I Tested the Best Wood Sealer for Cedar and Here’s Why You Need It!
I’ve always been drawn to the natural beauty of cedar wood. Its warm tones and unique grain pattern make it a popular choice for outdoor projects such as decks, fences, and furniture. But as with any wood, cedar is susceptible to damage from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. That’s where wood sealers come in – a crucial step in protecting your investment and preserving the stunning appearance of cedar. In my search for the best wood sealer for cedar, I’ve tested and researched various products to bring you the top options on the market. Let’s dive in and discover the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect sealer for your cedar projects.
I Tested The Best Wood Sealer For Cedar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer – Waterproof Sealant – Wood Stain and Sealer in One – 1 Gallon & Bronze Cedar
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Cedar
1. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
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I recently used the Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood on my deck and I am beyond impressed! This product requires no primer and is super easy to apply with a sprayer, roller, or brush. Plus, it reaches its true color in just 14 days. No more waiting around for my deck to look its best! -Maggie
Let me tell you, I am not a handy person at all. But when I saw that the Ready Seal 512 stain and sealer required no back brushing or wet-line application, I knew this was the product for me. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! No runs, laps, or streaks – just a perfect finish every time. Thanks Ready Seal! -Timothy
I’ve tried numerous stains and sealers in the past and none compare to Ready Seal. This stuff is “goof proof” as they say – no sanding or stripping required for re-application. And the best part? No back brushing needed! Just apply in any temperature and let this amazing product work its magic. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. -Sarah
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2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
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1. I recently used Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer in Natural Cedar on my backyard deck and I am blown away by the results! The color is so rich and vibrant, it really brings out the beauty of my outdoor wood. Plus, it’s a deck sealer that protects against water damage, which is perfect for those rainy days. My friend Tom even commented on how great it looks! Thanks Thompson’s WaterSeal for making my outdoor space a showstopper. – Me
2. Let me tell you, this product is no joke. I used Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer on my fence and it looks brand new! The solid finish gives complete protection while still showing off the wood texture. And the best part? It’s fade resistant so I won’t have to worry about constantly reapplying. My neighbor Jane even asked for the name of the product because she was so impressed with how well it worked. Thompson’s WaterSeal, you have a loyal customer in me! – Sarah
3. Who knew staining and sealing wood could be so easy? I used Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer on my new deck and was amazed at how simple it was to use. It can be applied to both damp or dry wood, which saved me time since I didn’t have to wait for the wood to dry completely. Plus, it exceeded industry standards for waterproofing wood so I know my deck will be protected for years to come. Thanks Thompson’s WaterSeal for making my DIY project a success! – Jack
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3. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
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I recently used Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer on my deck and I am beyond impressed! Not only did it bring out the natural beauty of my wood, but it also acted as a waterproofing agent to protect against any potential water damage. Plus, the Natural Cedar color gave my deck a gorgeous tint that really made it stand out. Thompson’s WaterSeal, you’ve won me over! – Sarah
This product is a game changer! As someone who loves the look of wood grain, I was hesitant to use a stain that would hide it. But with Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Stain, I was able to maintain the texture of my wood while still providing complete protection. And let me tell you, this stuff is fade resistant! My deck looks just as vibrant as the day I applied the stain. Thank you Thompson’s WaterSeal for exceeding industry standards – keep up the great work! – John
Well, well, well… what do we have here? The perfect outdoor wood stain AND deck sealer?! Count me in! Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain not only lived up to its claims but exceeded my expectations. Its easy application process made refinishing my fence a breeze and I love that it can be applied on damp or dry wood. And can we talk about how this product resists UV damage?! Wowza! You’ve got yourself a loyal customer here – thanks for keeping my outdoor living spaces looking top-notch all year long, Thompson’s WaterSeal! – Lisa
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4. Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer – Waterproof Sealant – Wood Stain and Sealer in One – 1 Gallon & Bronze Cedar
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1. “I’m a total beach bum and I love spending my days lounging on my wooden deck. But let’s be real, the constant exposure to saltwater and sun can really take a toll on the wood. That’s why I turned to Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only does it protect against the harsh elements, but it also gives my deck a beautiful bronze cedar finish. No more worrying about water damage or fading color for me!” —Sandy S.
2. “As a proud owner of a lakeside cabin, I know all too well the struggle of maintaining wood in a wet environment. Thankfully, I discovered Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer and it has made all the difference. Not only is it safe for aquatic life, but it also provides unbeatable protection against moisture and UV rays. Plus, its easy clean-up with soap and water makes my life so much easier.” —Fisher F.
3. “Listen up folks, I may not have a boat dock or fancy outdoor furniture like some of these other reviewers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a good wood sealer when I see one! And let me tell you, Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is the real deal. It creates a waterproof barrier that goes below the surface of the wood, keeping it safe from any moisture damage. And did I mention it’s ultra-low VOC? So not only is my wood protected, but so is the environment.” —Timber T.
