This post was updated on May 1, 2024
Defy Extreme Wood and Deck Stain Review
We find the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be one of the best-performing water-based deck stains on the market. The zinc oxide nano-particles do double duty in preventing UV fading and preventing mold or mildew growth. The Defy Extreme penetrates into the wood grain extremely well for a water-based stain, resulting in a non-filming coating that is not prone to peeling or wear from traffic. We personally use the Defy Extreme on about 50+ deck restorations every year in the Midwest and is one of our go-to brands.
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.
*Note: Defy Extreme Wood Stain is an improved version of the Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. Containing the same ingredients but with the added UV protection of the zinc oxide nanoparticles.
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’Â 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: 8.47
– 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.
Product Information:
Help or Questions? Defy Extreme Stain
Cost: $52 per Gallon, $259 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:Â 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, Deck Stain: 12 Months Weathering and 14 Month Update
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! 🙂
We have a new pressure treated deck and the moisture levels are now low enough for us to stain. For the Defy Extreme Wood Stain, would this me all we would use or is there a sealer that would need to be added as well?
You have to let new wood weather as it is not based on moisture levels as to when you can stain new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain nor do you need to.
How is it on a previously stained deck that was done about 10 years ago in gray. I will be using gray again
It cannot be applied over a stain of a different brand. That would have to be removed first.
Does it come in a solid color gray , where can it be bought at and get color chart ?
Jay
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/defy-extreme-solid-color-stain-review/
or if you want a premixed solid gray, use this brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
I live on the water on the Texas Gulf Coast and used Defy Extreme (light walnut) on my deck and boat dock two years ago just before hurricane Harvey. It has held up to the elements and the Texas sun very well. But it is now time for a renewing maintenance coat and can’t find the proper application instructions for that anywhere on your web sight. What is the best way to apply a maintenance coat? I will be using the same Extreme stain in the same light walnut color.
Thanks for the advice – Keith on Padre Island
Use their Defy Wood Cleaner for the prep.
would it be possible to send a few photos of your deck. I like to see the light walnut color.
I had a brand new deck installed with pre-treated lumber 2 years ago. Last summer I cleaned, brightened and stained with Defy extreme stain and products. This summer I need to do some work on my deck. Can you tell me if I need to strip my deck or just clean it before I brighten and stain? Here on some pics of what is going on with it.
Some places look great, and other places peeled.
Clean and recoat.
I installed new pressure treated pine deck last August. Size is 20 x 30′ (600sq) I had expected to use clear or semi clear product as I wanted a light grey end finish. What Defy product do you recommend and what amount will I need?
I see that Restore-A-Deck markets that, because it’s water-based, you can clean/brighten and stain all on the same day. Since Defy Extreme is also water-based, is this true of it as well?
No, the Defy Extreme cannot be applied the same day as the prep.
We have a brand new deck and will be staining it for the first time. It was built about 7 months ago. It was recommended that we only apply 1 coat of stain the first time then 6-9 months later apply the second coat. Do you agree or should we do 2 coats right up front. I think by applying one coat it would reduce the chance of peeling but I have read so many theories and reviews at this point I am so confused as to what to do or what to buy. Price doesn’t matter. Quality is the key for us. Something that will look good and last at least 3 years.
1 coat now is correct. More is not better and can lead to premature failure if you overapply.
My wife and I worked very hard last July and August (2018) stripping, cleaning/brightening our 12 year old cedar deck. Finally, in September 2018, we applied the Defy Extreme Semi Transparent stain. Everything looked great initially. Then 3 months later, we started to notice lots of flaking. All the vertical parts of the deck look fine. But the horizontal parts (floor boards and top railing) have lost a significant amount of stain due to flaking.
I am not sure which brand of semi-transparent stain was on the deck previously. We did remove all the old stain and the deck looked almost as good as when first installed. Needless to say, we are very upset and frustrated. I do have before, during and after pictures but not sure how to include them with this post.
Will someone please help?
Thank you
Sounds like you over applied. It can only wear like this if too much stain is applied during the staining process resulting in the stain drying/filming on top of the wood. At this point, you should strip off the floor and brighten. Apply the two coats wet on wet but make sure all of the Defy stain is able to soak into the wood grain. That way it will not repeat the issue.
Any suggestions as to how to prevent stripper from affecting areas that are not in need of stripping. (That is, all 200+ spindles, posts and skirting). Sounds like a major project……again! When I rinse off the stripper, it will be everywhere.
