8.5 Overall Rating Defy Extreme Wood & Deck Stain
Defy Extreme Stain Description
- Defy Extreme uses zinc oxide nano-particle technology for exceptional UV protection, outperforming 90% of other semi-transparent stains tested.
- At the 2-year mark, Defy Extreme scored a 9 out of 10 for preventing UV graying, showing very little fading or color loss.
- Mold, mildew, and algae resistance earned a perfect 10 out of 10, making it one of the strongest water-based stains for fungal protection.
- Coverage runs about 100 square feet per gallon, costing roughly 45 cents per square foot using two coats at $55 per gallon.
- Defy Extreme does not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains and may not be ideal for brand new wood seeking maximum absorption.
- Recoating is straightforward with a light cleaning using Defy Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener, recommended every 24 months depending on sun exposure.
Defy Extreme Wood and Deck Stains are among my top picks for water-based stains. Offering exceptional UV resistance, it penetrates deeply into the wood grain—almost as well as an oil-based semi-transparent stain. Plus, its mold and mildew protection outperforms 90% of other semi-transparent stains, thanks to the nanoparticles of zinc oxide.
Released in 2008, Defy Extreme quickly became the standout product in the Defy stain line. As a water-based formula, it penetrates the wood without forming a film, which is key to its durability. The stain features synthetic resins and nano-particles that reinforce the woodās cellular structure, allowing it to better reflect UV raysāacting like sunscreen to prevent fading and graying.
DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is a water-based, semi-transparent stain designed to provide long-lasting protection with enhanced UV resistance. It uses advanced zinc nano-particle technology to help reduce UV damage and extend the life of the stain.
From my experience restoring decks since 1993, DEFY Extreme is one of the better-performing water-based stains available. While it does not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains, it offers excellent UV protection and better color retention than many traditional penetrating oils.
Overall, DEFY Extreme is a strong option for homeowners who want a balance of durability, color retention, and easier cleanup with a water-based product.
š¹ DEFY Extreme Wood Stain – Quick Verdict
- Best For: Long-lasting color retention and strong UV protection
- Not Ideal For: Maximum penetration into brand new wood
- Type: Water-based semi-transparent stain
- My Overall Rating: 8.5/10
My Take: DEFY Extreme is one of the top-performing water-based stains I have used. It offers excellent UV resistance and color retention while still being relatively easy to maintain. Defy Extreme stands out for UV protection and is featured in our top-rated deck stain comparison guide.
Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (1-10)
Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5
– The initial appearance was a warm rich finish with even natural grain highlights. We were impressed that Defy Extreme Deck Stain did not conceal the wood grain like other water-based stains. Wood surface penetration was outstanding. The Cedartone test color revealed a hint of orange but was tolerable and almost expected for a cedar deck stain tone.
Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark:Ā 9
– Defy Extreme Deck Stain was hands down one of the best we have ever tested at stopping UV graying at the 2-year mark. The formula’s zinc oxide nano-particle additive appeared to help tremendously with UV radiation. Very little wood fading or graying was detected.
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8
–Our 2-year check of wearing was better than average. Some high traffic areas showed minor wear and tear but overall Defy Extreme held up well.
Cost Per Square Foot:Ā 7
– For the 2 coats used on the test deck, we got a spread rate of 100 square feet per gallon. We needed 6 gallons of stain for our 600 square foot deck. At around $55 per gallon for Defy Extreme Wood Stain, it came to .45 cents per square foot.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae:Ā 10
– As a professional-grade water-based stain, Defy Extreme does not encourage stain fungal or mildew growth. A slight area of green algae was detected in a shaded area of the deck but seemed to only be on top of the stained surface. This seemed to be more of an issue of the deck’s location than with the actual stain.
Ease of Application:Ā 8
– Defy Extreme Stain in our opinion was user-friendly and easy to apply. One concern we had was with drying too quickly when applied in direct sunlight during the heat of the day. Defy Extreme was easy to clean up with soap and water.
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years:Ā 9
– As expected due to very little graying and fungal growth Defy Extreme scored well in color shifting. There was no apparent shifting or darkening at the 2-year inspection.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8.5
– Because of very little color shifting and the product penetrating so well Defy Extreme Wood Stain would be easy to recoat. We would suggest a light cleaning using Defy Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener prior to reapplying.
Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period:Ā 8.5
Defy Extreme Stain stands out as an exceptional exterior wood stain, easily surpassing other water-based stains weāve tested. When it comes to eco-friendly, water-based options, Defy Extreme is our top recommendation. Scoring in the top 3 for UV graying prevention, itās a clear winner for long-lasting protection.
Not only did Defy Extreme provide us with a stunning, professional finish, but it also stood up to harsh UV radiation for 2 years, outlasting most other stains on the market. If youāre looking for superior UV protection and a durable, high-quality finish, Defy Extreme is the way to go.
