We find that the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be the best performing water-based deck stain on the market. The zinc oxide nano-particles do double duty in preventing UV fading and preventing mold or mildew growth. The Defy Extreme penetrates into the wood grain extremely well for a water-based stain, resulting in a non-filming coating that is not prone to peeling or wear from traffic. Utilizing nano-technology, Defy Extreme is one of the best stains on the market when it comes to preventing UV graying. (This product, performed the best and was the top rated stain/best stain ranking.) Product was easy to work with, penetrates well and looks great. 14 month exterior exposure testing showed very little color loss.  Overall great product. Note: Product label design has changed since test was initially conducted.

DEFY Extreme Solid Color Wood Stain was released in the spring of 2019, but has been in testing for the last 5 years. The results are pretty impressive. This product has outstanding resistance to peeling as well as color fade. Where most solid or opaque wood stains are just thinned down paint, this product is a premium grade wood stain that hides extremely well. Additionally, it applies very smooth. We don't recommend applying most solid color stains on horizontal surfaces due to peeling issues, but this product can be used on both vertical and horizontal applications and will be resistant to peeling even on surfaces that get foot traffic. It only comes in 4 base strengths, and can be tinted to any color you like, but the only place you can get it is at Do it Best hardware stores.

Easy to apply, easy clean up and the color of the stain looks excellent. *Weathering Testing: In-Process

Easy to apply, easy clean up and the color of the stain looks fantastic . *Weathering Testing: In-Process

The 14 month weathering test results were fairly good however, of note, was some darkening of the stain as well as a significant amount of splitting in the wood.  Some of the splitting could simply be that the board used was less than perfect but it appears as though the product did a less than acceptable job of protecting the substrate against water penetration.