Also, When I applied the stain to the horizontal pieces, my application technique was no different than the vertical pieces. All spindles and skirting were removed before stripping, brightening and staining. All this was done horizontally on saw horses and planks.
Thoughts???
Apply the stripper to the floor with a pump sprayer. Immediately rinse any spindles that the strip may have gotten on. Pressure wash the floor and make sure to continually rinse the railings/skirt. Rines well and brighten when done. You may have a few small areas to touch up on the railings but, for the most part, it will not be affected.
Hello, I have an 18 foot 10″x8″ wood beam installed in my home (Pine I think) and I want to make it a little darker to match the Saltillo floors; which product do you recommend I use to stain it and is pre-treating necessary? Thank You!
You would want an interior stain, not exterior. This site is for exterior products only.
I run a one man painting business in central Arkansas. Every home home has a outdoor deck with a lot of exposure to rain and hot sun. A client of mine wants to use defy. Client has a new deck surface that has now aged for 5 months. I plan on power washing with a wood cleaner on the surface. Will I need a brightness as well? The spindles on the deck are rough sawn cedar that have been previously stained. Will the old stain need to be stripped before applying defy? If not is there a solid stain to use that would match what is applied to the deck surface.
Yes on a brightener. Yes, you will need to remove the old stain by sanding or stripping. Defy does not come in a solid stain.
I have a gazebo that has never been treated. I am going to hire someone to pressure wash & stain it. Hoping for something to protect it from the hot Central Texas sun, & from mildew from the rain and clay soil here. What do you recommend?
Defy Extreme Stain or Armstrong Clark Wood Stains.
Thank you for your quick response. I’m so grateful to have found your website. I find your information to be so much more thorough & helpful than the others I searched. Thanks so much!
You are welcome!
Are there any special considerations relative to staining when installing a tongue and groove fir deck?
Treat it as new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
If new decking is supposed to weather for a number of months prior to staining how is it that many experts suggest pre-staining all sides prior to installation? (i.e. how do you seal the underside after the fact?)
Those “experts” are wrong and are not following the advice of stain brand manufacturers and deck restoration contractors like us who do this for a living. Only the exposed side is supposed to be stained/sealed. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/stain-all-sides-of-deck-board/
Thanks for all of your great feedback (you’ve responded to various questions I’ve posed recently all regarding the same project, where we pre-stained t & g fir decking prior to installing). The manufacturer in question (ICP/Storm System 2) suggests that we remove the stain and brighten (using their products) than sand prior to re-staining. They “highly recommend” sanding to remove any remaining mil glaze and to further soften the wood to get better stain penetration (suggest 100 grit or less). Does that sound reasonable or do we stick to your thoughts that discourage sanding?
Sanding reduces stain penetration so we do not suggest it unless needed to remove a previous coating that cannot be stripped. 60-80 grit at most.
I just had a new deck installed around an inground pool using pressure treated wood.
How long should I wait to use the Defy Extreme Wood Stain?
Thank you.
3-6 months. Prep with a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener after the weathering.
I have cedar shake siding on my home (vertical) and had used Arborcoat exterior oil based stain, Translucent / Natural. Beautiful color. However, certain “sides” of my home have a lot of mold due to weather and the feeding off oil resins. Once I clean, and wanted to try Defy, would I use exterior crystal clear / clear to try to get the same color effect and will less mold build up?
You cannot apply the Defy over the Arborcoat. You will need to remove it first by stripping and or sanding. Once removed, you can use the Defy but you would want one of the semi-transparent tinted colors for maximum longevity.
thanks, would using Arborcoat water base be a better alternative for me in terms of less mold / coloring?
I do not think so. You cannot apply the water-based over the oil based. Still needs to be stripped first.
I have a deck with solid stain ,Last stained about 3 yrs ago. with a cabot product, i am planning on power washing as only prep. Will this scenario work to produce a good result? The deck is redwood placed 15yrs plus. Has been stained at least 3 times
You cannot use the Defy Extreme. You need another solid stain to cover the solid stain that you have.
Can you use this product on new rough cut pine and if so what preparation should you do prior to staining.
You can stain right away if rough sawn. No prep is needed as long as the wood is clean and dry.
