the newly applied stain. Use the Restore A Deck Stripping and Brightening Kit to remove the Ready Seal.
Ok and thanks for the help!
I am sanding down my deck to expose fresh wood on a pretty weathered deck and plan on staining using Defy Extreme. Is it necessary to use the wood cleaner/brightner or should I be alright applying the stain directly on the sanded and cleaned deck.
Thx
Yes, you should use the cleaner and the brightener for the final prep to help open the wood pores for the stain.
I live in Georgia and I have used original Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain (Cedartone) on my cedar deck for 10 years. I clean, brighten and recoat every two years. It’s a great product and I love it. Over the years certain deck boards have gotten darker and mottled. And this year, I am going to have to replace a few deck boards and they, of course, will be light and ‘fresh’ resulting in a wide variety of tones across the decking. If I strip it down, will all of this even out? Seems like a lot of work. I would prefer to recoat with a solid acrylic/epoxy stain, but can’t seem to find any except the horrible Behr/Rustoleum/Olympic coatings which I will avoid thanks to your reviews. Is there a solid (instead of semi-transparent) acrylic/epoxy stain out there, or is my only choice to strip? I feel the stripping won’t be satisfactory.
Yes, most of it will even out but new boards will always be slightly lighter in color due to the fact that the new wood is less absorbent. In our opinion, I would strip. Defy is a penetrating stain and because of this, it is less likely to wear. Solid stains are filming and will sit on top of the wood, leading to the higher potential of peeling.
Ok, strip it is. That way I can strip just the decking and just clean the verticle pieces. Then apply Defy on it all. Two questions: (1) should I use Defy Extreme instead of the original? (2) is there a benefit to using the Defy stripper, or should I use RAD stripper since I can mix it stronger if need be? Thanks much.
1. Extreme. It is an enhanced version of the older Epoxy.
2. Both should work.