Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Defy Help
Update on How to Apply Defy Stain for Hardwoods 2024
How to Apply Defy Stain for Hardwoods? We love hearing from our customers who have used the Defy Stains or have questions. We appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Defy Hardwood Stain 1 Gallons
Defy Stain for Hardwoods is a semi-transparent finish designed for hardwoods. This unique synthetic blend is specially formulated for use on cedar, mahogany, redwood, and other dense and exotic woods. Defy Hardwoods Stain also works well on composite decking. Its VOC compliant formula penetrates wood pores to lock out unwanted moisture and blocks out harmful UV rays.
Defy Hardwood Uses
Defy Wood Stain for Hardwoods is recommended for interior or exterior smooth dense hardwoods such as wood siding, decks, fences, outdoor furniture, and other hardwood surfaces. For more porous woods like pressure treated, pine, and cedar log siding use Defy Extreme Wood Stain.
Surface Preparation
Newer cedar should be cleaned and stained immediately to avoid sun and water damage. Allow “oil-rich” woods such as mahogany to dry out for 6 months prior to staining. Do not use Defy Stain for Hardwoods over previously stained or painted surfaces. Such surfaces need to be stripped using Defy Exterior Wood Stain Stripper prior to applying the stain. After stripping, use Defy Wood Brightener to restore darkened wood.
Where no previous stain is present, use Defy Wood Cleaner to remove other contaminants such as dirt, soil, mildew, mill glaze, and gray wood fibers. After cleaning, use Defy Wood Brightener to restore darkened wood.
After applying Defy Wood Stain Stripper or Defy Wood Cleaner with a pump up sprayer, use a pressure washer or stiff brush to gently remove contaminants then rinse. Use a pump sprayer as well to apply Defy Wood Brighter while the wood is still wet then rinse well.
Allow the wood surface to dry for 48 hours. To test the absorption rate of the clean wood sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. The water droplets should soak in right away. If the water does not soak in then do not apply the Defy for Hardwoods Stain. The wood may not be thoroughly dry or just not porous enough for the stain to penetrate. Perform a spot test in a small area prior to general application to assure desired results.
Defy for Hardwoods Application
Mix or shake the stain before opening. Never thin Defy Hardwood Stain. Air and surface temperature needs to be between 45-95 degrees. Do not apply Defy Hardwoods in direct sunlight. Cover all non-targeted areas like shrubbery, windows, siding, etc. with drop cloths or plastic.
To apply Defy Stain for Hardwoods use a roller, pad applicator, pump sprayer, airless sprayer, or a quality brush made of nylon or polyester. If using a sprayer be sure to back brush any excess runs or drips to obtain an even finish and better stain penetration.
On decks start by applying stain to the railings, benches, and undersides of upper-level decks first. Treat horizontal surfaces last. Apply two coats waiting up to 20 minutes between coats. It’s important to apply the coats wet on wet and not to let the first coat dry completely before application of the second coat.
Be careful not to stop in the middle of a board or section as this will lead to color variations and unsightly lap marks. Apply Defy Stain for Hardwoods to an entire board end to end or to a natural break before stopping.
Composite Decking
Allow composite decking materials to weather for a minimum of 12 months prior to staining with Defy Stain for Hardwoods. Clean all composite surfaces, in the same manner using Defy Wood Cleaner. Apply one coat of Hardwood Stain for all composite wood types.
Coverage: With two coats, Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods will cover 100-150 sq. ft. per gallon depending on wood type, age, and porosity.
Clean-Up: Clean all equipment and stain tools with soapy water immediately following use.
Dry Time: To touch 2-4 hours minimum. Before heavy traffic, allow 24 hours depending on weather and humidity.
Note: The “wet” look of Defy Hardwood Deck Stain has a milky appearance but will dry to a striking semi-transparent finish.
Maintenance: Clean the wood surface occasionally using a mild detergent and water. This will normally restore the wood’s appearance. For ultimate protection, a light maintenance coat of Defy Stain for Hardwood is suggested once the wood starts to fade.
Use the water test to see if water is easily absorbed within 1-2 seconds before applying a maintenance coat. Use Defy Wood Brightener to restore darkened wood after cleaning. If the wood has been allowed to weather or gray significantly to the point it will not brighten, the stain should be removed using Defy Stain Stripper, then brightened and recoated with Defy Stain for Hardwoods following the original application instructions.
I have been using defy extreme on my pressure treated deck for 3 years & can only get a year or less before I have to reapply it. It does not seem to hold up well on the heart wood portions of the boards. Should I try the hardwood version of it for better results. Thanks Ed Sherman
You can but you will need to remove the current Defy Extreme first with the Defy Stripper and then the Defy Brightener.
I am looking for a product to use on thermally modified poplar. The saw mill that produces the rough lumber recommends a water base low pov finish but they fail to mention a certain brand or place to purchase it. I assume the hardwood finish is what I’m looking for but was wondering if you have any experience with using your product on the thermal poplar. Once the poplar is modified it closely resembles walnut and I would like it to stay close to that with out hiding the grain.
I have a Merbau deck about one year old. I’ve used Penofin previously. It’s a pain to apply and rub off, and it doesn’t last very long, thus my interest in Defy. What advice do you have for this kind of hardwood deck? I’d like the deck to remain as natural looking as possible, so which color should I choose?
Prep first with the Defy Stain Stripper and then apply the Defy Wood Brightener. For your wood type you would need the Defy Hardwood Stain. Natural Pine is the lightest tint.
Caleb,
The Defy Hardwood stain works best for difficult to penetrate wood like yours. This would be your best option.
This afternoon we applied Defy for hardwood to our cedar deck. The forecast is calling for possible rain during the night. How many hours would our deck have to dry before it is not affected by the rain? The ambient temperature this evening is 17 C, or 63 F. It has been drying now for about 4 hours.
John, it should be fine if it has dried for 4 hours.