Product Information:
Help or Questions?Ā Defy Extreme Stain
Cost: $55 per Gallon, $269.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type:Ā Semi-Transparent ā Water Based
Available Colors:Ā Cedartone, Natural Pine, Light Walnut, Clear, Butternut, Redwood, Driftwood Gray
Application Temperature:Ā 45-95 F
Coats Required:Ā 2 Coats. āWet on Wetā
Coverage Per Gallon:Ā 100-150 sq. ft
Application Tools:Ā Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time:Ā 2-4 Hours
Cleanup:Ā Water
VOC Compliant:Ā 250 Compliant in all States
More Info:Ā Product Data
Manufacturer:Ā Saver Systems
Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type:Ā Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage:Ā 600 Square feet
UV Exposure:Ā 80% Full Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used:Ā Cedartone
*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
Defy Wood Stain Photos
Defy Extreme Stain Video Review
š¹ DEFY Extreme Wood Stain – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent UV protection compared to most stains
- Strong color retention over time
- Water-based formula for easy cleanup
- Performs well in full sun exposure
- Good durability when properly maintained
Cons
- Does not penetrate as deeply as oil-based stains
- Requires proper prep for best results
- Can sit slightly more on the surface compared to oils
- May require more attention during application
š¹ Best Wood Types for DEFY Extreme
- Cedar: Excellent color and protection
- Pressure Treated Pine: Strong performance and durability
- Redwood: Good balance of appearance and longevity
Not Ideal For:
- Brand New WoodĀ ā oils may penetrate better
š See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
š¹ Application Tips
- Apply to properly cleaned and prepped wood
- Apply thin, even coats
- Back-brush for best consistency
- Do not over-apply
š How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
š How to Stain a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck/
š¹ Maintenance & Recoat Tips
DEFY Extreme offers good durability but still benefits from regular maintenance.
- Recoat every 24 months depending on exposure for decking
- Clean and brighten before reapplying
- Apply maintenance coats before full fade
- Monitor high-traffic or high-sun areas
From my experience, DEFY Extreme holds color better than most stains but still requires maintenance to keep it looking consistent.
š Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
š¹ Who Should Use DEFY Extreme?
You should consider DEFY Extreme if:
- You want strong UV protection
- Your deck is in full sun exposure
- You prefer a water-based stain
- You want longer-lasting color retention
You may want to consider other options if:
- You want maximum penetration into new wood
- You prefer an oil-based stain
š Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
š¹ DEFY Extreme Wood Stain – FAQs
Is DEFY Extreme a penetrating stain?
It is a water-based stain that penetrates well, but not as deeply as oil-based stains.
Does DEFY Extreme peel or flake?
No, when applied correctly it wears naturally without peeling.
How long does DEFY Extreme last?
Typically 24 months depending on exposure and maintenance.
Does DEFY Extreme fade?
It resists fading better than most stains due to its UV protection technology.
Can DEFY Extreme be reapplied easily?
Yes, with proper cleaning and prep it is relatively easy to maintain.
Is DEFY Extreme good for full sun decks?
Yes, it is one of the better options for decks exposed to high UV conditions.
š¹ DEFY Extreme Wood Stain – Final Thoughts
DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is one of the better-performing water-based stains available, offering excellent UV protection and strong color retention. It stands out from many competitors due to its ability to hold up well in full sun exposure.
From my hands-on experience, DEFY Extreme is a great choice for homeowners who want a durable, long-lasting stain without the drawbacks of heavy surface coatings.
If you are looking for a water-based stain that performs well and holds its color, DEFY Extreme is one of the top options available.
Hi, we used Defy to stain our new deck and finished 2 days ago. It had to be done in sections due to the size. Because of that we are noticing the 2nd portion of deck to be noticeably lighter. We are not able to get a 3rd coat on for another week. Is a light washing of the deck enough prep? TIA
John
You cannot apply a third coat of Defy at this point.. It will not penetrate correctly.
More stain is not better when it comes to penetrating stains. Over-application can lead to drying issues and premature stain failure.
Hello, I used the Defy semi transparent stain to stain our deck 2 years ago. 2 coats. The stain was easy to work with and I like how it looked when it was finished.
Two of the planks have developped grayish-white streaks, which I think has to do with the wood not the stain.
My question: is it advisable and /or possible to put a refresher coat on the deck only 2 years after the original one?
Or is it better to simply give the deck a good cleaning to give it a refreshed look that way?
Thank you!
Krista
You should clean it first and then apply a maintenance coat.
Hi,
Based on research (and in large part, this review) we chose to use this product on our new ipe deck as it appeared to have very good penetration on that wood (where other products struggle), as well as what seems like should be generally excellent performance.
So, about the job…
The ipe we stained is new but we left it out to weather enough months that it greyed. I believe it was “seasoned” enough to accept stain readily.
