DEFY

DEFY Wood Brightener

Name: DEFY Wood Brightener
Brand: DEFY
SKU: 300183
Price: 27.91 USD
Availability: InStock

$27.91

SKU: 300183

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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.

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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.

DEFY Wood Brightener is a liquid concentrate that is mixed with water to brighten and restore the natural beauty of all species of exterior wood. Product removes tannin and rust stains and is safe to use on redwood. DEFY Wood Brightener will not harm wood fibers, glass, or most plants when used properly. DEFY Wood Brightener is recommended for surface preparation prior to initial application of semi-transparent finishes and stains. Product can be used as a cleaner and brightener for redwood, or as a neutralizer to further brighten wood species, like pine, that have been cleaned with DEFY Wood Cleaner. For lasting protection of your exterior wood, after using DEFY Wood Brightener, treat the surface with DEFY Wood Stains.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

STEP 1: MIX: Shake DEFY Wood Brightener to thoroughly mix. Dilute 1 part DEFY Wood Brightener to 4 parts water in a plastic container and mix well.

STEP 2: APPLY: Thoroughly wet surface and ALL surrounding vegetation with water before application. Apply DEFY Wood Brightener solution to wet wood with sprayer, brush or mop and scrub moderately with a stiff brush, working on small areas (20 - 30 sq. ft.) at a time. Note: Scrubbing is unnecessary if used after cleaning wood with DEFY Wood Cleaner. Let solution stand for 3 - 5 minutes, keeping wet with additional solution if necessary. On vertical surfaces begin applying solution at the bottom and work to the top. Application may be repeated if desired.

STEP 3: RINSE: Rinse wood and all surrounding vegetation thoroughly by flooding area with water from garden hose. Rinse vertical surfaces from bottom up to avoid streaking. Heavily weathered or soiled areas may need to be scrubbed with undiluted DEFY Wood Brightener and rinsed again.

COVERAGE: Each gallon of diluted brightener covers 100-200 sq. ft. depending on wood texture and porosity.

CLEAN UP: Clean tools and equipment immediately after each use with soap and water.

PRECAUTIONS

DANGER! Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. Keep out of reach of children. Do not take internally. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Causes permanent damage to the cornea, iris, or conjunctiva. Avoid breathing mist. Close container tightly after each use. Do not re-use containers. Store only in original container. The use of chemical splash goggles and rubber gloves is recommended when handling this product. Accumulation of product on ladders, scaffolding, decks, etc. may result in a slippery surface. Contains oxalic acid. Do not mix DEFY Wood Brightener with DEFY Wood Cleaner, chlorine bleach, or other chemicals.

FIRST AID

If inhaled: Ensure fresh air breathing. Allow the victim to rest. In case of breathing difficulties, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention immediately. If swallowed: Rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious). Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Obtain emergency medical attention. For skin contact: Rinse using water. Remove contaminated clothes. Wash skin thoroughly with mild soap and water. If skin irritation persists, seek medical attention. For eye contact: Immediately flush eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention immediately. For additional information for this product, consult the Safety Data Sheet available at www.defywoodstain.com.

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

Can I pressure wash my deck until it's clean? Or do I need a wood cleaner?

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.

Does the wood need to be completely dry before I apply the stain?

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.

I constantly have mildew growing on my deck. Why does it grow there and how can I stop it?

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.

How do I clean mold and mildew off of my deck?

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

Is there a particular brush I should use with DEFY wood stains?

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.

Can I use a paint roller to stain my wood?

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.

How do I know if I applied enough stain to my deck?

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.

What’s the best time of the year to stain my deck?

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

Do I really need to stain my deck or can I just let it weather naturally?

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.

My deck is stained, but it's starting to look weathered. What should I do to help the wood without staining again?

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.

My composite deck that is already beginning to gray out. Can I use stain on it to keep it looking new?

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.

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