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Parent Category: Defy Stain Reviews, Articles, How-To Tips

Defy Extreme Stain is the Best Water Based Deck Stain

Defy Extreme Water Based Wood StainsOil based stains have been around for many years but their formulas have not changed much in that time. Water based deck stains such as the Defy Extreme, have made great leaps in wood preservation and protection. One reason water based stains are one of the best types of stain for staining a wood deck is because they are less prone to mold and mildew growth than oil based stains. A water based stain containing the natural mildewcide zinc will fight off mold and mildew whereas oil based stains can actually encourage fungal growth.

Another reason water based stain is best for staining a wood deck is simply that it is environmentally friendly. Oil based stains contain high VOC percentages and are banned from some states. An eco-friendly water based stain like Defy also uses nano-technology, which increases the durability and weather resistance to be more like, if not better than oil based stain. This technology has been proven to improve stain performance by 200-600%. Most oil based stains are the same old formula they have always been and are not VOC compliant in some states.

Best Water Based Deck StainDefy Extreme Stain is very user-friendly and easy to work with. It is VOC compliant, easier on the environment, and cleans up easily with soap and water, unlike oil based stain that requires mineral spirits or thinner. It helps reduce wood graying, prevents water intrusion, while resisting mold and mildew growth. The new technology of zinc oxide nano particles is similar to sunscreen and when combined with high-grade resins, reflects harsh UV rays like no other stain ever has. A newly formulated water based stain that will provide a beautiful long lasting finish that is easy on the environment and less prone to fungal growth.

Give up the old oil based formulas and move to a more eco-friendly water based stain like the Defy Extreme Wood Stain. It truly is one of the best types of stain for staining a wood deck or any exterior wood surface.

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    Syl · 07/27/2022
    Decades old (neglected) New England, weathered decks need stain! Also getting a new deck.
    1. What's best for these high sun/extreme weather areas - oil or water based?
    2. How do I ensure stain matches with old and new decks? (one coat for new, two for old?)
    3. How to prep both old and new decks? (What restores the older deck?)
    4. Do I need to sand older deck before stain?
    Thanks!
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      opwdecks · 07/27/2022
      1. Defy Extreme Stain. It is water based.
      2. New wood will not match older wood. It will stain lighter.
      3. Defy Cleaner and Defy Brightener.
      4. No.
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    Brett · 04/16/2020
    For about 15 years I have re-stained my cedar deck every 2-3 years with Armstrong Clark stain. I've always used Bio-Wash Stripex to protect water-based siding and trim paint, and Cabot' Problem Solver Wood Brightener. It is a large deck that requires about 4 gallons to stain not including the railing. Armstong Clark stain is beautiful, but in the NW it takes a beating October through March. Tired of all the work to maintain. Is it possible to successfully change to a water-based product after so many years of applying oil? How do I correct the pH in substrate for Defy Extreme stain?
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      thesealerstore · 04/17/2020
      You would have to fully strip it off with the Defy Stripper and then use the Defy Brightener to restore the pH after. Once that is done, you can use the Defy Extreme.
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    Tracie · 04/16/2020
    We are getting ready to stain our brand new deck with kiln dried wood. I see that one coat is fine. I'm wondering do you go back and stain again in so many years? What kind of "maintenance schedule" is needed to keep the deck looking great over the years?
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    Ted Livernois · 04/24/2019
    Is the defy water based stain good for cedar siding that will be power washed and brightened if needed?
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    Cindy Baratko · 04/02/2019
    I used Thompson water sealer for 3yrars on my deck. My deck faces the south with no protection. If I go with your water base what do I do about any residual Thompson’s. And how long does your product last being in the direct sun.
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      thesealerstore · 04/02/2019
      Prep with the Defy Stain Stripper and then the Defy Wood Brightener. 2-3 years is normal on most decks.
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    D. Jones · 09/18/2018
    Started staining deck yesterday now rain is predicted this afternoon. What should I do about the newly stained boards (4) floor and (1) top rail? What about the rest of the deck that was just cleaned?
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      thesealerstore · 09/18/2018
      Leave alone and wait for the rain to pass and the wood dry for 48 hours after. Finish up then. The stained part is fine.
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    Lori · 09/12/2018
    Do I need to apply a sealant after using the stain? Does the stain already include the sealant and all I need to do is apply two coats?
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      thesealerstore · 09/13/2018
      You can not apply a sealer over top of a deck stain. Two coats wet on wet are applied unless the wood is new. Only one coat if new.
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    Peter · 09/01/2018
    Our white cedar deck was treated 2 years ago with Heritage Natural Finishes exterior finish, which is tung, linseed, orange oils plus bees wax and pine rosin. Within a year it turned from a nice natural color to an unappealing grayish brown. How should I prepare the wood for application of Defy Extreme stain?
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      thesealerstore · 09/02/2018
      Strip with the Defy Stain Stripper and or sand to remove. Brighten the wood after with the Defy Wood Brightener.
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    mark · 06/29/2018
    I have sanded my 18 year old deck to bare wood. Do I need to use the brightener before applying the stain?
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      opwdecks · 06/30/2018
      You should use both the cleaner and the wood brightener for the final prep.
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    Wm Mantis · 06/23/2018
    Will it adhere to epoxy-coated wood? If yes, are there any special surface preparation instructions?
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      thesealerstore · 06/23/2018
      Epoxy coat? What brand?
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        Wm Mantis · 06/23/2018
        MAS epoxy, which makes the claim that it is low blush.
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          thesealerstore · 06/24/2018
          No, it will not work.
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            Wm Mantis · 06/24/2018
            Because. . .? My research suggests most water-based paints will adhere to epoxy adequately. Have you found otherwise?
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              thesealerstore · 06/24/2018
              Defy is a penetrating stain, not a paint. I cannot be applied over top of a coating of a different kind or brand of any type.
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    Glenn Doss · 04/25/2018
    Is a small amount of graying ok or do i need to clean all of it off new wood
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      opwdecks · 04/25/2018
      Best to remove as much as possible.
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    opwdecks · 09/11/2017
    Linda Mador:
    You indicate one coat for new wood and two coats for older wood. Our deck is about 4 years old and is made of pressure-treated wood, but it has never been stained before. We have washed it and applied the brightener. Would this be considered old wood or new wood, with respect to the number of coats of stain we should apply? I see that this questions was asked by someone in the past, but I couldn't find a response.