Before staining, we used the 2 step prep (Defy Cleaner & Brightener), per manufacturer recommendation.
It is worth mentioning that we did, however, get interrupted after the initial prep with some drizzles (not a full rain) and ended up applying the stain about 2-3 days later.
We put on 2 coats āwet-on-wet.ā (5gal Light Walnut mixed with 1gal Cedartone)
At first it looked great…although, it did seem to take several days to feel dry, which was a bit worrisome. It really did look nice.
Shortly thereafter, we started experiencing some very rapidly spreading “black dotting” .. that looks like mildew. We are on a canyon (in San Diego), and do get a ton of surface moisture on it with the morning dew every day … The stain also began to feel a little tacky again for a day or two at some point during this transformation for the worse.
I attached a couple pics.
You may also notice that we are using “Dexerdry” joist gutter (what appears to be extruded butyl…but basically a 2-sided T-molding that makes the deck act as a roof/gutter)…which could definitely impact airflow around the boards and cure time/moisture retention.
That said, I assume this is a problem that appears on normal jobs without Dexerdry .. and I assume has to do with something like moisture, contamination and/or perhaps saturation?
Where did we go wrong?
Perhaps we should have applied it immediately after cleaning AND only used a single coat?
How do we best correct this?
Do we just, essentially, start over and use the 2-step Cleaner/Brightener again then follow up with a single coat of stain?
Or do we need to get more aggressive?
It might be rust and it turns black when water gets on it. Rust can happen when metal pieces get in the wood. Strip it off and then Brighent the wood. Reapply one coat of stain. The Brightener will remove the rust spots. You will need a pressure washer when stripping.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/remove-rust-black-stains-from-deck/
it’s all new construction- i don’t think there are any ferrous metal sources nearby?
you donāt think itās mildew?
Probably not mildew but if it was, you would still need to do the same prep.
Definitely need a pressure washer?
Yes.
I am laying down a new kiln dried cedar porch floor (covered under roof). Do I need to do any prep other than power washing before applying Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain? Thanks!
Yes, weather for 1-2 months for kiln dried and then prep with a Wood Cleaner and then a Wood Brightener.
if I have a new unstained PT deck that I installed 9 months ago, do I need to use cleaner/brightener on the wood before applying the stain or just a simple clean/hose down is enough?
Use the prep products:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I live in the Pacific Northwest.I’m looking for an semi transparent or opaque deep penatrating oil fence stain in black or something similar to black. Recommendations please.
There are not any black semi-transparent that we know of. There are some very dark browns. Look at Charcoal color in the TWP semi-solid line: https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
Scott, thank you for your wonderfully detailed and thorough site. It’s the best one out there. I am trying to figure out how to best care for my red cedar Adirondack chairs and am considering using Defy Extreme. My understanding is that not all deck sealers are safe for use on furniture, but this one appears to be. Your review of it has me thinking it might be a good fit for me.
The chairs in question were originally coated in Ready Seal by the woodworker who made them, then allowed to weather naturally on our patio for about 8 years. I recently decided I wanted to freshen them up and try to maintain a newer/non-grayed look. My first step was to apply Behr All-in-One Wood Cleaner and scrub with a brush to remove the gray. This was pretty successful. I believe the Ready Seal is pretty well gone just as a result of time and weather except where the chairs were protected from sun and the elements by pillows (see example photo showing a very small amount of stain remnant where each pillow had been). I plan to do a light sanding, as well, to remove fuzz. At this point, will the chairs be “good enough” that I can move forward with a water-based stain like Defy Extreme, or do I need to go back with a stripper to get that tiny amount of old Ready Seal off? Should I brighten first, as you would do for a deck? And, in general, do you think Defy Extreme is a good choice for this project? Many thanks.
Prep looks good to stain and the Defy Extreme or the Restore A Deck Stains would work well.
Thanks so much for your response. I’ll be back reading your reviews next time we stain our deck, as well!
Hi, I have a house with western red cedar siding. The walls are clapboard and the gable ends are cedar shake. When I installed the clapboard I installed it rough side out, as I liked the look but now in retrospect I realize it probably holds a lot of pollen and other mold/mildew causing particles in those nooks and crannies.
I built the house in 2009 and I stained it with Cabot pacific redwood oil based stain. 3 out of 4 sides have not been re-stained, only the side that faces west and receives sun has been re-stained approx 5 years ago with the same product. The house has darkened considerably (it looks brown) and I would like to get it back to a cedar tone and use a cedar color stain instead of the redwood color used previously.
My thought is to sand to bare wood with 80 grit paper on my random orbit palm sander then brush on the new product. I’m looking at the defy extreme in cedar tone. I have had black mold/mildew issues on the shady sides and it seems this product will help. Also I have seen you mention it helps prevent darkening of the wood as others do not.
