One of the most reliable and accredited deck stains available on the market today is the DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain, which is available in five colors for optimum visual enhancement for your deck. After either pressure treating your wood or washing it using oxygen bleach, this stain is incredibly easy to use. A very promising aspect of the DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain is the fact that it is environmentally friendly, meaning it won't kill vegetation around the deck while you are applying it. You won't have to worry about covering up shrubbery or flowers in order to stain your deck or other project. It is water based and, due to its penetrating finish, resists peeling unlike other wood stains.

Before applying any deck stain, be sure you have contemplated how much of the grain you would like to show through the stain. Most home owners like the grain of their wood to show through, and this semi-transparent stain does just that highlighting the look most of the grain and all of the texture with its unique pigmentation. Other stains may be more opaque, which does not allow as much of wood's natural beauty to show through, or more transparent, which provides less protection from the sun. This stain balances perfectly protection, beauty, and durability.

The most durable stains are penetrating, as is this one, because they prevent UV and water damage and prevent the growth of mold or fungi on your swing set, deck, or other exterior wood project. One aspect to consider while shopping for the perfect deck stain, besides price, is that the stain be penetrating. As a professional, I definitely discourage the use of film forming stains because they do not enhance the look of the wood, nor will they provide the same protection as one that penetrates, like DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. Although it is formulated for use on pressure treated wood, it also can be used on interior or exterior wood surfaces such as outdoor wood furniture, log homes, wood siding, shake shingles, and other naturally porous wood surfaces.

This wood stain lasts up to twice as long as conventional wood stains before it becomes necessary for another application, covers approximately 100 sq. ft. per gallon (150 sq. ft. if only one coat is required), and can be applied using a pump sprayer, brush, airless sprayer, or pad applicator in any temperature above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. One application takes about three hours to dry, but it is recommended that you not walk on the deck for 24 hours after application. This stain requires no special cleaners for clean up, merely soap and water.