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Defy Deck Stains

Defy Extreme Wood Stain Review 2014

Defy Extreme Stain Review

Important Note: This is our 2nd Review of Defy Extreme Wood Stain. Our first review of the Defy Extreme Stain was started in 2009 and completed in 2011. See Here for First Review: Defy Extreme Stain Review

DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is a synthetic-resin, semi-transparent wood stain formulated using state of the art Nano-Technology to create a level of durability that has simply not been available in a wood stain finish in the past. Extreme Wood Stain is the newest member of the DEFY line of wood products and their most innovative high-performance product yet.

*Note: Defy Extreme is replacing the Defy Epoxy after 2014. The main difference between the two is the Extreme contains zinc oxide nano particles. According to the manufacturer, this gives added UV protection and mold prevention.

Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

Defy Extreme Stain is a semi-transparent stain that seems closer to a transparent in that it does not mask the wood grain but rather highlights the natural tones. We used the Light Walnut color for our test deck. The Light Walnut is not a brown color but rather a reddish brown color. The customer was happy with the appearance but if you are looking for a brown, then try their newer Butternut.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9

The Defy Extreme offers excellent resistance to UV fading. Testing over the two years showed very little color loss on the vertical railings. The horizontal flooring should very good color retention as well. The Extreme contains zinc oxide nano particles. These particles seem to offer an additional layer of UV filtering.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7.5

For a semi-transparent water based decking stain, the Defy Extreme is excellent at diving deep into the wood grain. We have used and seen numerous water-based acrylic stains and the Defy Extreme penetrates the wood grain better than the others. Very close to the penetration abilities of an oil based stain. Some wearing around table chairs and wood knots was noticeable otherwise, the stain was very intact.

Take note that we do not use the Defy Extreme on brand new wood. If you want to use it on your new deck, it is best to wait a few months. The Extreme will penetrate better if you do.

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Defy Hardwood Stain Review 2014

Defy Stain for Hardwoods Review

Important Note: This is our 2nd Review of Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods. Our first review of the Defy Hardwood Stain was started in 2010 and completed in 2011.

See Here for First Review: Defy Hardwood Stain Review

DEFY Deck Stain for Hardwoods is formulated with smaller resins that penetrate hardwoods, or oily softwoods better. If you’re looking for the best stain for cedar decks in a water-based product, then look no further. DEFY Deck Stain for Hardwoods is a synthetic, semi-transparent deck sealer specifically formulated for use on Teak, IPE, Mahogany, Tigerwoods, and other exotic hardwoods.

Defy Hardwood Stain should also be considered for oil-rich woods such as Cedar and Redwood, offering better penetration for these wood types.

Important Note: Testing for Exotic Hardwood Deck Stains

Exotic hardwoods such as IPE are extremely dense and difficult to penetrate. These wood types, when stained will always fade faster the other woods such as Cedar, Redwood, and Pine. Testing will be changed to 1 year instead of 2 years for exotic hardwoods.

Defy Stain for Hardwood Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

For the IPE wood, the customer wanted a reddish brown color to enhance the grain. Best color for this is the Light Walnut. The Defy Hardwood did an excellent job of enhancing the grain. It did not film or “cover” the wood grain showing 100% of the natural color tones.

Preventing UV Graying at 1 Year Mark: 7

For Exotic wood stains, we only test for 1 year. The Defy Hardwood Stain retained about 70% of the original color after the full year. It had faded but no graying of the IPE was visible.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7.5

The Defy Hardwood does a very good job of penetrating exotic woods. No filming was noticed when completed and the wearing was acceptable after the year. There was some visible wearing on the steps.

Make sure that if you use the Defy Hardwood on IPE that you apply only one coat. Too much stain and it will not absorb leading to an increased chance of wear/tear. We learned this from past experience when treating exotic hardwoods.