Anyhow my questions are:
1- once I sand, do I need any treatment before staining?
2- since this is āoldā wood, do I use the wet on wet method?
Anything else you are aware of and would like to mention?
This is a large project and would like to enjoy the results for many years to come.
Thanks,
Bill in CT
It will be a lot easier to strip it off compared to sanding it all off.
1. Do a final clean and brighten if sanding.
2. Depends on the stain brand but yes if using Defy.
Might want to consider the Restore A Deck Stain as well.
What product do you recommend to strip the old oil base Cabot? Is the stripper a spray on with a pump sprayer, let sit then pressure wash off?
I have not looked at the restore a deck product line but I sure will.
Use the RAD Stripper with both additives. Apply with a pump sprayer and pressure wash off. RAD Brightener last:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Ok I believe I will strip with RAD stripper + 2 additives, then RAD Brightener, then RAD semi transparent color to be determined. I do like how the stain can be applied to damp surfaces, 2-4hrs after doing the stripper/Brightener. Also it seems the rad prevents darkening and mildew better than the Defy.
As I’ve been researching the last couple hrs since my last post here it seems like for sidewalls one coat is enough? The wet on wet method is more for horizontal surfaces like deck boards? How do you feel about that?
It really depends on how dry and absorbent your wood is. You are borderline based on your pics if two coats will be needed or not.
Ok thanks for the responses. I will try the wet/wet method in a inconspicuous area to see if it takes it or not.
Pictures of siding for reference
After applying the Defy stain there is Uneven color on the deck floor that has old and new wood. Will it eventually blend as the wood weathers?
No, it is not possible to blend new and old wood the first time staining.
I have a pergola that is western red cedar. Should I use Defy Extreme or Defy Extreme Hardwoods? The defystain.com mentions using Hardwoods for cedar.
We use the Defy Extreme for vertical wood.
We used a tongue and groove pine for our siding on our new house, siding was installed last year and was coated with Sherwin Williams Super Deck sealer after install. Very disappointed to have black marks in my siding and need to do something about it this year. What are our best options to seal it to prevent this from happeningagain? Likely even after cleaning I assume there will likely be some staining I won’t be able to remove so looking at a semi transparent stain/sealer. The Defy products seam like a great option, thoughts for this application?
You have to fully remove the Super Seck first. No other stain can go over it. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper while pressure washing and the Restore A Deck Brightener.
Once removed, use a better brand that does not darken or turn black. The Defy Extreme would work very well.
Ok, thank you for the response. The Super deck didn’t darken the wood, but it didn’t seal it and it allowed our heavily weathered side to mildew (get black spots). How often does the Defy Extreme need to be re-done? When it needs to be re-done does the old have to be stripped and brightened each time? Thank you
Redo the Defy Extreme on a house about every 4-7 years. Just clean and recoat of using the same brand and color.
Would it hurt to. Sand my screen doors and outside walls before ??
Possibly could hinder the stain from soaking in of sanded too fine.
Instructions for applying defy water based, semi transparent deck stain to a newly installed pine deck with wood that’s been pressure treated 4-6 months ago. Time between first and second coats.
Clean and brighten for prep. Only one coat for new wood. Apply with brush or stain pad.
Why only one coat on new pine?
New wood is not porous enough to accept two coats to soak in correctly.
Still have a question regarding refinishing an IPE wood deck:
Used FLOOD CWF Hardwoods color “cedar” for past 3 years. Now it’s discontinued and PPG telling me to use CWF–Oil in the cedar color. The IPE manufacturer says oil based products hasten mold and I have experienced this in the past when using Penofin so switched to water based.
Defy Extreme for Hardwoods is water based and comes in color “Cedar.” But, it probably won’t match FLOOD’s cedar color? What to do?
Please help! Do I have to sand everything off to move to the Extreme Product? Or, if I opt to move to FLOOD’s oil product can that go over the existing product which is water based?
We have already answered your questions a few times.
No, still had the question on whether I can switch from water based FLOOD to oil; based FLOOD and what prep that would involve?
Strip and brighten for prep when switching brands or type of stain.
Is sanding off the old finish required?
Sand and or strip.
EFC-38 and Citralic sufficient in place of sanding?
Has anyone tested the Defy Extreme Wood Stain on IPE?
It is not designed for hardwoods, use the Defy Hardwood version.
Has anyone used it on IPE? I have usedFLOOD CWF Hardwoods, color “Cedar” which this year I discover is discontinued so now what do I do? Will I have to sand off the entire finish before applying a new product because I have no idea of this “cedar” will match the FLOOD CWF cedar?
You have to remove the Flood no matter what when switching brands. You cannot use the Extreme on hardwoods, use the Defy Hardwood.
