DEFY Wood Brightener
DEFY Wood Brightener
DEFY Wood Brightener
DEFY Wood Brightener
DEFY Wood Brightener

DEFY

DEFY Wood Brightener

Sale price$25.12 Regular price$27.91
Save $2.79
SKU: 300183
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Having trouble with your deck stain project? Click one of the links below to get help.

Help Site
Visit our DEFY Stain help site for answers to common questions, track orders, or get more help.

Deck Stain How-To Articles
Our blog also has helpful articles and videos designed to help homeowners with every type of wood stain project.

Samples
Order DEFY 1 Oz. Wood Stain samples to try before you buy.

Deck Staining FAQs
When you've been making wood stain products as long as we have, you get used to answering similar questions. So we've gathered some of our most frequently asked questions for you here.

Contact Us
If you're still having trouble, we're happy to answer any questions directly.

  • Restores the Natural Beauty of Wood
  • Removes Rust Stains & Tannin Stains Caused by Leaves
  • Neutralizes Wood Stain Strippers & Cleaners
  • Improves Absorption of Wood Stains
  • Concentrate Makes 5 Gallons

DEFY Wood Brightener is an oxalic acid deck brightener that removes dirt, grime, tannin, rust, and fungi stains from wood surfaces. This liquid concentrate is mixed with water (four parts water to one part concentrate) to brighten and restore the natural beauty of exterior wood. DEFY Wood Brightener will not harm wood fibers, grass, or most plants when used properly. DEFY Wood Brightener is recommended for surface preparation prior to initial application of clear and semi-transparent finishes and stains. It is used as a neutralizer and brightener for all wood species that have been cleaned with DEFY Wood Cleaner or DEFY Stain Stripper. For best results, use DEFY water repellent wood stain finishes.

DEFY Wood Brightener is a liquid concentrate sold in one-gallon containers. One gallon of concentrate will make five gallons of solution and will clean approximately 500-1,000 total square feet (or 100-200 square feet per gallon). DEFY Wood Brightener is not formulated to remove intact paint, stain, or clear finishes and may dull painted and metal surfaces if not quickly rinsed.

DEFY Wood Brightener is designed to be used after DEFY Wood Cleaner or DEFY Stain Stripper to neutralize the surface and restore the natural beauty of exterior wood. This product excels at removing rust or tannin stains caused by fallen leaves and is recommended for use on all species of wood, including redwood.

QUICK FACTS

  • Coverage Rate: Approx. 500-1,000 sq. ft. per concentrated gallon
  • Available Sizes: 1 Gallon
  • Ideal Application Temperature: Minimum 45° F
  • Application Method: Pump Sprayer, Mop or Soft-Bristle Brush
  • Rinsing Method: Garden Hose or Power Washer
  • Clean Up: Soap & Water

 Warning: This product can expose you to Chloromethane, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm, and 1,4-dioxane, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Click here for Product Data & Safety Sheets.

    FAQs

    When you've been making wood stain products as long as we have, you get used to answering similar questions. So we've gathered some of our most frequently asked questions for you here.

    If you can't find the answer you're looking for below, we have more FAQ's here. Our blog is also has helpful resources and videos designed to help homeowners with every type of wood stain project.

    CLEANING & PREPARATION

    The answer varies based on the current condition of your wood. If you do decide to pressure wash your deck, use pressure between 1,000 or 1,200 psi. Also be sure to work with the grain and never against it, as it will cause damage to the wood's surface and splinters.

    If you don't have easy access to a pressure washer or have to pay to rent one, we recommend DEFY Wood Cleaner instead. It's easy to use and will clean deep into the wood, which makes your next coat of wood stain more effective and more beautiful.

    If you are using an oil-based stain, definitely. You can use DEFY stains, which are water-based products, even when the surface is slightly damp.

    With oil based stains, wood must be bone-dry before you can begin staining. However, DEFY stains are water-based, so you can use them even when the surface is slightly damp.

    If your wood is in constant shade and moisture is present often, you might never be able to prevent mold and mildew completely. However, you can improve your chances by keeping your deck cleaned and sealed with professional grade stains like DEFY Extreme, DEFY Ultra, and DEFY Solid stains. All 3 of these DEFY stain products contain zinc nano-particles to resist mold/mildew growth. Zinc is naturally resistant to mold & mildew.

    Use a diluted bleach solution to clean it off. Mix DEFY Wood Cleaner with water (five parts water to one part cleaner), spray it on, let it set for five or ten minutes, and rinse it off. To prevent it from coming back, stain your deck with DEFY Ultra, Solid, or Extreme Wood Stain for the ultimate mold and mildew protection.

    TOOLS & APPLICATION

    The best tool for the job varies by the type of job. For decks, the quickest and easiest method to apply DEFY deck stain is with a "car wash" brush. Some have handles and some are handheld and they can be found in most home improvement stores.

    You can, but we don't recommend it. Paint rollers were designed for thick paint, not water-based wood stains. Using a roller will often simply push the stain around on the surface and not force it into the pores. It can also leave a stipple effect in the finish when the stain has dried.

    When using a semi-transparent DEFY stain (Essential, Extreme or Ultra), only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb easily. If any puddles form during your staining process, be sure to brush them out to disperse the puddle.

    DEFY Essential and Extreme stains have a flat finish, so if a gloss has formed on the surface the stain has been over-applied. Over time, it will be likely to peel. Even after two coats, your deck should still have a flat finish.

    With DEFY Ultra stains, two coats will result in a satin finish. One coat will appear flat. A glossy appearance, would still indicate an over-application.

    This can vary slightly based on where you live, but typically the Spring and Fall offer the easiest conditions to work in. Below 80° is ideal and regardless of the season, it's best to stay out of direct sunlight because it can cause the stain to dry too quickly.

    CARE & MAINTENANCE

    We know it's easier NOT to stain your deck, but we've designed DEFY wood stains to be the next easiest thing! Leaving your deck untreated, means you'll be building a new deck in a few years and that's much more expensive than protecting the one you've already got.

    Your home's outdoor spaces are extension of your life and they deserve both beauty and protection. DEFY wood stains will help protect your investment from UV rays, stains from mold and mildew, and moisture. Restore and extend the life of your deck with DEFY.

    That’s easy! Clean your deck with DEFY Wood Brightener, which will give it a boost in appearance. You can also apply one, light coat of new stain once you've brightened.

    Yes, DEFY Composite Deck Sealer works well on most composite wood surfaces. Just follow all of the directions in the same way that you would if you were staining regular wood and you'll love the results!

    Our Recommended Steps for Maximum Performance

    Better Wood Starts here

    CLEAN or STRIP

    If your wood that is weathered, dirty, graying, or already has a worn out stain on it, use DEFY Wood Cleaner. If there is existing, weathered stain that is still holding up, use DEFY Stain Stripper instead. These products help prepare your wood to receive the maximum amount of new stain and give the entire surface a consistent color.

    We Can Help

    Not Sure If This Stain Is RIGHT FOR YOU?

    Wondering which DEFY products it takes to
    complete your project?

    Answer just a few questions
    (it takes less than a minute) and we can tell you exactly what you need to get the job done.