Choosing The Best Outdoor Sealant
When it comes to outdoor wooden surfaces, wood decking, you cannot always treat them the same as indoor surfaces. Outdoor wooden furniture is vulnerable because of the weather and without proper maintenance, it will begin to warp. It is quite devastating when your wood sealer starts to peel off because you know next comes the warping of the wood and with time the piece of furniture or surface is destroyed. Choosing the right wood sealer is a great way to ensure that you do not have to deal with your outdoor furniture getting destroyed by the weather. Here are some tips for choosing an outdoor wood sealer.
- Look For Ingredients That Are Rain Resistant
You should choose an outdoor wood sealer that is one that is rain resistant in that water droplets from rain or snow do not get into the wood. This means that when the weather is rainy or snowy you can wipe off the moisture and the surface of the furniture or surface will still be dry. Linseed oil and Tung oil are some of the ingredients that are rain resistant and durable. Look for wood sealers that have these two.
Look for wood sealers that are defined as ‘marine paint’ as this means that they can withstand prolonged exposure to water and not let water into the wood. That means that they can also withstand floods so they are perfect for outdoor wooden furniture. Other sealants also use lacquer and varnish. Marine varnish is the best type because it also prevents damage from UV rays, so your furniture can stay in the sun without getting too much damage.
- Easy Application
There are wood sealers that can be difficult to apply on the wood and this could mean that you need more than one coat to ensure that the job is done well. Choose a wood sealer that can be applied easily and will only need one or two coats. Make sure that it is also easy to dry so that there will be no patches left undone once the sealer is applied to the wood. Make sure that the sealant cures easily so that it will not become tacky and sticky, giving the wood an old or unpleasant look.
- Non-Toxic
Make sure that you pick an environmentally safe wood sealer. Having a wood sealer that is toxic to your environment is not a good choice especially for furniture that is around your garden. Keep in mind that some sealers can be toxic until cured, so you can also decide to pick these then cure the wood to ensure that the end product is not toxic to your surroundings.
- Choose Sealers That Are Mold Resistant
You should look for an outdoor wood sealer that will prevent your wood from becoming moldy when exposed to moisture. Mold can spell disaster for your wood because it will soon change color and the appearance will not be what it once was.
Some sealers are more suitable for furniture while others are best for larger wooden spaces such as decks/patios. You can do some research to see which sealer is suitable for your purposes.
Top Pick
Best Outdoor Wood Sealer
Thompson’s WaterSeal
One of the best wood treatments today, Thompson’s WaterSeal gives pressure treated wood a great finish and is perfect for fences, outdoor furniture, shutters, and decking. Unlike other lower-end finishes, Thompson’s Waterseal is strong enough to protect your outdoor wood surfaces for at least two years, if not more, with just one coat.
Wood Whiz- Eric Hawkings
Welcome to woodwhiz.com. My name is Eric Hawkins. I love all things wood. After getting a degree in engineering, I followed my passion of working with wood in different capacities like woodworking, staining, polishing, oils, crafts, finishing and much more.
Most of my family and friends call me a wood wizard. Whenever I can help them with their projects I do but I soon realized that the problems they were encountering were not unique. Many people on the internet were having similar issues. So one day I thought, why not create a space where I can help more people with all wood related issues. So the idea of ‘ woodwhiz.com’ was born!
Best Exterior paints of 2020 in the Market
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Best Quality PRODUCTS
#1
Thompson’s WaterSeal
A product that has been around a while, Thompson’s Advanced natural wood Protector WaterSeal can only be used on outside structures. One of the best wood treatments today, it gives pressure treated wood a great finish and is perfect for fences, outdoor furniture, exterior wood, shutters, and decks. Unlike other lower-end finishes, Thompson’s Waterseal is strong enough to protect your outdoor wood surfaces for at least two years, in not more.
Single Coat Finish
With just a single coat, Thompson’s WaterSeal can give you a gorgeous, replenished look to poorly treated or weathered wood. It comes in five colors including maple brown, Sequoia red, harvest gold, acorn brown, and woodland cedar.