I was using CWF for Hardwoods for past three years (sealing every year) and now PPG has discontinued and are telling me to move to CWF–Oil in same color. I was advised not to use oil because it hastens mold and I’ve experienced this. What can I use now? How to color match? Am I stuck resending everything off and starting square one?
This deck is about 20 years old and was made good and strong. The previous owner but Behr paint on it and said it peeled every year so they gave up on it. All they ever did was change the boards when needed with pressure treated wood.. So now that I have stripped all the old paint off and sanded everything down. I need to stain and waterproof it but I’m not sure what to use. What would you recommend?
The Defy Extreme would work well. Make sure to clean and brighten the wood for final prep so the stain can penetrate deeper.
I have a deck with pretreated cedar wood . We have never stained it yet and it was put up about 6-7 years ago. It is in good shape -just needs cleaned and lightly sanded perhaps . What brand and type of stain do you recommend to bring out the natural cedar colour . Thanks
The Defy Extreme in Natural Pine color would work.
I am purchasing polyurethane viga tails for a SW style home we are building. Do you think this product would work? The manufacturers of the viga tails recommendation was to use a water based exterior stain with a water based sealer. I was hoping maybe this deck stain would work.
No, it will not work.
You would have to ask them but they are not the same product.
Is one coat of Defy Extreme enough on a 10 year old cedar fence that has been prepped to the original wood?
I love the results of the two coats of Natural Pine stain on our deck.
No, you will need two coats.
Is there a good one coat stain that is comparable to Defi Extreme?
No, not in a one coat.
We last stained our cedar sided house with Thompson’s water seal deck & house semi transparent oil based stain in2008. On the shaded areas there was a lot of black what I think would be mildew. We used arm and hammer oxiclean to clean the siding. Also scrubbed some and used a power washer. Wow, what a difference that made. My question is now that it’s power washed can we use defy extreme semi transparent stain to restrain it now? I don’t want to see mildew ever again. Thanks.
If you still have old stain on the wood then you need to strip/brighten it if you want to use the Defy as you cannot apply it over the Thompsons. Defy works great for preventing mildew.
I’ve had Sikkens on my wood deck for years, if I sand it completely, can I use Defy to coat it now?
If you remove all, yes.
Where can I find a retailer in or around Moncton, NB?
No dealers in Canada. Check online.
How many coats of Defy stain should I use for a pressure treated deck that is about a year old and has never previously been stained?
1 coat.
Hello, I’m pretty new at this… I’ll be staining my deck for the first time. When the application says “wet on wet”, what exactly does this mean?
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
Defy deck stain instructions state not to apply it in direct sunlight. Does this mean that the wood stain should not experience any sunlight until the product dries? I have read multiple comments in this forum about the impact of sunlight to the product and would like for someone to clarify this for me?
We have a brand new article on this subject. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/applying-a-deck-stain-in-full-sun/
You want to avoid the really hot part of the day when applying only. Does not matter later on.
What’s the process of the restore a deck product? I have an older weathered deck that was previously stained with solid Olympic. Total garbage. Should I sand first? Then use the stripper and brightener? Or vice versa?
You will need to power sand off a solid stain. Clean and brighten after it is fully removed.
After reading this website throroughly last year, I decided on Defy Deck Stain for a 5 year old PT deck that had not ever been previously stained (and don’t know about cleaned, as we only owned home 2 years). We used the recommended “Restore A Deck” two step (cleaner, and brightner). It comes in a powder, so super handy & doesn’t take up space to store it. Was easy enough to use, used as directed (sprayed on w/gallon sprayer), etc. This cleaned & brightened our deck, I was VERY surprised how clean and bright it looked. (never used a pressure washer, as this is NOT suggested).
We stained the deck a full week later, and it was dry, no rain, optimal temps, etc. We used the Defy stain. It is very thick, and I used a brush on the entire deck. It went on smooth, even, and penetrated nicely. Was very pleased with the results. HOWEVER, on the portion of the deck that receives sun 2/3rds of the day, the horizontal surfaces (deck boards), did not fair well. They were showing signs of the stain as disappearing, or removed, like it was āmissedā (I applied two coats as directed on the boards). This was unacceptable for the price I paid for that stain. All vertical areas were fine, and still are a year later, but not a good stain for the deck boards. My Cabot semi-transparent faired MUCH better on another deck I have, and that lasted 3 years on the deck boards without showing any wear, and that deck receives longer full sun than the deck where I used Defy.
Perhaps I will try a different stain, Cutek extreme or Sansin Dec Enviro Stain. OR, cabot timber oil or semi-transparent……
The Restore A Deck is highly recommended, though. You have to do an extra step with this because it comes in powder form, so you have to mix it, but it’s super handy, is in powder, so you can buy it, mix what you need, and save the rest for a later date, won’t take up any space in garage cuz it’s not a can. It was very easy to use, and produced the best results of any cleaner and brightener I’ve ever used.
