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

Tips to Achieve Best Results with Defy Stains

Having the right know how and using a quality wood stain will yield the best results when taking on an exterior staining project. Although Defy Wood Stain will give you the best chance for excellent results, there are a few factors that will also help you get the results you expect.

An important step in wood staining is to prepare the wood properly. Prepping the wood surface for Defy Stain is crucial to its performance and longevity. Improper preparation of the wood surface can cause the stain to fail prematurely.

We recommend using a quality wood cleaning product like Defy Wood Cleaner and Defy Wood Brightener. This is a 2 step cleaning and brightening system designed specifically for the DIY homeowner. The wood surface should be cleaned prior to staining to remove any dirt, grime, graying, or old existing stain. If the wood has a previous semi-transparent stain, it is best to remove the old coating first before applying the Defy. This can be done in most scenarios with the Defy Stain Stripper. Sanding may be needed if the old stain is a film forming coating or solid color stain. Allow the wood to air dry for 1 to 2 days prior to staining with Defy.

When staining with Defy Wood and Deck Stains you should always follow the general instructions on the label. Never apply more stain than the wood can absorb. Stain one board or area at a time to eliminate lap marks and wipe any excess stain away with a clean cloth or brush.

Prior to getting started with an exterior wood-staining project, be sure to check the forecast. No rain should be expected during the staining and for 12 hours after it has been applied. Deft Stain works best when it is applied in temperatures of 60-80 degrees. Avoid applying in direct sunlight or on very hot days. If temperatures are much colder, be sure it is not going to drop below freezing within 8 hours of application.

Defy Wood Stains will enhance the wood’s natural beauty while protecting it from the harsh elements. A quality product like Defy and following these guidelines to achieve the best results will have your deck or other wood surface looking great for years to come.

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  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    Holli b · 09/03/2020
    I am considering defy extreme for my deck. The deck is partly shaded and partly exposed to intense sun. If I choose this stain, can you please describe to me how I would expect to perform reapplication in a few years if the stain wears unevenly in the sunny area vs the shady area? In other words: What techniques will I use during reapplication to make it look even again when I apply maintenance coats in future years, and to prevent over-application in the shady spots.

    note that as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day, some areas receive moderate sun/shade, meaning that there will be a gradient of wear across the deck.
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      thesealerstore · 09/04/2020
      Clean and brighten when you recoat for prep.
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        Holli b · 09/04/2020
        Ok so Even if there is a gradient of wear across the deck and the stain is not very faded in the shade area, then I would clean and brighten and that area will accept stain without resulting in flaking later on.
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    opwdecks · 05/12/2015
    Ed Sherman:
    Hi,
    May I assume one-coat coverage w/ Defy Extreme on pine deck boards cured 1-yr following cleaning/brightening? What's the best way to get stain from 5-gal bucket to pad/brush roller?
    Thanks

    If a year old you can do 2 light coats applied wet on wet. Pour stain into a paint tray or dip directly into the bucket.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    Ed Sherman · 05/12/2015
    Hi,
    May I assume one-coat coverage w/ Defy Extreme on pine deck boards cured 1-yr following cleaning/brightening? What's the best way to get stain from 5-gal bucket to pad/brush roller?
    Thanks
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    opwdecks · 10/28/2014
    Winchester Dermody:
    I have a new floating dock with pressure treated wood. It is several weeks old and sits in full sun. Can I apply Defy Extreme Stain right away or do I need to wait some amount of time? Thank you for you help.

    You need to wait. Please read this:
    http://www.defystainhelp.com/prep-new-wood-for-defy-stains/
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    Winchester Dermody · 10/27/2014
    I have a new floating dock with pressure treated wood. It is several weeks old and sits in full sun. Can I apply Defy Extreme Stain right away or do I need to wait some amount of time? Thank you for you help.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    opwdecks · 09/25/2014
    L Wagner:
    I have a brand new western red cedar deck. Considering Defy for Hardwoods (best choice?). Would I need to clean and brighten new wood before applying?

    Thank you

    Yes all new wood needs to be cleaned and brightened for the prep.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    L Wagner · 09/24/2014
    I have a brand new western red cedar deck. Considering Defy for Hardwoods (best choice?). Would I need to clean and brighten new wood before applying?

    Thank you
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    opwdecks · 07/07/2014
    Robert Mittal:
    I just did my deck with Defy stain, very Happy with results....last two times I used your epoxy stain which I was also pleased with results...would I be able to recoat next year or two without pressure washing deck if the wood still looks good but just want to get the waterproof of reapplying without stripping down to bare wood.

