DEFYExtreme Wood Stain and Sealer in One - 5 Gallon Semi-Transparent Waterproof Coating for All Wood Types - Butternut

I have a treated pine wood fence and deck that are both over 10 years old. The deck flooring itself is original Trex, but the handrails and trim and support structure are wood. About 4 years ago, I hired someone to clean and treat the fence and deck with #1 Deck Stain semi-transparent cedar. I liked that it was water-based, and the price was good on Amazon. I was happy with the results at that time, but the color has worn off in areas under direct sunlight and the wood has cracked in several places. It was carefully applied with a brush according to the instructions. The entire job took 8 x 2.5 gallons, so 20 gallons.When I decided to treat it all again this spring before all the finish was gone, I figured I’d use the same thing, but the original #1 Deck Stain was on backorder so I looked into other options. The Defy product was readily available and reviews looked good. It is also water-based and claimed to have a zinc protectant. It was more expensive, but it said it covered twice as much area per gallon. I figured I’d give it a try in the same color, semi-transparent cedar. I did not have very high expectations with how aged and uneven the wood finish had become.I ordered 10 gallons based on calculations, and it came two days later in great shape. The same guy as before cleaned the wood well, let it dry a few days, and applied the Defy carefully and thoroughly using a brush and following all directions. The weather was perfect, but I can say the results are amazing. The finish is surprisingly even and beautiful. The wood looks new. I had two gallons left over, so instead of 20 gallons, it took eight. The finish has a very slight gloss, not shiny but clean and deep looking. I definitely recommend Defy, and you can believe them when they say it will cover 300 sq ft per gallon. That is what I got using a brush over a clean but old finish. Great stuff!I’ll try to update this in a year or two after some time to see how it holds up.

Been using Defy Deck Stain for over 16 years now. I’ve had to stain my deck entirely 4 times because of its protection. If you get a colored stain, also buy the clear to preserve the color so whatever color or shade you’re currently happy with, keep it preserved and adding the clear in the fall (if you stained it in the spring) will help protect the wood when going into the winter. I have followed that (step) since after a few months the wood tends to absorb the water repellant in the “exposed sun and weather” areas. Usually the under part doesn’t need it since it’s protected. When I add the clear layer, it takes me usually about a 1/2 of a day, and I do it in September right before the leaves fall. My deck is Redwood color, and as of now, with treated lumber, this year is the FIRST year I had to replace 3 boards due to rotting. They were mainly on the stairs, and it started at the knots…. All the rest of the boards are hoilding up solid, and they are still very smooth so again: durability, off the charts.As with the stain: mix for about 3- 5 minutes, stir, and apply. I usually do three coats with color within 10 min while the board is still wet with the first coat of stain. Dont do it in the heat, this will dry quick, then once you go over, it will bead off and then you’ll have drain spots. Constant in 70 or 60! Degree weather. When applying, put a hand crank kitchen timer on, so you don’t get sidetracked…that’s what I do.This stain, has a very faint smell, and it isn’t overpowering…it’s almost like water, and the appearance after when it’s done looks amazing. It adheres to the board beautifully, but also make sure you have about 2 days of good weather for it to really fully cure. It will dry fast within 4-6 hours, but you really don’t want to be walking on it till the following day. Comes perfectly packed, easy to use, and so much better than Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Cabot, Behr or Zinzer (combined: YES ive used them all and within 4 months, they’ve stopped beading up the raindrops)So do spend the extra money. Get Defy. I’ve been using them for 16 years, so I’m NOT a new comer poster after the first trial then rant and rave about it… I just applied my 5th coat in 16 years. So I’ll be going on ton18 or 20 when I post about this stain again.Get Defy. It’s the best stuff out there. Without question. Good Luck!

The finish on my Gazebo was starting to look a little old so I refinished it with this Defy Extream. It looks great. It has been on through this Florida summer and still looks great. I applied the stain using rags, which made it very easy to work around all the woodwork. A word of caution, it is stain! It is designed to stain. Take the time to tape, wrap, cover anything you don’t want stained. I thought I did, but a gust of wind kicked up a corner of the paper I had taped down to cover my pavers. It was just a small exposure. What can go wrong. Well….of coarse that was where a clump of stain plopped on my pavers. Geeez! Highly recommend, and will use it again in a couple years to keep my gazebo looking new.

Since our deck is surrounded by trees, we have a lot of trouble with algae on our deck boards. After extensive research, we learned that this particular stain is not supposed to feed the algae. It does a pretty good job with that, and I really do like the color and being able to see the grain of the wood.Application requires just the right weather conditions, and it is difficult to find three days in a row without rain and at a time when leaves are not falling from the trees. The temperature has to be within a certain range, too, which makes it even harder, and the stain must not be applied in direct sunlight.We have used it for several years, and the biggest disappointment is that it does not last as long as it is advertised to last. It lasts about 2 years though this last time we stretched it out to 4, but there was algae on it so we should have done it sooner.I would recommend watching videos on applying this particular brand because the application differs from many other stains on the market. We applied with a car washing brush on a pole but had to edge everything with a paintbrush. It was a pain, but I feel good about the fact that the wood is now protected, and I am pleased with the way it looks. I just wish it would last longer.

Using this brand made my 14-year-old deck look absolutely amazing. I have used other products in the past and they would peel within the first summer. I followed all the process of prepping and cleaning the deck prior to using this. It’s soaked right in and looked amazing. My deck before looked terrible now it looks amazing. It cost a lot more, but the reviews are great and so far I’m loving it. The price was way out In left field. But if it works, and I don’t have to do it every year, it will be well worth the money. I had to buy 25 gallon buckets of stain and have them shipped to me and I used all of It to do two Coats. But it does soak great into the wood

The stain went on very easily and dried well. The colour is beautiful. Extremely happy with the look of it. Only time will tell how well it holds up to Canadian winters.

Originally I bought Behr Semi-Transparent (don’t do this) but after a test board I realized it was more like semi-solid/paint. After doing research this popped up as a strong alternative that was water based but couldAlso stand up to Canadian climate. Will see how she looks after a winter, but the front deck and shutters look amazing now and all them neighbours are stopping by to say so. For reference that deck is several decades old and after about a week of stripping, cleaning, and sanding it from black to nearly clean, that’s how she looks now. Also why it’s a slightly different colour than the shutters which I built myself this week. So you can see what it looks like on old and new wood double coated.

We have used Defy for more than twenty years. It provides good protection and does not peel as it ages. Necessary to reapply after a decade or two.

After a lot of research I did my front deck with this stain and it has held impressively with only minor (and very easy to do) touch ups over a couple years of use (on high traffic areas such as the stairs' edging).I made the mistake of using a different stain all together for my other deck last year (one of the best stains directly available in the Canadian market) and I am already seeing signs of failure ... I wished I stayed with Defy Extreme.