Hello,
Glad the Restore A Deck Prep worked well for you! Not sure what happened with the Defy on the floors as this is not normal. Some fading but it should not “disappear”. Sounds like it did not take fully into the wood for some reason. I would contact Defy for some assistance with this.
With this product, should we use 1 coat or 2 coats for rough sewn “new” wood? It’s Redwood. Thanks!
Just one coat.
I have a two level deck thats around 1,800 sq ft plus railings made of cedar with knots. It is 16 years old and has been cleaned and stained every 2-3 years. I prep first by power washing, then apply deck cleaner then a brightner. I have used both water and oil based over the years. The last two applications I used DEFY epoxy type and had trouble getting the second wet coat to absorb as there is no shade on the deck. The stain was tacky for the entire summer and peeling and the wear was worse than any product I have used before. Also worth mentioning is the vertical portions (railings and step risers) still look great.I have some rotting on the boards ( 15 -12 footers )and am replacing them in the infected areas. Do I have to wait till next season to stain so they can weather? Next, I am not a fan of the 2nd wet coat due to sun exposure I have.What brand and type of stain would you recommend this time around.
Thank You in advance
Kevin
Have you been stripping off the old coatings down to the bare wood when switching the brands of stain? Make sure to do this and you will have much better results. Once removed, try Armstrong Clark wood stains. For the new boards, yes you should let them weather.
I noticed the websites for Defy and TWP are practically identical. They must be the same company as the contact addresses are the same. They are both highly rated on this site, but is one brand superior over the other or are they simply the same product with different packaging? What gives?
Those are not manufacturer sites but online retail sites. They are both completely different brands and manufacturers.
HI –
I just used Defy wood cleaner and brightener on my 7 month old redwood fence in preparation for using defy wood stain. The fence is drying now and looks completely āwashed outā or gray without hardly any color. Almost like it was bleached. Is this normal and will the stain bring back the redwood color? The attached pic shows the fence area on the left that was cleaned/brightened and on the right is untreated. Thanks for your help in advance.
Yes it is normal and the stain will bring back the color.
I have a red cedar deck thats three years old and was initially stained with thompsons water seal which has now almost completely worn off. If i sand the deck down would this be considered ‘new wood’ and have to be left to weather before applying more stain? I want to sand as opposed to strip/clean because quite a few of the boards are rough and my toddlers are getting slivers. Thoughts? Thanks.
If you sand, you should do a final prep with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener. This will help the new stain to soak in deeper.
I have a treated pine deck 40% covered with a roof, 60% in the sun. Part of the deck is only 2 yrs old, the remainder 7 yrs old. I’ve been using Sherwin Williams SuperDeck semi-transparent (oil-based). The sun area, of course, gets weathered a lot while the covered area holds up well.
I have a couple of questions:
(1) Iāve heard that solid colors hold up better in the sun than semi-transparent. Does Defy Extreme offer solid colors?
(2) Iāve heard that water based stains are less likely to attract mildew, so Iām considering going to your Defy Extreme. If I use Defy Extreme will I have to strip off the existing stain (which has been on the wood 2 years)
1, Defy does not make a solid color. Solid color stains will be prone to peeling.
2. Yes you have to strip off the Super Deck. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper Kits. It will come of easily.
Thank you. Now that you mentioned it I noticed tha peeling once before.
I had my deck pressure washed and stained with Penofin blue label about 8 months ago. It has attracted dirt and green algae like a magnet and worst of all, where the deck got the most sun exposure, it turned the deck black. I applied deck cleaners and I pressure washed the main deck and was left with a black strip where the deck got the most sun. It won’t come out. How do I get rid of it? I’m thinking about applying Defy extreme in a darker shade. Should I apply on top of the black stain? Or is there something that will remove the black? I’d love to go with a semi transparent stain as opposed to just paint the deck solid. I’m in Oregon, south of Portland. Thank you
Penofin is known to turn black and it has to come off when switching brands. Good news is that it can be stripped off fairly easy with the correct product. Use the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper and pressure washer to remove. Use the wood brightener after.
Once removed, you can use any stain brand that you like.
I stained my deck with this product in September 2017 after leaving my new deck weather for a little more than a year and following proper cleaning and brightening before applying stain… I am now noticing that in some small spots that the stain has completely worn off…hopefully this is visible in photo. It doesn’t look at this moment its peeling as the board is smooth to the touch but wondering if this is fixable.
Looks like it never soaked in fully in those spots. Maybe over applied somewhat? We would spot touch up these area by lightly sanding and applying a light coat to all of the railing top.