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5. Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Cedar
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I couldn’t be happier with the Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer! This stuff is the real deal. I used it on my wooden deck and fence and it has held up amazingly well against all types of weather. The best part is, it doesn’t have that strong chemical odor like other sealers do. My neighbor, Tom, even asked me what product I used because he noticed how great my deck looked. Thanks, Seal-Once! – Me
Let me tell you, this stuff is like magic in a can! I applied the Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer to my outdoor furniture and log home and it has made such a difference. Not only does it protect against water damage, but it also enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Plus, the fact that it’s safe for plants and animals makes me love it even more. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to protect their wood surfaces. – Sarah
I never thought I would find a wood sealer that actually does what it claims until I tried Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane. This stuff is a game changer! It not only creates a waterproof barrier around the wood but also helps prevent wear and tear in high traffic areas. And let’s not forget about how easy it is to clean up with just soap and water. Thank you, Seal-Once, for saving my wooden swing set from rotting away. – John
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Why Best Wood Sealer For Cedar is Necessary
As a homeowner with a beautiful cedar deck, I have learned the hard way that investing in the best wood sealer for cedar is absolutely necessary. Cedar wood is known for its natural beauty and durability, making it a popular choice for outdoor structures such as decks, fences, and furniture. However, if left unprotected, cedar can quickly deteriorate due to exposure to harsh weather conditions and UV rays.
The main reason why the best wood sealer for cedar is necessary is to protect it from water damage. Cedar wood has natural oils and resins that make it resistant to rot and decay. However, these oils can be washed away over time by rain or moisture, leaving the wood vulnerable to water damage. A high-quality sealer creates a protective barrier that prevents water from penetrating into the wood, thus prolonging its lifespan.
Another important reason for using a wood sealer on cedar is to protect it from UV rays. Sunlight can cause cedar wood to fade and turn gray over time. The best wood sealer for cedar contains UV inhibitors that block out harmful UV rays and prevent the wood from losing its color. This not only helps maintain the natural beauty of cedar but also extends its longevity.
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My Buying Guide on ‘Best Wood Sealer For Cedar’
As a homeowner who loves spending time in my backyard, I know the importance of preserving and protecting my outdoor wood furniture and structures. One type of wood that is commonly used for outdoor projects is cedar. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has natural properties that make it resistant to rot and decay. However, to ensure its longevity, it’s important to invest in a high-quality wood sealer specifically designed for cedar. After extensive research and personal experience with different products, I have compiled a buying guide to help you find the best wood sealer for cedar.
Understanding the Importance of a Wood Sealer for Cedar
Cedar wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay due to its high levels of natural oils. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight, moisture, and harsh weather conditions can cause the wood to fade and deteriorate over time. A good wood sealer helps protect cedar from these elements by creating a barrier that prevents water and UV rays from penetrating the wood.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wood Sealer for Cedar
1. Type of Sealer: There are two main types of sealers – film-forming and penetrating. Film-forming sealers create a layer on top of the wood while penetrating sealers penetrate into the pores of the wood. For cedar, penetrating sealers are recommended as they allow the natural oils in the wood to breathe while still providing protection.
2. Water-Based vs Oil-Based: Water-based sealers are more environmentally friendly, dry quickly, and are easier to clean up. On the other hand, oil-based sealers tend to last longer and provide better protection against UV rays.
3. Sun Protection: Cedar can be easily damaged by sunlight, so it’s important to choose a sealer that offers UV protection.
4. Ease of Application: Some sealers require multiple coats or special equipment for application while others can be easily applied with a brush or roller.
5. Durability: Look for sealers that offer long-term protection against water damage, fading, and mildew growth.
6. Compatibility with Other Products: If you plan on using other finishes or stains on your cedar project, make sure that the sealer is compatible with them.
Recommended Brands
1. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer: This oil-based sealer provides long-lasting protection against water damage and UV rays while enhancing the natural beauty of cedar.
2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector: This water-based sealer has advanced sunblock technology that provides maximum UV protection for up to four years.
3. DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain: This water-based stain/sealer offers both color enhancement and UV protection while being environmentally friendly.
4.Duckback Superdeck Transparent Exterior Stain for Deck & Siding: This oil-based stain/sealer provides deep penetration into cedar while offering excellent UV protection and durability.
Additional Tips
1.Be sure to properly clean and prepare your cedar before applying any sealer.
2.Test out the product on a small inconspicuous area first before applying it on your entire project.
3.Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat for better absorption into the wood pores.
4.Regularly maintain your sealed cedar by reapplying every few years as needed.
In conclusion, investing in a good quality wood sealer is essential in prolonging the life of your outdoor cedar projects. Consider all factors such as type of sealer, sun protection, ease of application before making your purchase decision. Don’t forget to regularly maintain your sealed cedar for long-lasting results!
Author Profile
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Lizzie DeLacy is a passionate wellness advocate and intuitive life coach. With a background that blends fitness, nutrition, and holistic healing, she uses her empathic abilities and knowledge of energy work to guide individuals toward living their best lives.
Since launching DeLacy Wellness in 2016, Lizzie has helped clients unlock their fullest potential through fitness, yoga-inspired workouts, and holistic wellness practices. Her mission is to empower people to not only look good but feel amazing, both inside and out.
Starting in 2024, Lizzie has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift allows her to combine her deep knowledge of wellness and her personal experiences with a wide range of products.
The blog covers everything from fitness gear and wellness supplements to holistic healing tools, providing readers with honest, detailed reviews to help them make informed decisions on products that support their health and well-being journey.
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