Easy to Use
You can apply Thompson’s WaterSeal to both damp and dry wood. Prefect for a woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts.This is a water-based formula that makes clean up easy after you apply it, so all you need is soap and water. With just one-gallon, you can cover up to 200 square feet.
Resistance
Thompson’s WaterSeal also has a strong resistance to mold and mildew while giving wood protection from harmful UV light. This sealer helps to guarantee the best return for your money by giving you both the original beauty and integrity of the wood.
#2
Agra-Life TriCoPolymer Wood Sealer – Most Versatile Wood Sealer
Well-known in the industry, Agra-Life TriCo Polymers Wood Sealer is reliable and eco-friendly. Containing no toxins or volatile organic compounds, Agra-Life will cure into a plastic-like coating. With an easy application, you don’t have to worry about risks to plants, pets, or children and can resist insects, mold, rot, rain, and UV light.
Versatility
Ideal for both internal and exterior wood , Agra-Life wood Sealant adds many extra years to shingle siding, sidings, and fence posts. It works really well on decks thanks to its glossy and thick clear finish that can be slippery when it is wet. It also works well most water-based stains and paints making it a great choice for gazebos, trellises, and fences.
- It can last up to three times longer than its competitors
- You can use it inside and on exterior wood
- It works really well on studs and plywood to protect against water damage
- Not great for walking surfaces since it can be slippery after being applied
- It can also discolor with poor application
#3
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane – Best Clear Finish
Among some of the best wood sealer for outdoor furniture, Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane gives you a bright and protective finish. With a wide variety of applications, you can use it on doors and windows for protection from rain, moisture, and sunlight. Plus, it can help protect against warping when there are temperature changes.
Easy to Maintain
Since it only takes a short time to dry, you can also use Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane on indoor projects such as cabinets and countertops. With a glass-like clean finish, you can be guaranteed that it will correctly on wood surfaces with wood stains. It is also easy to clean and convenient to apply with a brush, roller or sprayer
Easy Application
This is a very thick product that helps to make the application more comfortable. Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane creates a barrier that protects wood surfaces from deterioration from moisture and rain. It also includes compounds that prevent fading from UV rays as well as other harmful effects exposure to sunlight can cause. ensures it works just right on stained wood surfaces.
#4
Star Brite Sealer – Best Marine Wood Sealer
Among the top sealers for marine teak, Star Brite Sealer works for all types of wood. Offering a great finish to wood, this is an oil-based product that protects wood from damage from saltwater and harsh weather conditions. It works well on decks and outdoor furniture.
Natural Oils
Using natural oils for ultra-refining, Star Brite Sealer can protect the wood from extreme conditions. Using a blend of various additives, the sealer can stop wood from becoming yellowing, discolored or gray when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Providing a natural stain color and golden appearance, it is easy to apply, dries fast, and woods well on products that spend a lot of time in the water.
#5
Rainguard Wood Sealer – Most Eco-Friendly Sealer
Containing no toxic chemicals, Rainguard Wood Sealer is an eco-friendly product that protects wood without the risk of harm to plants, animals, and humans. This makes it perfect to use around vegetable gardens and other home uses. Using both siloxanes and silanes, Rainguard Wood Sealer consists of a water-resistance property and can create a hydrophobic barrier.
Powerful Barrier
Using propriety ingredient in micro-lok, Rainguard Wood Sealer creates a powerful barrier that can sustain the cohesion of a wood structure in harsh conditions. With a thin hydrophobic barrier, it stops UV rays, water penetration, and freezing. This provides guaranteed protection from mildew and rotting.
Durable and Sturdy
This is a sturdy and durable finish that has a natural, bright look that won’t change the texture or appearance of wood. Rainguard Wood Sealer is a great choice for horizontal and vertical wood surfaces, and too much spraying during application won’t cause harmful effects on either glass or other areas of a building.
#6
Anchorseal 2 Green – Best Sealer for Green Wood
Great at sealing green wood planks, Anchorseal 2 Green will help to reduce cracking in your wood. It also helps to seal end wood grain checking or the flakes that you see on the end of wood planks after it has been cut. Used by professional contractors, this is a reliable product that has been around for 30 years.
