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.

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.

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!