Scott Paul

The Defy Extreme line is by far the best water based line I have seen as far as color retention, penetration, and overall performance. Here is a picture of test results:

Yes it is lightly tinted. It will protect from the UV but not as long as the Semi-Transparents.

I introduced Defy to Nanophase Technologies about 2 years ago. They make the nano sized zinc oxide particles that "reflects" the uv rays. I have also helped test the product for the last year and a half.

It is available on our HO store but I have yet to add it to the contractor site. It comes in a clear:Defy Extreme Wood Stain | Defy Wood Deck & Concrete Products | The Sealer Store and a Cedar Tone color(singles only): Defy Extreme Cedar 1 Gallon | The Sealer Store Spring 2010 will have a full line of colors and sizes. I will add it to the pro site this winter. If you need some this fall give a call and I will work on the price for you. In addition I helped Defy setup the Extreme line so if you have any questions feel free to give me a call.

We have our first entry thus far. We need some more contestants! http://www.armstrongstain.com/contractor-of-the-month/current-armstrong-contest

It does densify the interior of the wood. The problem lies with the marketing of the SealMaxx, Sealwise, Cedarcide companies who exploit these type of products as your end to deck maintenance. If you use these products you will still need to clean and or stain the surface every couple of years if you want it to look good.

Defy uses a resin that is completely different then all other water based stains. It is much better at penetration. The majority of deck stain manufacturers use the acrylic paint resins. Basically they are taking paint and trying to thin it down to make a transparent penetrating stain. Defy being that they are not a paint company started off with a completely different resin. The Defy can be cleaned and re coated without issues and from feedback that I have heard, it will hold color better after the second application.

Rick, it has been a year. Which stain won? Should I be expecting an order soon or are you still a non-believer of a water based stain?:)

Water will penetrate as the sealer is not 100% film forming. The moisture was probably trapped under the plastic causing the discoloration. Once it dried did the discoloration go away?

He used the Color Crete that we sell. ColorCrete Exterior 1 Gallon | ColorCrete Stains | The ProSealer Store In actuality it is supposed to look like that besides the standing water. Tony I am sorry it did not turn out the way you or the customer expected.

Happy Birthday Jake! :cheers:

Checkout the new article written by Mark Smith Being A Professional You can comment or ask questions below the article!

I have used the semi-cedar numerous times and it always looks good when done. It is hard to judge from a test spot.

Yes there is exempt solvents. The main one being acetone. They still need to be labeled 250 VOC though for low VOC states. Cabot labels theirs 250 VOC because of the exemption. TWP 500 series is 350 VOC not 250. They are registered as a "preservative" which allows the 500 series to be used in states that require low VOC even though they are only 350. To register a stain as a preservative costs about $20,000+ per color. At least that was what I was told.

Does the current formula have 250 VOC limits? If it is not currently 250 VOC then the current 550 formula will not be legal after changes nationally in 2011 if the government keeps to that deadline. I am sure it could be modified for the 250 VOC limit if need be.

I agree with Ken. Bakers though may be illegal to make after 2011 since I do not think it is 250 VOC

Adding Propylene Glycol to HD80 will "boost" the performance. This is what is normally found in anti freeze.

www.armstrongstain.com Please visit the new site. This site has some great attributes! The Contractor Inspiration Center is going to include articles written by Mark M. Smith. Mark started his business in 1974 and has over 35 years of experience in exterior wood restoration! You will be able to ask questions of any of the articles. You may also ask questions for Mark in the Forum! The Monthly Contest will showcase a winner, voted by his peers for "Best Wood Restoration Picture"! Winners will receive Free Stain, Discounts, and a "Featured Article" promoting their company! The Member Area is a key element of the site. This is where you can post Photo Albums, Videos, and interact with all of the other members. This area has unlimited potential as a Marketing Tool! Pointing potential customers to your personal page will showcase your company! The Contractor Locator will show all registered Armstrong Clark contractors around the country! Thanks!

Thanks Pat!

New Fall Armstrong Clark Contest is under way. Contest runs until October 31st. Fall 2009 Armstrong Clark Contest

For over a year now Jake and I have been doing business together and we finally got a chance to meet last Thursday. My opinion of him did not waiver as he is very down to earth, stand up person who really cares about his stain and the wood restoration industry as a whole. We spent the afternoon on the golf course. :golf: He beat me quite easily:o I am looking forward to redemption in Orlando!

Luckily we did not play for money. Looking forward to golfing in Orlando as well!

Beth, If you are going to Orlando you can be my caddy and drive the cart.

I installed a live actor video on my website. I like it but I was curious as to what other people thought. I have two actually. One for my services and one on the homepage for product sales: Deck Restoration Michigan Wood Deck Restoration Supplies

My Live Actor - Put Talking Video Actors on Your Website