I have a new Alaska Yellow Cedar deck that is partially in the shade in rainy Northwestern Washington state near the Canadian border. I tore down the 20 year old pressure-treated deck that was in the exact same location. The oil-based stain used on the old deck had a lot of dark mold issues. AYC is supposed to be pretty rot resistant, but it’s still going to be wet and in the shade a lot. Do you think Defy would be a good product for this deck?
Thank you
Yes it should work well for this.
Is Defy Extreme stain a semi-transparent? Is it OK to use on T1-11 siding? Can the stain be applied immediately have installation or do we need to wait until the siding is weathered? Thank you!
Yes it is a semi-transparent and yes it can be used on T-11. If the wood is smooth, you will need to let it weather and be prepped before appplying.
I want to buy defy extreme wood stain for my deck and fence I bought a house and it is a year old but I do not have no how to apply it on a fence can you give a suggestion
Always prep the wood first. Spray on the Defy with a pump sprayer and then back brush any drips and to ensure it is eveny applied.
Can I use Defy Extreme Stain on a composite deck?
Don’t think so. I would ask them to make sure.
Hi, how easy/difficult would it be to apply readyseal over defy extreme the next time around, or the other way around?
You cannot apply a stain of a different brand over top the Defy or vice versa. When switching brands, you will need to remove the previous coating first.
Thanks I am just trying to figure out how much trouble it will be should I decide to switch brands down the road. I appreciate your responses.
1. Will using a stripper solvent be sufficient to remove the previous coating for either brand?
2. Is removing the old coating still necessary if applying a different oil based stain over ready seal?
3. How abou if applying a different water based stain over Defy.
1. Most likely.
2. Yes
3. Still need to remove.
Thanks again!
Can a 3rd coat of Defy be applied if within 10 days of first 2 coats?
No. Too much stain and it will not soak in. Plus it has already cured.
Trying to figure out amount I need to stain a new deck. It says 6 gallons did 2 coats on a 600 SF deck at 100SF per gallon. Wouldn’t 2 coats require 12 gallons at that rate?
Are you stating only 1coat on a new deck and reapply in a year or so? Know of any local stores in Ohio that sell this? Would hate to run out mid project. Thanks!
6 gallons will cover 600 sq feet for 2 coats. Only 1 coat for new wood. Reapply a light coat the folloing season. Every 2-3 years after.
How does the Defy Extreme Wood Stain compare to Defy Water-Repellent Wood Stain for a deck that is 3/4ths covered? I started to order the former, and then realized there is a Water-Repellent formulation available. Please advise.
Use the Defy Extreme.
Can I use Defy semi-transparent stain on deck that had Thompson Water Sealant applied 18 months ago — hoping I can clean and apply Defy without doing any sanding.
You will need to strip off the Thompsons and then brighten the wood for the prep first.
Please clarify a bit further. My 5 year old deck has been treated with Thompson Clear Water Sealant in years past, with NO stain ever applied. Before using a higher quality product like Defy, do I have to strip the Thompson sealant off? If so, can this be done adequately with a pressure washer? Lastly, what is your brand recommendation if I want to apply semi-transparent or transparent stain via sprayer?
Yes you need to strip off the Thompsons and you will need to use a stain stripper and then brighten the wood. The Defy extreme can be sprayed.
I am currently in the process of building cedar shutters for our home. I’m debating between the Defy Extreme, because of its mold preventing properties ( as it will not be easy for me to clean and reapply once hung), and the Woodrich Timber oil because of its ability to go on new wood. I am wondering, can I use the Defy Extreme on new wood, or will I need to remove the mill glaze before hand? Does the Timber Oil hold up against mold issues? Not really looking forward to prepping 18 shutters before hand.
I have usd TWP on our cedar fence and do have some mold issues, although it seems that it is only on the surface and cleans off easily. Again, it will be difficult to clean the shutters once they are hung and would like something long lasting.
Thanks for any suggestions!
With the Extreme, you should weather for a few months and then clean and brighten the wood for the prep. The TO does pretty well with mold prevention.
I recently bought a house and would like to stain the deck. It has been stained before but I am not sure what was used and I am not sure what type of stain I can now use. Attached are two pictures of my deck. One is a picture when dry and one when wet. From these pictures, can you tell me what type of stains that I can use?
You cannot apply a semi-trans stain like the Defy on top of this old coating. It must be stripped or sanded off fully first.
I have a 1 yr old cedar deck in Minnesota that gets full southern exposure with no shade. It was covered with 1 coat of Cabot satin Spar Varnish (we didn’t know any better at the time) prior to installation last year and the clear finish is now peeling and the boards are an ugly gray. I hope to get the beauty of the cedar back again! I want to refinish the deck with a stain that will enhance the cedar’s natural beauty and NOT gray. Debating between Defy Extreme and TWP 100 series…any suggestions on how to get the gray away and which stain would give me the richest cedar color and protect from graying given my sun/cold exposure? Also, recommendations on the best products to use for getting rid of the Cabot varnish and prepping for the stain? Thanks
Best is to sand off the Spar Varnish as penetrating stains cannot be applied over this. Stain strippers will not remove the varnish.
