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water based deck stains

Deck Stains

Update 2017 Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment are below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck.

Deck stains have not changed much in the past few years. Many brands have gone away from oil based stains to water based, but you are still able to use oil based stains in all US States and Canada. We currently restore about 300-400 decks annually, and our favorites are the penetrating semi-transparents and semi-solids.

We have been getting great feedback here at www.deckstainhelp.com from all of the consumers who have been looking for better stain alternatives for their deck restoration. Our most popular article, “What is the Best Deck Stain” has quickly become the number one article on the web for asking questions and getting answers on restoring your exterior wood and deck.

In this article, we are going to cover what actually is a “Deck Stain”. We will compare the many different types of decking stain options available and what are the positives and negatives of each.

Deck Stains

Deck stains are used to protect and preserve your exterior wood. They offer UV protection, water repellency, mold and mildew resistance, etc. Deck coatings come in many different types of opacity and bases. Many deck stain brands can be restricted in certain states, cities, and counties based on their VOC laws.

Deck staining can be a “chore” for residential homeowners and unfortunately walking into your local store may produce some of the worst options available. Not all deck stains are created equal and there is not a perfect stain type or brand that will outperform all the others.

Water-Based Deck Stains

Water based deck stain have come on rapidly in the last 4 years. The main reason for the vast amount of water based stains on the market today is related to changes in VOC laws across the country. Many states have adopted or soon will adopt lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) regulations. This has prompted stain manufacturers to increase production of water soluble decking stains. In our opinion, water-based deck stains are “thin” paints with varying amount of acrylic and pigment.

Pros: Water cleanup, less chance of mold or mildew growth. Environmentally friendly.

Cons: Do not penetrate like an oil-base can. Slightly harder to apply as they dry quicker. Can be prone to peeling and wearing. *Defy Stains are the only exception that we have tested. They penetrate the best of all water based stains, nearly as well as an oil.

Oil based Deck Stains

Oil based decking stains have been around for 20-30 years and have been traditionally what all stain manufacturers produce. Oil based stains are typically made up of natural and synthetic oils. Many contain oils: Linseed Oil, Paraffin Oil, Tung Oil, Rosewood Oil, Etc.

Pros: Excellent penetration into wood. The better a deck stain can penetrate, the better the performance. Easier to apply. More natural looking.

Cons: Stronger odors, longer drying and curing time. Some oils can promote the growth of mildew. Some oil-based stains will darken in color over time.

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Defy Extreme Stain Review 2017

Defy Extreme Wood Deck Stain Review

Important Note: This is an updated Review of our original Defy Extreme Wood Stain. See Here for First Review: Defy Extreme Stain Review

Summary: Defy Extreme Wood and Deck stain is our top choice for water-based deck stains. It has superior UV resistance and has the ability to penetrate into the wood grain almost as well as an oil based semi-transparent. The mold and mildew protection is superior to 90% of all other semi-transparent stains due to the nanoparticles of zinc oxide.

In 2008 Defy unveiled Defy Extreme Stain, which quickly became the most popular stains in the Defy stain line. As a water based stain formula, Defy Extreme penetrates wood surfaces and does not form a film. Defy Extreme Stain utilizes synthetic resins and nano particles that harden the cellular structure of the wood pores and helps reflect harsh UV rays like a sunscreen to prevent fading and graying.

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.

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Why Choose a Water Based Deck Stain

When it comes to choosing a deck stain there are a lot of things to consider like how well it is going to protect the deck and what the final finish might look like. In general, there are two basic types of deck stains, oil based and water based. Some people have their preference. For example, oil based stains have been around the longest so many consumers trust that type of stain. However, with more recent concerns with our environment, many people have been looking in the way of a quality water based deck stain. This may only be one reason why someone might choose a water based deck stain.

New ground breaking technology has taken water based deck stains to the top to compete with, and in some cases outperform oil based stains. In addition to being eco-friendly, water based deck stains like Defy Extreme utilize nano particle technology combined with high-grade resins to block the sun’s destructive UV rays preventing graying and fading. This is unheard of with a tinted wood finish and is a first in the stain industry. Water based stains also prevent water penetration, which may lead to structural damage and costly repairs. In addition, a stain like Defy uses a zinc additive that naturally resists fungal growth preventing discoloration and wood decay.