    Yes you can apply light maintenance coats.
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    Robert Mittal · 07/06/2014
    I just did my deck with Defy stain, very Happy with results....last two times I used your epoxy stain which I was also pleased with results...would I be able to recoat next year or two without pressure washing deck if the wood still looks good but just want to get the waterproof of reapplying without stripping down to bare wood.
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    opwdecks · 06/26/2014
    Van:
    Do I need apply anything to the deck after staining it with Defy Extreme Stain such as a sealer?

    No need nor can you apply anything on top.
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    Van · 06/25/2014
    Do I need apply anything to the deck after staining it with Defy Extreme Stain such as a sealer?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    opwdecks · 06/24/2014
    Erv Henry:
    Now that I have prepped my deck to apply a "maintenance coat" I realize that the coat of Defy put on last year has worn to what looks like bare wood in a lot of the center area. Should I apply 2 coats as if it is new or just 1?
    I also noted that the temp is best between 60 and 80 degrees for applying. I am not likely to see 80 again for months. (I had remembered not above 90.) should I try to apply in the morning before it reaches 90 or wait til late afternoon when there may be dew?

    I would apply later in the day. Just one coat should be fine.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    Erv Henry · 06/24/2014
    Now that I have prepped my deck to apply a "maintenance coat" I realize that the coat of Defy put on last year has worn to what looks like bare wood in a lot of the center area. Should I apply 2 coats as if it is new or just 1?
    I also noted that the temp is best between 60 and 80 degrees for applying. I am not likely to see 80 again for months. (I had remembered not above 90.) should I try to apply in the morning before it reaches 90 or wait til late afternoon when there may be dew?
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    opwdecks · 06/12/2014
    B Applebee:
    I recently had my deck stained with Defy. The painter's that stained it had a problem with the stain. They said it was the hardest stain they ever applied. Due to their problems applying it, some areas have only one coat. Is there any way to correct this problem? Thanks.
    Bonnie Applebee

    You could try to lightly apply another coat to even it out.
  • We will reply to your comment shortly.
    B Applebee · 06/12/2014
    I recently had my deck stained with Defy. The painter's that stained it had a problem with the stain. They said it was the hardest stain they ever applied. Due to their problems applying it, some areas have only one coat. Is there any way to correct this problem? Thanks.
    Bonnie Applebee
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    opwdecks · 05/14/2014
    jctahoe:
    If there are cracks or splits that are larger then 1/4", what is the best way to fill it in? It is a deck that is on an above ground pool that is not salt water and uses a low chlorine constant filter system, i.e. Silver and copper.
    It is pressure treated deck boards that are about 3 to 5 years old. Also I just bought the Defy Extreme in the redwood color. Thanks for your help! John

    Crack fillers do not work on outside wood and the filler will not blend with the Defy.
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    John · 05/14/2014
    If there are cracks or splits that are larger then 1/4", what is the best way to fill it in? It is a deck that is on an above ground pool that is not salt water and uses a low clorine contant filter system, i.e. Silver and copper.
    It is pressure treated deck boards that are about 3 to 5 years old. Also I just bought the Defy Extreme in the redwood color. Thanks for your help! John
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    opwdecks · 04/30/2014
    victors29, if no major deterioration than use the Defy Wood cleaner and Brightener for the prep.
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    VICTOR SALGADO · 04/29/2014
    I applied the Defy Extreme Stain two years ago over a just sanded wood deck. I will re-apply it to cover few spots that are pealing off and to maintain its look. Should I apply the Wood Cleaner and Wood Brightener or, instead, should use the Defy Stain Stripper? It doesn't have any major deterioration or stains. Tks, Victor
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    opwdecks · 04/26/2014
    John, should last 2 maybe 3 years on horizontals and longer on verticals.
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    John Hakala · 04/26/2014
    I have 820 sq. ft. of very old deck on the north side of my home in Michigan. How long can I expect Defy Extreme to last with two coats applied?
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    opwdecks · 04/23/2014
    Bill, probably the sanding caused the issue. It reduces the stain's ability to penetrate properly. Our International number for Canada is on our contact page.
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    Bill Pastorek · 04/23/2014
    Your Toll Free number doesn't seem to work from my area of British Columbia. Could you please provide me with a regular phone number. I need to talk to someone regarding a problem I'm having with Defy Stain for Hardwoods. Last Summer I put it on Cedar that was sanded right down to clear wood. It's starting to flake. I need to know what to do now and what I did wrong. Help please.
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    opwdecks · 04/05/2014
    Yes you should use a cleaner and wood brightener. It will make your washing easier, it will look better when done, and there will be less chance of damaging your wood with pressure washing alone.
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    bryan · 04/04/2014
    Pressure treated deck was installed in aug of 2013.It still looks great. Can I just pressure wash it to prepare for the stain or do I really need the cleaner and brightener?