Frequently Asked Questions

All Wood Defender™ exterior wood stains can be applied with a brush, roller, or a pressurized spray system. Applying the material with a sprayer increases job-site efficiency and profitability. If total product saturation is met, the structure will have a uniform appearance with no drips, runs, or lap marks visible. A mixture of degreaser and soap is very beneficial in cleaning up any overspray that may end up in undesirable locations. Our Wood Defender EZ Kleen-Up will make overspray cleanup very easy on nonporous surfaces like windows, painted surfaces, and gutters. Rinse overspray to a safe location, do not allow product to enter waterways or drains.

The wood must be dry and free of dirt, mold, and mildew prior to application. If the stain is applied to total saturation, there will be no drips, runs, or lap marks visible.

The gray appearance that you see on the surface is mold and mildew growth. If mold and mildew are present, the wood can be low-pressure cleaned with a chlorine-bleach solution or a deck brightener to restore the surface to the natural look. The wood needs to be dry before stain can be applied. It is best to wait to stain 24-48 hours after the cleaner or brightener has dried, depending on temperature.

We only recommend pressure washing a fence if you are trying to remove a water-based, film-forming stain product from the surface. A caustic stripper and brightener may be used to aid in the process. Pressure washing can damage the surface of the wood and leave permanent etching that the stain may not cover up. It is not necessary to pressure wash between maintenance coats of Wood Defender.

We only recommend light pressure washing a new deck to remove any dirt or stains from pets, barbecue grills, foot traffic, etc.

Porous surfaces like concrete, stone, brick, and masonry can be treated with water prior to application of stain. Use a mixture of dish soap and water to help the area that you are trying to protect stay wet longer during warmer months of the year. When the stain comes in contact with the wet surface, it will float on top and can be easily rinsed away to a safe area. Do not allow product to enter waterways or drains. Always take extra safety precautions with wet or soapy surfaces. It is best to wait to stain 24-48 hours after the water (or soapy water) has dried, depending on temperature. It is very important to keep the wood dry during this process.

While a maintenance coat is needed on all Wood Defender products, it is not necessary to apply a wood stripper prior to application. The only time a wood stripper is needed is when you want to apply Wood Defender on an existing structure that has a latex product or latex paint previously applied.

A wood cleaner may be necessary on decks to remove stains caused by barbecue grills, pets, dirt, etc.

Sanding the surface can close the pores of the wood and may inhibit the penetration of Wood Defender Fence and Deck Stains. If sanding is necessary, we prefer using a 60-grit coarse pad to help prevent closing the wood pores.

If wood fillers are necessary, we recommend seeking a product that is stainable with an oil-based material. It would be best to test the product with Wood Defender on a scrap piece of the same lumber as your structure prior to placing it on your structure.

We always recommend covering any nearby swimming pools or water features prior to the stain process. If some stain does make its way to the pool, the stain will float on top of the water’s surface. It can be cleaned and restored back to normal. Please give us a call, and we can help you with this process if it were to happen.

There will be discoloration of the grass at the base of the fence if the stain is applied by a sprayer. During the growing season, the grass should rebound within three to six weeks on an irrigated lawn.

We recommend covering all delicate vegetation near the fence if you choose to spray your fence. Canvas drop cloths or old bed sheets work well for this purpose. They allow the vegetation to breathe while covered and are less harmful to the plants than tarps or plastic in warmer months.

Sprinkler marks will appear on a new fence within weeks of install. We always recommend having your sprinklers adjusted so they do not strike your fence and damage both the stain and the wood. We recommend our Wood Defender™ Semi-Transparent Fence Stain for any fence that has damage caused by sprinklers. This formula will aid in making the prior damage less visible after application.

Yes, we recommend using the bleach process to remove any mold or mildew present on the aged sections of fence prior to the stain application. The solution of bleach is mixed with water and applied at low pressure. After proper cleaning, when the fence is free of mold and mildew, stain can be applied to the entire structure, making the entire backyard more uniform. There may be a slight variation when you compare the new to the old due to the porosity of the wood of the aged surface. Generally, the older surface will be a little darker and richer because it is able to absorb more product. We recommend our Semi-Transparent formula anytime you have this particular situation. It contains more pigment and will make the structure more uniform in appearance.

Wood Defender Fence Stain will not dry on metal poles or gate hardware. We advise our contractors to put posts and hardware last on their cleanup checklist before they depart to the next job site. The product can be removed with either a dry wipe or by applying mineral spirits to the metallic surface to aid in the cleanup process. This is a direct increase in job-site efficiency. Time does not have to be spent taping or masking off posts and hardware in preparation to apply Wood Defender Fence Stain.

It is best to try to prevent any stain contact with porous surfaces by pre-wetting these surfaces with water. The water will fill the pores of the surface, preventing the stain from penetrating. You can then simply rinse off the overspray once you’re done working in that area. Rinse overspray to a safe location, do not allow product to enter waterways or drains.