Splintering
All it takes is a few coats and you can solve any splintering problem on your wood. Anchorseal 2 Green helps to keep wood firmly together and is best when used right after you cut the wood.
#7
Ready Seal Stain and Sealer – Best Stain and Sealer Combination
A great combination of sealer and stain, this product will help you save money and time. Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer is an oil-based product that offers a somewhat transparent appearance. Available in nine different stain colors, including pecan, light oak, redwood, hickory and more . It is great at protecting and sealing wood structure outdoors.
Appearance
While it preserves wood, it also can enhance the natural color appearance of wood. It allows the grain of the wood to show while keeping the texture of the wood visible. Forming a thick layer over the wood’s surface, Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer can be applied at any temperature and gives you a streak-free finish.
#8
DEFY Waterproofing Sealer – Best Water-Resistant Protection
This water-based sealer is eco-friendly and won’t contain toxic fumes or other emissions. DEFHY Waterproofing Wood Sealer is easy to clean up and dries with a crystal clear protective layer. It can stop discoloration on composite wood while also sealing and protecting it.
Protection
This sealer contains zinc which is known to coat steel and can provide a great coating thanks to its chemical properties. The zinc oxide helps to protect the wood from UV damage rays, which can also wood to rot and degrade. DEFY Waterproofing wood Sealer gives your wood a longer lifespan lasting one to two years longer than its competitors.
#9
Waterlox Marine Sealer – Most Natural Product
Typically, marine sealers are just used on boats, but Waterlox Marine Sealer is designed for general use. However, it does have a great waterproofing quality that is different from other marine sealers that are just used above the waterline.
Flexibility
Using a natural wood substance called Tung oil, Waterlox Marine Sealer will dry forming a tough and clean finish and a gorgeous shine. This is a flexible product that will move with the wood, so it won’t chip. Waterlox Marine Sealer is very easy to maintain and is water-resistant making it safe to use in sleet, snow, salt water, and water. Plus, it protects wood from fading due to exposure to UV rays.
#10
EcoProCote Acri-Soy Wood Sealer – Best Concrete Sealer
With the ability to penetrate eco-friendly, clear concrete, the EcoProCote Acri-Soy Wood Sealer uses high-end technology featuring soy ester dispersion resins to offer lasting protection to wood and concrete. Providing very effective penetration, soy yester can protect a porous surface by creating a molecule bond whose seal is highly repellant. This product is mixed together with modified water-based acrylics to create an effective sealer for fiber cement, tile grout, plaster, stucco, natural stone, wood trim, masonry block, wood decks, brick pavers, and garage floors.
Lasting Protection
Performing better than other water-based sealers, it gives you lasting protection against marring, dusting, stains, and moisture. EcoProCote Acri-Soy has a great spread rate and only evaporates once it has entered the pores of the substrate. If you are doing Green Building, this product will not affect the air quality when it is applied.
Resistance
Resistant to bad weather conditions and UV rays, this is a fast-drying product that will improve the life of the wood substrate. Once you have applied the product, it is easy to clean up with water and soap. EcoProCote Acri-Soy won’t flake, film, or peel and has a soy milk type of odor.
Considerations when choosing a wood sealer
- Color
The color of the wood can be an important factor when considering wood sealers. Look for a clear sealer if you don’t want to add any color to your wood. If you do like a bit of color, a semi-transparent stain can be a good option. And, solid wood stains are the best choice if you want a complete change of color.
- Resistance
Deciding what your wood should be resistant to is another big consideration, especially if you are looking for an outdoor wood sealer. Look for sealer that is water-resistant, which can be one of the biggest issues with wood if its outside. Mildew growth can also be an issue as well as cause UV damage which can warp and fade the appearance of the wood.
- Application
Always know what type of wood you are dealing with before choosing a deck sealer. Different materials respond differently to different sealers. So, a hardwood sealer will penetrate a dense wood while other products are better for less dense wood.
Applying the sealer can be done using a sturdy and simple brush, but you can also consider sprayer bottles and paint rollers depending on the product and the area of the wood where you are applying the sealer.
- Strength and Durability
Durability and strength help to determine the quality of the wood sealer. All sealers work differently with some have stronger and longer-lasting features than others, which can cause you to have more maintenance throughout the year. By considering these features, you can help buy the best sealer for the type of wood that you have.