We prepped our 15 year old deck for staining a few days ago and now rain is forecasted for the next week or so. We live in the Midwest. If we aren’t able to stain it for 2 or 3 weeks do we need to do the prep all over again?
Thanks
J. Bridges
Yes if longer than 2-3 weeks. Lightly wash and brighten again.
Just finished applying Extreme exterior semi-transparent a few days ago on the horizontal areas of my deck. Live in western NY so summer sun and winter snow. A family member recommends I follow up with a coat of Thompson’s clear. Would this work okay to better protect the surface?
You cannot apply a clear sealer over top of a deck stain. It will ruin it.
Thank you! I appreciate your help.
We have a Doug fir porch that we treated with linseed oil upon contactor recommendation. What a disaster! Some parts turned black. Yuck! Treated today with cleaner and brightener. Looks great but the wood looks kind of fuzzy now. Should we sand before staining?
See this for some help: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
We tried that but it didn’t work. 60 grit will though. What happens if we don’t remove? The surface feels smooth though we can see the fibers.
If the fuzzies do not show when wet than it should not show when stained.
I have a 20 year old redwood deck under covered porch with some afternoon sun on parts of it (central CA mountains).Deck has never been sealed or stained, I have cleaned and brightened how many coats of Defy Extreme semi should I apply.
2 coats applied wet on wet.
Here’s my story. Southeastern PA hot (85-100) humid summer, cold winter (0-35). Deck eastern white cedar 15 year old. Initial stain Cabot Australian oil every 3 years. At 9 years used Cedarcide wood preservative, no stain. Now at 15 years deck worn so the knots higher than wood. Contacted Cedarcide was told its lasts about 6-7 years. Power planned to level planks (removed screws first). Cleaned with Oxyclean to remove residual gray wood. Reapplied Cedarcide preservative May 2018, instructed by Cedarcide to wait 72 hours before staining process. Finally got to cleaning, brightening ( Penofin), September 2018. Began staining ( Defy Extreme Butternut) with a pad, wood damp to touch but readily absorbed water drops. Defy instructions states1 gallon per 100- 150sqft. Used only 2 gallons to cover 600 sqft, not even close to the 100 – 150 sqft per gallon estimate. Decided to do wet an wet 2nd coat, the first coat had not dried. 2nd coat absorbed at 2gallons per 600 sqft, almost the same rate as first. No puddling or shine was apparent. Morning after deck very blotchy with Butternut and gray coloration (see attached photo). Taken after morning rain, sorry.
Any ideas on options, we are prepping the house for sale..
Looks like the Defy could not soak in either due to the Cedarcide or damp wood. This caused the high spread rate and dark gray spots. It if does not go away on its own in a few days, you may need to remove all and start over.
BTW, this is not the Defy’s fault as something underneath the Defy stain created this problem.
I figured it was my technique, just hoping I didn’t have to strip the deck. I usually use Soy Gel for stripping, don’t like chemicals, or should I use another stripper? Perhaps RAD stain would be a better choice, it seems to handle dampness the best. Rain started about 12 hours after I finished Thursday evening and since then we have had 2+ inches of rain. When the sun did come out, the gray spots seemed to get a bit smaller. As we are under a firm time constraint and the weather is not cooperating, would deck paint be an option?
Thank you for your reply/advise!
Give it a few days and possibly the gray spots will go away. If not, the easiest solution would be to cover all with a solid stain.
We have a pine pressure treated deck. Over the years we have replaced rotted/warped boards. How would you suggest preparing and re staining the deck? The deck is about 12 years old, and about 600 sq ft. Thank you
Does it have a previous coating on the wood now? Pictures would help.
Yes. Olympic Semi Transparent
Strip, pressure wash, and possibly sand to remove the Olympic. Brighten all when done. Stain with the Defy Extreme wood stains.
What grit sandpaper should be used?
60-80 grit.
Not sure if my response went through. Just in case, will do it again. Yes it was stained about three years ago with Olympic Semi Transparent Stain. Picture enclosed
After letting my new deck age for 7 months I’m about to clean/brighten/stain using the Defy Wood Cleaner, Brightener and RAD stain products. I live in Northeast Florida. Hot (90s most days and it’s in the 80s by 10am), humid and our deck is in the morning and early afternoon sun. So if temperature is a factor the morning will be the coolest. But we won’t have shade to work in until mid to late afternoon / evening when we also have to contend with sudden thunderstorms. Any advice on what weather conditions and sun vs shade we need to pay attention to?