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The Best Water Based Deck Stain

With a lot of water based deck stains on the market today it can be difficult to find the best one for your deck stain project. Looking at the reviews for the best water based deck stain, one stands in a class by itself. Defy Extreme deck stain is a newly blended formula using nano particle technology that improves stain performance by 200%-600%. Nano technology uses nano particles and synthetic resins to significantly increase the stain’s functionality.

This synthetic resin based deck stain blocks and absorbs harmful UV rays like a sunscreen. This technology is a first in the industry. Blocking UV rays is crucial to protecting the wood. Sunlight can gray out and fade decking. It can also dry out the natural oils of the wood jeopardizing the wood’s longevity. Defy Extreme Stain blocks these damaging rays keeping the wood looking new by preserving its appearance.

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Water Based vs. Oil Based Deck Stains 2017

A long debated topic is that of water based vs. oil based deck stains. Which one is better to use and will provide the best protection for a wood deck? Actually, there are advantages to both water and oil based deck stains even though they do have some major differences. Both types of stains can provide a beautiful long lasting finish on all types of wood. Both water based and oil based deck stains help reduce water intrusion and UV damage to increase the longevity of the wood.

Oil based deck stains have been around the longest. Oil deck stains can preserve and enhance the wood’s natural color. They help to inhibit mold and mildew growth, which can lead to wood decay. Oil based deck stains naturally shed water to help prevent warping, cracking, and splitting. Most oil stains are low VOC formulas that are compliant in most states.

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How Water Based Wood Stains are Different and Better Today Than They Were 10 Years Ago

A decade ago water based wood stains were not much of a comparison to some of the quality oil based stains. Prior to new technology, water-based stains would not perform well in some conditions. Harsh sunlight and fungal growth were two problems. But as oil based stains started having trouble with VOC compliance laws there was a need for better eco-friendly water based wood stains. A lot as changed in the past 10 years. So how are water based wood stains different and better today that they were 10 years ago? Looking at the evidence a lot has changed.

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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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Acrylic Water Based Deck Stain Issues

Why Acrylic Water Based Deck Stains Do Not Work Very Well

A major factor in maintaining a deck is keeping the wood protected. A good weather resistant deck stain should be applied to the wood every couple of years to protect it from weather damage. A quality deck stain will not only protect your deck from weather, it will enhance its beauty and keep it looking good for years to come.

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How To Change from Water Based to Oil Based Deck Stains

How to Change From Water Based to Oil Based Exterior Decking Stain and Vice Versa

The longevity of a deck or other exterior wood structure depends highly on how well it is maintained. A wood surface left alone or neglected will not last long in the harsh environment. Wood needs to be sealed and protected from moisture, UV rays, mold, mildew and such contaminants that will cause rot and decay. The most common types of wood protectants are oil and water based.

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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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Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One Review

Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One

Note: This review is for the Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One. This is their newer water based version. For the Oil Based review see: Olympic Maximum Stain Review

OLYMPIC MAXIMUM Deck, Fence & Siding Semi-Transparent Stain provides a subtle color that allows wood’s natural grain and texture to show through. Core-shell hybrid resin technology provides deep stain penetration, waterproofing, and UV defense to strengthen, protect and condition wood fibers, ensuring the wood’s natural beauty lasts.

Recommended for use on properly prepared exterior wood, including decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture, and other wood surfaces.

Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 6

– The Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One is a water based acrylic oil hybrid. What that really means is that it is a waterborne stain. This stain applies like the majority of watered based stains in that it is a film-forming stain the does not penetrate into the wood deeply. The appearance of the Cedar natural tone on the deck was a mild orange color. We applied evenly but the final look was uneven as some of the stain dried into the wood and some did not.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8

– After 2 years the Olympic Maximum in the water based version did a fairly decent job with only about 30% fading

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 5

– This stain had worn about 50% on the surface and handrails. Not a very good showing here.

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