Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Defy Help
Update 2024 on Switching to Wood and Deck Defy Stains
Want to switch to a better brand of deck stain like the Defy Stains? 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.
Switching to Defy Stains By Removing a Previous Coating
Defy Stains are VOC compliant, semi-transparent wood finishes. They help shield against the negative effects of fungi, water damage, and UV fading. Defy Stains can be used on many types of wood to enhance beauty and give lasting protection. Use Defy Stains on decks, fences, wood siding, shake shingles, log homes, gazebos, outdoor furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces.
Defy Stains should not be applied over existing paints, stains, or varnishes. These wood surfaces need to be stripped to remove any old stain remnants. Without removing old failing coatings Defy Stains will not penetrate the wood properly or perform as expected.
To remove failing coatings prior to switching to Defy Stains, use Defy Exterior Wood Stain Stripper. Defy Wood Stain Stripper is a biodegradable, easy to use a stain remover that quickly removes wood stain finishes to restore the wood’s natural beauty. Stains and varnishes are removed along with dirt, mold, mildew, mill glaze, and other unwanted contaminants. Defy Wood Stain Stripper will get rid of most oil and latex-based wood stains such as clear film-forming varnishes, polyurethanes, solid color, and semi-transparent wood coatings.
Strip wood surfaces only when temperatures are above 50 degrees. Protect any areas not being stripped with plastic and/or tape. Wet or cover shrubbery and landscaping thoroughly. The rinsed residue will not harm plants but exposure to full strength product may cause damage.
If it is not certain the wood needs to be stripped, test a small hidden spot to determine the results before continuing. Shake product well before use. Lightly dampen surfaces to be stripped. Apply a generous amount of Defy Stain Stripper to the surface in a uniform coat using a polyester brush or roller. Allow Defy Stain Stripper to remain on the surface for 15-20 minutes. If the product begins to dry reapply to keep wet. Once the failed coating begins to soften, use a scrubbing brush or pressure washer to clean the wood in the direction of the wood grain. Defy Wood Stripper will cover approximately 100-150 sq. ft. per gallon. Rinse thoroughly after stripping the wood surface.
For stubborn hard to remove stains or varnishes several applications of Defy Wood Stain Stripper and/or longer dwell times may be necessary.
Defy Wood Stain Stripper will have a darkening effect on the wood. While the wood is still wet following stripping, use Defy Wood Brightener to restore the wood’s natural color and open the wood pores to ensure proper stain penetration.
Following stripping with Defy Stain Stripper and brightening with Defy Wood Brightener, allow the surface to air dry for several days before switching to Defy Wood Stains.
I’ve been working on preparing an 800sf deck from hell that the previous owners had a solid, then quickly pealing, stain on. I scraped and sanded, but even the sander couldn’t get many patches. On a smaller section I stripped, cleaned and brightened. But now I am looking at the results a week later and see the wood is furring up! Where did I go wrong?
That can happen during stripping. Once all the solid stain is removed, try using a floor buffer to remove the fuzzies
Thanks. I took a sander to it. I also figured out (in case it might help others) that if getting the old stain off is really awful, a good solution is to pull up the board and flip it over!
Hi. I have an older cedar deck with old weathered stain. I was planning on pressure washing to strip off the old. Is this OK?
Use a stain stripper while pressure washing and then apply a wood brightener.
Also am looking for flat or matte finish. Is that an option?
Defy does not come in a shine of any type. No shine.
Hi, I have a 10+ year old mahogany deck, last treated 6 years ago with a Cabot product. I live in Maine. My painter says it doesn’t need to be stripped before switching to a new product because it has been so long. Do you agree? I plan to power wash it with a deck cleaner. Which product would you recommend?
Susan, yes you must remove before using Defy.
……also…..will overnights in the 40-50Deg range impact the stain. day time (application) temps would be in the 60’s. Thanks.
Dv, long as it does not freeze overnight it should be fine.
my deck is roof mounted over membrane. will the stripping / brightening impact the membrane? thanks!
DV, no they will not hurt the membrane.
My deck is elevated above a paver patio. Will the Stripping/brightening solutions harm the pavers in any way?
NBD, no they will harm the pavers.
sorry, did you intend to say, “no, they will not harm the pavers.”
Yes 🙂