It is a lot easier to apply in the shade compared to direct stain. Do that if possible. It can take a good rain within about 4 hours.
Can previously painted decks be prepared to accept stain? This deck has not been painted or stained for 10-15 years and has weathered down to the bare wood, though there are a couple or boards that still have residual paint.
I have replaced some of the 2×6 deck planks this year. Is it best to not stain, or, if necessary (ref quest 1) paint these this year?
By the way thank you for such a wonderfully informative site.
We had a 16X20 deck built last June of pressurized wood outside Austin, Texas, so it gets lots of sun and heat. (I have just used the Behr All in One wood cleaner/brightener, and was surprised at how much the wood had discolored in the past year.)
Apparently, the info I was originally given that I should wait a year before staining/sealing was not current, but I would like to make sure I do what I can to protect my investment. I’m looking at either the Defy Extreme or Restore a Deck based on the reviews I’ve seen. We would prefer a natural look. Will the Clear or Natural Pine colors protect the wood as much as say, the Cedartone you used? Also, I think I understand the “wet on wet” application to mean that I wouldn’t need to wait to apply a second coat. Is that correct? Also, would the vertical surfaces need to get a second coat?
Thanks for your help!
Clear has no UV protection but the Natural is tinted and will provide the same UV protection as the Cedar for the most part. When wet on wet, you apply your second coat within about 30 minutes of your first coat. No need for this on verticals as one coat is usually enough.
Thank you! 🙂
Oops! One more question… once I clean the wood, is waiting up to 5 days to stain using either the Defy Extreme or RAD okay?
Yes that is fine.
We built a new pressure treated deck with KDAT lumber. About 2 weeks after completed I used Defy cleaner and brightener then used Defy extreme natural pine stain. Only used one coat since instructions say only one coat on new lumber. Now 3 months later there is mold growing on all surfaces, not too impressed by Defy. What went wrong? I have used Cabot on old deck that we replaced for years and never had a problem with mold.
A couple of things. You stained this wood too early. Defy suggests waiting a few months to season the wood for normal wood and 1-2 months for KDAT wood. As for the mildew, Defy will prevent mildew from growing or feeding on the stain but if it grows on top, there is nothing any brand of deck stain can do to prevent this. In other words, it is impossible for a deck stain or sealer to prevent mildew from growing on top of the stain. If you have this, then it is something part of your environment this year that is causing the problem. Pollen for one is a major contributor to mildew growth on top of a coating.
You could try a product like wet and forget. This would help to prevent or eliminate the growth on top of the stain.
We have a large 60 year old cedar home with a 3tier railed deck. 5 years ago we powerwashed the entire home and stained with Sikkens ProLuxe Translucent Matte in ‘Cedar’ and its weathering great. Now we’d like to vamp up the one note wonder by staining the window trims, decking and railings in a solid stain of contrasting color. Over the last years here, we’ve powerwashed areas of the deck thinking we were just going to stay with the sikkens translucent but have had a change to do trim decking in solid. As well, some of the areas of deck are still 60 years and holding. So in summary, our deck has some 60 year old shiny solid stain that WONT come off, some areas are powerwashed, some are PW and Sikkens stained and our house trim is sikkens stained. Any suggestions for solid stain brand? prep? and also, how long does powerwash last for staining, before having to touch up again? days, weeks? Thanks so much for any advice.
Try Flood Pro Series Solid Stains. Pressure wash for prep.
I have a double level deck that is in real need of preserving. The deck is pressure treated pine, is 13 years old, and has never been stained. It is located on the east side of my home, so the top deck gets sun exposure until around 1 PM, then shade the rest of the day. Because we live in north Georgia, the lower deck is prone to algae growth. We have recently cleaned all surfaces with Olympic deck cleaner and replaced all the top rail boards with new pressure treated pine boards (2 x 6), so it looks pretty decent now except that the upper deck walking surface is pretty grayed out and weathered. We are considering applying Defy extreme water based deck stain in two tones – one tone for all vertical surfaces and a different one for the top rails and all walking surfaces (just to have some contrast). Please provide some advice on our approach.
Yes, you could do that. Maybe Butternut color for the verticals and a lighter tint for the horizontals like the Natural Pine. You will have to be careful of tarping the floor while doing the verticals.
Is Defy Extreme our best water-based option for stain?
That or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.