FAQs
Wood sealers help to protect outdoor wood from the natural elements and prolong its life from general wear and tear. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
- What are the differences between sealing and deck stain?
Sealing will create a transparent top coat on the wood’s surface with a transparent or clean look where staining will add color or pigment.
2. How much deck sealer do I need?
Typically, a one-gallon container can cover between 200 and 300 square feet. This all depends on how thick the coat is, so it will probably take about two gallons to cover a deck that is 500 square feet. Most deck sealers and deck stains are usually bought in 1-gallon containers.
3. How long does wood sealer take to dry?
Usually, it only takes about 48 hours for the wood sealer to dry assuming that the deck is in direct sunlight. Always check to make sure the surface is totally dry before you walk on it.
4. How often do you need to seal your deck?
Usually, you want to renew your outdoor wood sealer every year. If you used a UV-rated sealer, you will need to seal it twice a year. To see if you need to reseal your deck, simply drop some water on the deck’s surface and see if it beads up. If it doesn’t, you need to reseal.
Giving you great protection, wood sealers have several factors that need to be considered before you buy one. Make sure it can give you the most protection against UV rays, water, and mildew. And, if you prefer natural wood products, make sure that it has the ingredients to keep your yard and loved ones protected.
5. Can I use any wood sealer on outdoor wood?
There are two main types of sealers:
– Oil or solvent-based sealers
Wood treated with this type of sealer will have to be cleaned with a solvent such as thinners or mineral turpentine which gives off a very strong odor that can take several hours to clear. Depending on the weather it will take a few days to dry or cure. Two or three coats are needed if a non- tint sealer is used and the finished result may have slight discoloration.
– Water or acrylic-based sealers
Water-based sealers are more environmentally friendly as they have fewer VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Wood treated with this type of low VOC sealer can be washed with soap and water and it has a much quicker drying time, even when several coats are applied. A non-tint base sealer will sometimes need up to four coats for maximum protection but there will be little discoloration of the wood.
6. Can I apply a sealer directly to the wood?
Preparation is important and depends on the existing surface of the wood. Sanding is an important preparation step as it will open the pores of the wood to ensure that the sealing product will penetrate and adhere to the wood.
– New Wood: Sanding new wood will remove any irregularities such as rough edges and splinters and ensure that the surface of the wood is clean and smooth. Start with a rough grit of 80 – 100 progressing to a finer grit between 120 – 220. Steel wool can be used for a blemish-free clean finish. Any crevices or nail holes will need to be filled with a wood filler and left to dry completely before sanding. Using long strokes sand the wood back and forth along the wood grain. To avoid scratching the surface of the wood, apply pressure lightly. If sanding by hand, use a sanding block to ensure even distribution of pressure across the surface. Remove any trace of dust from the surface and wipe it clean before applying the sealer.
– Previously Sealed Wood: If there are no signs of cracking or discoloration, simply remove any grime or dirt with a lint-free cloth dipped in mineral turpentine. If there is discoloration or the treatment has worn away in sections the finish will have to be removed by deep sanding it to reveal the raw wood underneath.
– Painted Wood: Remove the old paint with paint remover following the manufacturer’s instructions. Sand the surface to remove any leftover paint and remove any sawdust with a dry cloth. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before applying the sealer.
7. What is the best way to apply the sealer?
To ensure a successful application choose the right brush size and type. Make sure the brush is of good quality with long haired bristles that are flexible and completely dry before starting. The size of the brush will depend on the project. Window frames will typically require a 25mm brush size while doors and gates may need 50mm – 75mm. For larger areas like garage doors use a 75mm brush size or larger.
Avoid runs and spills by dipping the bristles no more than one third of the way into the sealer. As little as 2mm is enough for small or delicate work.Apply the sealer with long, even strokes along the wood grain all the way to the end of the surface to prevent runs.
Apply the sealer in thin coats, waiting until it is touch-dry before applying the next coat. Some professionals recommend a light sanding in between applications to ensure the sealer adheres properly to the previous coat. Choose a warm, dry day and avoid applying a sealer in humid, wet conditions.