Both stains would work well for this as long as the prep is done correctly.
Wasn’t able to do a second coat at initial time of application. It’s going to rain a few days before I’ll get the chance. Do I need to go through the same cleaning / brightening process, or since we’re only talking about a week or two am I good to just clean off debris and apply?
Too late now. Best to wait 6-12 months, do the prep and apply another coat then.
My first comment is it’s not as east to put down as they claim. a roller didn’t do much. I ended up using a brush between all the cracks and dents and most of the wood. . I had cleaned my 3 year old deck, and used all products Behr recommended on the can and pressure washed it and let it dry for two days. and got all the advice from home depot and followed it to the letter. I did the two coat and it came out sooo nice looking. in summer it was too hot for my Chihuahuas to walk on in the direct sun. I put carpets where they would walk to the grass. my BIGGEST disappointment was a year later when all the weather changed. peeling, everywhere. what a mess. I think the only fix is to take all the boards up and replace them or turn them over. It did look so nice that first summer but didn’t make the second summer.
I just cleaned, brightened, and stained my 10 year old deck with defy cleaner, brightener, and extreme stain (redwood). I did two coats (wet on wet) pretty quickly in the late evening (I have twin infants at home so time do house projects is limited) and didn’t get good coverage on some areas once the stain dried and i was able to look at the deck with proper lightening.
Can i go over those lighter areas that didn’t good coverage with a 3rd coat 4-5 days later? Just want to double check and not do something that could make it worse. I’m just not very happy with the look of some lighter spots, so hoping to remedy without too much effort.
No, you cannot add more now. The stain has already set. Adding more and it may not adhere or soak in.
I have a new PT 14’x20′ deck. I have let it dry out for a year and I have sanded it with 60grit and cleaned it with Behr Deck Cleaner and now I am ready to stain it. I live in Western MA so it will get sun and snow. Half the deck is covered by a pergola with a roof. So, I am very frustrated in my research in trying to find a good deck stain for my deck. What is your recommendation for a new PT deck? Oil or water base?
Thanks gary
Either would work as long as your stain absorbs into the wood. Defy Extreme is a penetrating water based stain when prepped and applied correctly.
Hi Gary,
I am frustrated too with the stain market. Consumer Reports has failed to test many stains, especially any online only products. I live in eastern NYS, near Albany and have an old PT deck and natural cedar verticals. The deck is beat. I used Cabot stain 2X on a previous house deckā¦first time great, second time, terrible. They had to switch to the low VOC and I was forced to buy a water-borne oil product.
What did you decide to do? I’m torn between going with an unknown online stain product such as TWP or Defy and going to a local hardware store and getting what everyone else buys. I’m also torn between buying TWP (oil) and Defy (latex). My experience with latex is negative- within ONE year I had worn areas that showed through to the bare wood on the deck surface!
Thanks.
I stripped and neutralized deck. Powerwashed after both applications.. Not good enough so Sanded it.. 100% of the old stain(s) are off. Bare wood. Do I do 1 or 2 coats? And…. how long after sanding can I wait… very hot weather in the forecast. Wood is high quality western red cedar.
Rinse well with water after the sanding. Wait 48 hours to stain. 2 light coats applied wet on wet.
I see two conflicting statements about how many coats to use. We have just finished building our flat deck by a pool. We would like to use the Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain and Defy says 2 coats. However I’ve read somewhere on your site that one coat that soaks in well is enough to prevent it coating the top like paint. Any clarification you can give me would be helpful! Thanks!
Defy states only 1 coat for new wood and you should weather and prep first before applying.
We followed Defy’s instructions for wet on we application. The stain coated the top like paint and washed off over the winter. We are going to strip and use TWP, which in my experience never had these issues. We live in the Pacific Northwest. I’m not sure where you live, but by a pool makes me think that it would be much the same result as in our rainy climate. Good luck with your decision.
Where can I buy Defy Extreme Stain in Birmingham AL?
Not sure. Contact manufacturer for assistance or buy online.
I am replacing old painted white cedar fence panels with new ones. Can I use an airless sprayer to apply? Also, how long should I wait and what prep do I need to do before applying Defy Extreme?
Wait about 3 months and clean and brighten for the prep. Defy can be sprayed on.
Many thanks
I used Ready Seal last year and was considering switching to the Defy Extreme for longer UV protection. Is the Defy similar to the Ready Seal in that it shows the wood and does not cover it like a paint? I would like a brown color for my deck in Texas.. Thanks
The Defy Extreme is a penetrating semi-transparent. It will show the wood grain and not mask it like a paint or solid stain will. The Butternut color is a medium brown color.