Last Updated on January 18, 2023 by Defy Help
Defy Stains and New Wood
Kiln dried after treatment (KDAT) lumber offers many advantages to homeowners looking for the natural beauty of real wood. This type of wood is kiln dried to remove the excess moisture, cutting down on the wait period prior to staining or sealing. When using Defy wood stains the wait period for new wood is about a month. Although the wood has been previously dried it is still best to allow it to acclimate to the climate prior to staining.
After a month the wood needs to be cleaned to remove mill glaze. Failure to remove the mill glaze can jeopardize the Defy stain’s performance. Use Defy wood cleaner and a pressure washer to wash the wood thoroughly. Do not use excessive pressure or the wood fibers may be damaged. Once the wood is cleaned and the mill glaze removed, apply Defy wood brightener as directed. This allows the wood pours to open and creates a more acidic surface, which will allow for better stain penetration.
Defy Wood Staining a KDAT Deck
Allow the new wood to dry out after cleaning for about a day or two. Apply your favorite color of Defy wood stain using a brush, roller, stain pad, or sprayer. Be sure not to over apply the stain. Once the wood is coated with Defy it will remain protected for several seasons as long as the wood was prepped correctly using Defy wood cleaner and brightener.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not washing the wood prior to staining. Some believe that because the wood is new it’s okay just to apply stain. However, mill glaze, which is created from extreme heat due to friction of the saw blade can create a film on the wood that will make it difficult for any stain or sealer to penetrate. This can cause premature failure of the stain product. So be sure to prep your KDAT wood a month after it is installed then stain with Defy for the best results.
Once you follow the steps on this page for KDAT wood. What is the maintenance routine to keep the deck looking its best and lasting?
Every couple of years is normal.
do you mean to apply a cleaner or another coat of stain? sorry I’m a true beginner!! what must I do?
Clean and recoat every 2 years is normal.
I have a rough sawn cedar fence. Do I still need to wait 1 month to stain/seal it? If I must wait, are there any additional preps that need to be done before staining?
If rough sawn, you can stain the new wood right away as long as the wood is dry and free of any dirt, grime, etc.
Hi,
i have have a new cedar deck on a vacation cabin that I don’t get to very often, the deck was completed two weeks ago. I would like stain the deck over the 4th of July holiday week and am wondering if two months is long enough to wait for new wood? The deck faces east and gets 6 or 7 hours of direct sunlight a day if that matters.
As long as you prep with the Defy Cealern and Wood Brightener, you should be okay. Just one light coat this year.
[quote name=”Jim Easton”]I have a new cedar deck which is 3 months old and has been prepared with both cleaner and brightener but I feel that I may have left it go too long to apply the DEFY stain in warm enough weather. Highs for the day in my area are 55-60 F but drop at night to about 40 F.
Is this too cold?[/quote]
You should be fine as long as the stain is not applied right before nightfall and that is does not freeze or frost overnight.
I have a new cedar deck which is 3 months old and has been prepared with both cleaner and brightener but I feel that I may have left it go too long to apply the DEFY stain in warm enough weather. Highs for the day in my area are 55-60 F but drop at night to about 40 F.
Is this too cold?
Prep with the Defy Wood Cleaner. Try the Butternut color but would highly suggest getting a sample from our site to test first.
Hi in the beginning stages of planning and building a new two tiered 17/ 10′ pergola over on stone patio. Nothing has been purchased.
Goal to complete within the next two months
Wood to be used at the moment is pressure treated.
We are hoping a for a dark color in the browns possibly like a kona
It is a southfacing patio in ohio with sun for 6 hours in summer and in the winter.
Due to its size and being a 10 ‘ vertical structure we are hoping for the least amount of upkeep by doing it right the first time. Restaining down the road is a given but as far possible down the road would be best.
We would like to use a water based product but whatever gives us the longest time between restaining is probably what goes.
How can we make the above project work with your product?
Your product came recommended from deckstains.com
Thanks in advance for all your help!
Leslie