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Can deck stain be thinned?
No, DEFY has been specially formulated to deliver maximum solids to a wood substrate when properly applied. Thinning will reduce these solids
causing poor performance.
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Can deck stain colors by Defy be blended with DEFY Clear to reduce the intensity of the color?
DEFY Clear contains only a small amount of UV inhibitors. When it is blended with any other DEFY
colors of deck stain the UV protection is significantly reduced, causing graying to occur much faster.
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Does new lumber need to be cleaned before deck staining?
New lumber must be cleaned using the same method recommended for aged lumber. Mill glaze, which results format he processing of
lumber, will effectively block wood pores and reduce penetration, causing the stain to fail. Test studies show that DEFY deck stain penetrates 25% deeper when wood is prepared using TimberWash followed by power washing.
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How do I remove overspray?
Overspray should always be removed as soon as possible. Masking and protecting windows, and all non-targeted surfaces before application, saves time in
the long run. If necessary, a very fine grade of steel wool may be used to remove dried product. Solvent cleaners such as Goof Off, Oops!, or mineral spirits may also be used. For vinyl siding: Wipe immediately with a clean dry cloth. If necessary, Goof Off or OOPS! may also be used.
Product is more difficult to remove alter it has dried. Protect masonry and concrete from overspray, as it will be very difficult to remove.
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How do you select a wood deck stain?
There are two basic types of wood deck stains: film formers and
penetrants. Film forming coatings bond to a wood surface much like paint. They rely on a
nonporous film to keep moisture out. Over time internal moisture trapped by the film, external weather conditions and fungal attack blisters and/or weaken the film. The lack of breathability is a major cause of product failure. Once film forming products start to peel they must be
completely removed, usually with caustic strippers, before reapplication. Penetrants soak into wood, block pores, and prevent water or other impurities from entering wood cells. Unlike film formers, penetrants allow moisture in the form of water vapor, to pass through the wood. When
properly applied, penetrants will not peel.
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How is deck stain by DEFY different from other penetrating wood deck stains?
DEFY deck stain is formulated with a synthetic resin, which by its chemical nature makes it naturally fungal resistant. Natural
resins (linseed oil, etc.) serve as a food source for fungal attack. High levels of fungicides must be added to natural resins to neutralize this effect. This means that penetrants made with natural resins are more hazardous than DEFY. DEFY is a water based product, so it is
environmentally friendly and cleans up with soap and water. What makes DEFY the best choice is the resin itself. Independent university studies show this resin outperforms other penetrating resins on the market. When DEFY starts to fail, as all products do, the benefits of this unique
resin system become evident. When oxidation occurs with other resins they turn dark; a thorough cleaning or stripping is necessary before reapplication of product. With DEFY, a simple "water hose" rinsing is usually sufficient before a maintenance coat because DEFY's resin lightens
with age instead of darkening.
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How should wood be prepared to ensure the best results with deck stain?
All old finishes must be removed. Once a finish has been removed, or on all new wood, cleaning with TimberWash
followed by a through power wash is recommended. Power washing is also recommended for redwood, but TimberBrite, instead of TimberWash, should be used. Once wood has dried from a cleaning it is ready to stain.
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Is all wood susceptible to weather damage, UV degradation, and fungal attack?
Types of wood, part of tree wood is from, and age of tree, all affect the weathering of wood. A rule of
thumb is that the older the tree and the closer the wood to the center of the tree, the more weather resistant. Older wood and heartwood are more difficult to teat with a wood finish because their grain patterns don't allow penetration. When dealing with older trees, heartwood, or
certain types of cedar, the surface of the wood should be "roughed up" to help penetration of the stain.
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What are the coverage rates for deck stains by DEFY?
Coverage rates vary depending on type and porosity of the wood but will be between 150 to 300 square feet per gallon.
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What causes penetrating wood deck stains to fail?
Penetrants fail due to an erosion process called oxidation. In comparison, steel rusts when it gets wet due to a similar process of
oxidation. On wood, the type of base resin used to formulate penetrants, and the more resin put into the wood, the longer it takes for this oxidation process to compromise the finish.
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What causes wood to turn gray and is this harmful to wood?
All wood will turn gray as ultraviolet radiation causes cellular damage on the surface of wood. If these damaged wood
cells are not removed they become a food source for micro-fungi. As the fungal growth progresses, the wood becomes darker and eventually begins to rot.
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What conditions can affect application of deck stain?
Time of day, temperature, humidity and wind can affect application of deck stain. For optimum results product should be applied in the morning or evening,
preferably not in direct sunlight. Hot surfaces, higher temperature, and wind can cause DEFY to dry too fast and prevent penetration into the wood.
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What is the best way to apply DEFY?
Two wet on wet coats of DEFY Deck Stain will provide best results. The wood should be saturated but not allowed to puddle on wood. DEFY can be sprayed on but must be back brushed to
insure uniform coverage. Synthetic brushes work best. Always work from a wet edge to avoid lap marks.
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Why does wood need protection from weather?
Without protection water is drawn into wood. This causes wood to swell and expand; as it dries out it shrinks and contracts. After many
cycles of expansion and contraction, stress cracks and checks begin to appear. Over time these cracks will become larger and deeper. Water is able to penetrate deep into these cracks carrying fungi and wood rotting micro-organisms that eventually destroy wood.
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