Exterior Wood Stains

This help section covers everything you need to know about applying exterior wood stains.

Articles

What is the difference between Essential, Extreme and Ultra?

All three products are high quality semi-transparent stains. DEFY Essential is a great budget-friendly option that offers basic protection against water, mildew, and fading. DEFY Extreme contains zinc nano-technology and is a longer lasting, semi-tra

I put DEFY stain down 3 years ago and plan to apply another coat, what is recommended if you already have DEFY stain previously applied?

DEFY Wood Stains are easy to maintain. Simply clean the surface with an application of Defy Wood Brightener and apply a maintenance coat of the original DEFY solid, semi-transparent or clear deck stain you had used in the past, once the stain is dry,

I have a 15 yr. old cedar fence that just pressure washed to look like new wood. I want to protect the fence with a clear stain or protector that won’t darken the color. Can you advise?

DEFY Extreme Crystal Clear will be your best option. It protects the wood from the elements but allows the natural wood grain to show through:

Which stain do you recommend for IPE and other hard wood decking?

For IPE and other hardwood decking, DEFY Ultra or Defy Extreme is recommended. It is a synthetic, semi-transparent deck sealer that is specifically formulated for use on Teak, IPE, Mahogany, Tigerwood, and other hardwoods. It provides excellent prote

Do you offer color samples?

Yes, you can find samples for purchase on our website.

Does the wood need to be completely dry before I apply the stain?

If you are using an oil-based stain, definitely. You can use DEFY stains, which are water-based products, even when the surface is slightly damp. With oil based stains, wood must be bone-dry before you can begin staining. However, DEFY stains are wat

I constantly have mildew growing on my deck. Why does it grow there and how can I stop it?

If your wood is in constant shade and moisture is present often, you might never be able to prevent mold and mildew completely. However, you can improve your chances by keeping your deck cleaned and sealed with professional grade stains like DEFY Ext

What is the shelf life of DEFY Wood Stain?

Typically you can expect about a 36 month shelf life for DEFY wood stains. If the stain is kept inside and isn't allowed to freeze, it may last longer. If the product has a smooth consistency and doesn't have any clumps, and there's no material that

Is there a particular brush I should use with DEFY wood stains?

The best tool for the job varies by the type of job. For decks, the quickest and easiest method to apply DEFY deck stain is with the DEFY Deck Brush. Some have handles and some are handheld and they can be found in most home improvement stores.

Can I use a paint roller to stain my wood?

You can, but we don't recommend it. Paint rollers were designed for thick paint, not water-based wood stains. Using a roller will often simply push the stain around on the surface and not force it into the pores. It can also leave a stipple effect in

How do I know if I applied enough stain to my deck?

When using a semi-transparent DEFY Essential or Extreme, only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb easily. If any puddles form during your staining process, be sure to brush them out to disperse the puddle. DEFY Essential and Extreme stains hav

What’s the best time of the year to stain my deck?

This can vary slightly based on where you live, but typically the Spring and Fall offer the easiest conditions to work in. Below 80° is ideal and regardless of the season, it's best to stay out of direct sunlight because it can cause the stain to dry

Do I really need to stain my deck or can I just let it weather naturally?

We know it's easier NOT to stain your deck, but we've designed DEFY wood stains to be the next easiest thing! Leaving your deck untreated, means you'll be building a new deck in a few years and that's much more expensive than protecting the one you'v

How long do I have to wait between coats of DEFY Wood Stains?

It depends on which product. For DEFY Extreme, and DEFY Essential, you'll want to apply 2 wet-on-wet coats, allowing 10-15 minutes between coats. It's important to not allow the second coat to fully dry as this will prevent the second coat from fully

Which product should I use?

If you need help finding the right product, we have the perfect tool for you. Use our Wood Stain Project Planner to take a short quiz to find the right product for your specific project.