    Old wood for this. 2 coats applied wet on wet.
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    Linda Mador · 09/11/2017
    You indicate one coat for new wood and two coats for older wood. Our deck is about 4 years old and is made of pressure-treated wood, but it has never been stained before. We have washed it and applied the brightener. Would this be considered old wood or new wood, with respect to the number of coats of stain we should apply? I see that this questions was asked by someone in the past, but I couldn't find a response.
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    thesealerstore · 08/29/2017
    Tammy S:
    What preparation do I need to apply this on a deck that was stained 1.5 years ago with a water-based stain (Behr)?

    You will need to remove the Behr fully first. Use the Defy Stain Stripper and pressure washing to remove. Apply the Defy Wood Brightener after.
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    Tammy S · 08/29/2017
    What preparation do I need to apply this on a deck that was stained 1.5 years ago with a water-based stain (Behr)?
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    thesealerstore · 08/10/2017
    Walter Kurz:
    CAN I APPLY ONLY ONE COAT

    For older wood, two coats.
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    Walter Kurz · 08/10/2017
    CAN I APPLY ONLY ONE COAT
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    thesealerstore · 05/28/2017
    Jacob schaefer:
    Will i need to sand my deck first it has a lot of uv damage. Is it required to be sanded for this stain?

    How to prep depends on the condition and if you have a previous stain or not. See this for some tips: https://www.defystainhelp.com/tips/how-to-prep-for-defy-stains/
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    Jacob schaefer · 05/27/2017
    Will i need to sand my deck first it has a lot of uv damage. Is it required to be sanded for this stain?
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    opwdecks · 05/03/2017
    mike roberts:
    Can the Defy stain be used over wood previously done with an oil based stain?

    The oil based stain would need to be removed first.
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    mike roberts · 05/03/2017
    Can the Defy stain be used over wood previously done with an oil based stain?