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Defy Epoxy Stain Review 2013

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain

Discontinued and Replaced with Defy Extreme Stain

Important Note: This is Our 2nd Review of Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. Our first review of the Defy Epoxy Stain was started in 2007 and completed in 2009. See Here for First Review: Defy Epoxy Stain Review

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain is a specially formulated semi-transparent exterior wood stain that helps resist water damage, UV fading, and fungi. Its VOC compliant epoxy resin penetrates wood pores to lock out moisture and provide excellent protection from the elements.

Defy Stains are one of the few water-based stains that actually seem to penetrate into the wood properly. This allows for better wearing.

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

– Defy Epoxy in Cedartone is a rich caramel color. Typical of most cedar stain colors, the Defy Epoxy highlighted the wood grain with a golden/orangish tone. It was a little more on the orange side than other brands. We personally like their Natural Pine color better but used the Cedartone at the customer’s request.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8

– UV discoloration after 2 years had faded at about 20% of the original color. The color actually looked better (less orange) then it did when first applied.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8

– We noticed a little wearing of the deck in the high traffic areas and around the table. The majority of the deck had the stain intact.

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Defy Extreme Stain Review

Defy Extreme Wood and Deck Stain Update 2017

We find that the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be the best performing water-based deck stain 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 30-50 deck restorations every year in the Midwest and is one of our go-to brands.

Defy Extreme Deck Stain Rating Defy Extreme Stain was introduced in 2008 as the newest member of the Defy Stain family. Defy Extreme Deck Stain in 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 nano particles .

Defy Extreme Deck Stain Scores (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. 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 nano particles seemed to help drastically with the Ultra Violet 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.

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Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain Review

Defy Extreme Wood Stain

Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain is the premier “crystal clear” decking finish on the market. The Defy Extreme Clear utilizes nano particles of zinc oxide into their formula. This is the same product that is used in sunscreen. These zinc oxide particles filter the UV radiation from the sun, prolonging the oxidation (graying) of the wood cells.

We tested the Defy Extreme on a wooden fence. Decking surfaces may have slightly different results.

*Note: Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain is an “untinted” version of the Defy Extreme Stain. Clear wood deck stains traditionally will not last as long as a stain that has a tint when it comes to preventing UV graying.

Defy Extreme Clear Wood Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9

– Defy Extreme Clear Stain did not change the appearance of the wood at all after drying. The Defy extreme Clear goes on the wood milky white but then dries clear without enhancing the wood or filming on top of the wood.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6

– After 2 years the wood fence had retained close to 60% of the initial color. There was some graying of the wood that had southern exposure. Consider using the Defy Extreme Stain in one of the three tints if you would like better UV protection.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9

– The Defy Clear had no wearing on the vertical fence. There was a small amount of peeling on the horizontal cross bars. On further inspection, it seemed as if the sprinkler system had worn off some of the finish.

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Defy Epoxy Fortified Stain Review

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain

Discontinued and Replaced with Defy Extreme Stain

Defy Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain is a MPI “green” certified exterior stain that protects wood from the damaging effects of weather. The “Epoxy” is not like a traditional epoxy that goes on a garage floor but rather a synthetic epoxy resin that penetrates deep into the pores of the wood. This epoxy resin hardens inside the wood creating a weather-proof barrier that prevents water damage and UV graying.

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain can be used on all types of unfinished exterior fencing, decking, and wood structures/homes.

Defy Epoxy Wood Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

– Defy Epoxy in the Light Walnut color added a rich semi-transparent look to the natural grain. The Light Walnut color was a medium brown with a slight hint of red. Our 300 foot deck attained a nice “mahogany” look to it after drying.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9

– We tested the Defy Epoxy for 2.5 years. When evaluating the deck we would say that 90% of the original color remained on the vertical railings and 80% remained on the horizontal flooring.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 7.5

– The Defy Epoxy did well on 75% of the deck when it comes to wearing/peeling. There were zero issues with the verticals but there was some wear/tear on the flooring. It is noted that this deck is used for everyday access into the home. This is acceptable in our opinion and other related stains have shown wearing in high traffic areas.

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