A high-quality garden pump sprayer is the method we recommend for a homeowner wishing to stain their own fence. Many contractors prefer a commercial-grade spray system with high-capacity tanks and longer spray hoses to increase their job-site efficiency and complete multiple jobs in a day. We build a full equipment line for contractors who have the desire to maximize their profit margins and productivity.

As long as the product is applied to total saturation, the appearance is the same whether you use a brush, roller, garden sprayer, or professional piece of equipment like the Wood Defender ST-250 Spray Machine.

Brushes and rollers can be used for smaller projects like benches, play sets, shutters, etc. On larger projects like fences, decks, pergolas, and siding, a sprayer will be the most efficient way to apply Wood Defender.

We do offer a full equipment line for contractors to take their business to the next level with job-site efficiency and maximized profitability. All of our spray systems are high-volume and low-pressure to ensure total saturation. We offer options that range from small portable 12-volt systems to our ST-250 Pro Package. Please contact us with any questions about our Wood Defender equipment line.

Yes, all of our Wood Defender commercial grade equipment is built and designed for job-site efficiency by allowing Wood Defender product to be stored in the tanks when the unit is not being used. When using our equipment, there is no need to flush the system with solvents at the end of each day. The Wood Defender stain and equipment are designed to work together. The stain will not cause a film in the tanks or cause any damage to the pumps or hoses from product being stored in the system.

Standard Paints, Inc., has been in business since 1952. We are a family-owned business with our manufacturing facility located in Mansfield, Texas, where we manufacture industrial coatings and our Wood Defender product line with the highest-quality raw materials available. We started producing our exterior wood stains in the mid-1990s and have become an industry leader and the contractor’s choice with our Wood Defender product line.

All Wood Defender exterior wood stains are premium, oil-based, penetrating stains. They are easy to apply, easy to clean up, and long-lasting. They provide a uniform application that is guaranteed by a manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that your outdoor structure is protected from the elements. The extreme-climate formulas waterproof wood, block UV rays, stabilize wood color, and can be used to restore weathered wood.

Staining your fence, deck, or any other outdoor structure has many benefits, including protecting your investment by adding life to your structure, increasing you curb appeal, and adding value to your property. All of our products are easy to apply, with no drips, runs, or visible lap marks. Due to the high quality of our oil-based formula, the overspray is very easy to clean up for both contractors and homeowners. Rinse overspray to a safe location, do not allow product to enter waterways or drains.

The Wood Defender Fence Stains are ideal for fences, siding, pergolas, and any other stand-alone outdoor structures that are vertical and will not be walked on or tracked. It is a slow-cure product that is offered in both a transparent and semi-transparent formula. Our Wood Defender Fence Stains have become the contractor’s choice for a premium product that they base their company reputation on.

The Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stains are backed by a two-year warranty. The Wood Defender Semi-Transparent Fence Stains are backed by a three-year warranty. If the products are properly applied, they can last up to double the manufacturer’s warranty.

Yes, all of our exterior wood stains contain UV inhibitors and mildewcides to protect the structure from the sun’s harmful UV rays and deter mold and mildew growth.

No, Wood Defender Fence and Deck Stains do not contain any insecticides. However, their oil-based, penetrating formula may deter insects. (If they contained insecticides, a special type of license may be needed to apply the products in a commercial application.)

It is a multi-surface formula that can be used for decks, docks, play sets, fences, or any other wood outdoor structure. This product was developed with all of the best features of our Wood Defender Fence, Deck, and Universal product lines. It is easy to apply, long-lasting, and easy to clean up. It is formulated to dry fast, and can be walked on within 24-48 hours on deck applications. The 200 Series contains proprietary ingredients that allow the product to withstand the elements on a horizontal surface like a deck or wooden outdoor furniture. The 200 Series is offered in the most popular transparent and semi-transparent Wood Defender Fence Stain colors.

The Wood Defender 200 Series is backed by a two-year warranty. The product can last up to double the warranty period if properly applied.

The Wood Defender Fence Stains are formulated for stand-alone structures, while the Wood Defender 200 Series is a multi-purpose formula that is faster-drying and ideal for any structure that is horizontal and may be walked on or tracked through. The 200 Series can be applied to stand-alone and vertical structures as well.

The Wood Defender 200 Series is a low-VOC formula, under 100 grams per liter, making it compliant in all of the United States and Canada.

All Wood Defender Fence Stains can be used on cedar, pressure-treated pine, SPF, redwood, and cypress, which are the most common species installed by fence companies in the United States.

The Wood Defender 200 Series is ideal for all species of woods that are commonly used in outdoor projects, including cedar, pressure-treated pine, SPF, redwood, and cypress.

Pressure-treated wood can be stained as long as the wood has had ample time to cure and dry from the treatment process. It is best to allow it to cure for 90-120 days, depending on UV-exposure and temperature. This will also allow the tint to dissipate from the treatment process, resulting in a more desired stained finish.

All of our Wood Defender stains are extreme-climate formulas. They can be used in hot and humid climates as well as cold and wet climates if properly applied.

It is not necessary to apply any type of product to your structure after applying Wood Defender. All of our products are a stain and sealer in one. Adding another product will make it very difficult to apply a maintenance coat when your structure needs a refresh, years down the road. The other product could peel or blister, causing your Wood Defender-stained structure to have an undesired appearance.

We recommend the Wood Defender 200 Series for decks and other horizontal-surface structures. The fence stain is a slow-cure formula and will track if used on a deck.

We recommend the Wood Defender 200 Series for garden furniture and other special projects that require an outdoor stain.

All of our Wood Defender product line is formulated for exterior use only. We do not recommend the use of Wood Defender for interior purposes like trim, cabinets, flooring, or interior doors.

No, each of our products is an oil-based, penetrating formula. They will not peel, crack, or blister as they age. When a maintenance coat is necessary, another application of stain can be directly applied on the previous coat.

All of our Wood Defender stains are packaged in steel containers designed for the purpose to meet government and Department of Transportation regulations. We package in one-gallon pails, five-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums.

All Wood Defender products have a very long shelf life. We always recommend resealing the factory container and placing the product in a dry place for long-term storage until you can use the product again.

No, our Wood Defender products are oil-based and will not freeze. They are packaged in steel containers, so we do recommend storing them in a dry area to protect the pails and labels.

The Wood Defender Transparent Stains are formulated to highlight the positive attributes of the wood. They are built with a transparent iron oxide pigment that is finely ground to enhance the natural characteristics of the wood. They can be used on all species of wood, and we recommend them primarily for new cedar and redwood. All Wood Defender Transparent Stains are backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The Wood Defender Semi-Transparent Stains are designed for both new and aged surfaces. They are built with a coarsely ground iron oxide pigment and will result in a more opaque finish. They are ideal for restoring structures that are aged or are constructed with lower-quality wood. They have a higher coverage rate when compared to the transparent products. The Wood Defender Semi-Transparent Fence Stains are backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Under the Products page, you can see the colors available on multiple species of wood. We always recommend a test sample if you are trying to match colors. Liquid sample bottles are available if you would like to test the product on your wood. Many Wood Defender Certified Contractors have sample boards that they can show you.

Yes, there may be some slight variation in color between new wood and aged wood. New wood tends to be more dense and absorbs less material than aged wood. As wood ages, the pores will open, allowing them to absorb more material and resulting in a darker and richer finish.

After the wood is free of dirt, debris, mold, and mildew, we always recommend our Wood Defender Semi-Transparent Stains for structures that are weathered. They excel in providing a more uniform look and help hide the imperfections of the wood that may be left behind.

Making sure the stain is properly mixed is very important in achieving a uniform appearance. We recommend removing the lid and stirring the product as the first step. Next, transfer the product to a clean, empty container so you will be able to access the bottom of the original pail. Add a small amount of mineral spirits to the bottom of the pail and agitate with a paint brush to lift up any pigment or solids that may have settled to the bottom. When that is done, you can pour the stain back in the original pail to thoroughly mix the material. Once all these steps are complete, you are ready to protect your investment with Wood Defender.

As long as the wood is dry, we recommend applying the product at temperatures above 50 degrees.

The wood needs to be dry with a natural moisture content of less than 13% prior to application. In the warmer months of the year, it is usually dry within 24 hours of rain. In fall and winter months, it may take 48 hours or longer for the wood to dry.

The wood needs to be dry with a natural moisture content of less than 13% prior to application. In the warmer months of the year, the wood is usually dry within 24 hours after cleaning. In fall and winter months, it may take 48 hours or longer for the wood to dry.

Wood Defender Fence and Deck Stains can be applied to any wood surface through brushing, rolling, or spraying. Contractors often choose spraying as their method of choice due to job-site efficiency and reduced labor cost. Regardless of the application method, the fence or deck will look the same as long as the wood is saturated with Wood Defender.

You want to apply the product to saturation on the surface of the wood. If you follow this procedure, all drips, runs, and lap marks will self-level. If you see lighter areas in the stain, they can be touched up to match the rest of the structure.

You do not have to back-brush Wood Defender Fence Stains. We do recommend using a roller or brush to level out any puddles on horizontal surfaces with the Wood Defender 200 Series. This product has a more accelerated dry time and puddles left behind will cause a pigment buildup that will be noticeable after the stain cures.

The Wood Defender Fence Stain formula is a one-coat process, with the product designed to be applied to total wood saturation.

The Wood Defender 200 Series formula is a one-coat process on vertical and stand-alone structures like fences, pergolas, siding, garage doors, etc. However, on horizontal surfaces like decks, steps, and handrail tops, we recommend a second coat to ensure that the structure is protected from the elements. The second coat can be applied within an hour of the original application.

On vertical surfaces, the stain will become waterproof after a few hours.  When you are staining horizontal surfaces like decks, it is better to wait until you have a clear forecast for 24 hours after application.

Wood Defender Fence Stains are formulated with a slow cure rate. It may take up to 90 days for the product to fully cure, depending on the climate and UV exposure. The product is waterproof after a few hours of application, protecting your surface from the elements. The Wood Defender 200 Series is a faster-curing formula that can be walked on within 24-48 hours after application.