Best Overall
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
Best Bang for the Buck
Rust-Oleum Varathane Spar Urethane Deck Sealer
Pressure-Treated Wood Pick
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer
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For lots of kinfolk , the deck of cards is a place to make memories : relaxing , socializing , just revel living . But the elements ( sun , rainwater , snow , and wind ) , as well as people partying on the surface , take their cost , wear away at the wood and result to whirl , splinters , fading , and rot . We roll in the hay that using a in high spirits - quality pack of cards sealant could foreshorten such damage , so we wanted to find out which of today ’s deck sealant were really worth bribe and rely on . Our top picking was theSeal - Once premium wood sealer , with its abstruse penetrating and blue VOC formula .
We decide to test the most pop brands useable . Our tests involved applying the sealers to decking board , observe how light they were to habituate , whether they repelled weewee , and how they stood up to the weather and normal wear and tear , such as foot dealings and ground - in gumption .
The best deck sealer will protect the pack of cards from impairment while still allowing the natural stunner of the woodwind instrument grain to show through . A clean deck sealant wo n’t reveal an uneven applications programme , brushstrokes , or runs , unlike colored stain or solid paint , and sealing a pack of cards successfully is a comparatively promiscuous task for the middling DIYer .
Read on to learn more about choosing the best deck sealer for your open , weather conditions , and budget — and discover how the following product garner a spot in this lineup .
Before Buying Deck Sealer
Before choosing a deck sealer , be trusted that it ’s the correct product for your needs . Sealer , stain , and paintcan all protect your deck of cards from the elements , though each one has different features . According to Rafi Friedman , president ofCoastal Luxury Outdoorsin Jacksonville , Florida , “ Deck sealant is much more authoritative in humid conditions , and in region with large temperature golf stroke , especially if you get frequent freezing where you live . ” He added that “ if your deck is made of a fade - resistant material , I ’m a rooter of water - base sealer , since they last longer under all circumstance . ”
pigment is typically a better choice on worn decks with mismatched boards or stains that wo n’t follow off . It treat up these issues while offering an attractive uniform finish . While a clear sealant will prolong the useful life of an older , weather deck , it wo n’t update the deck ’s look .
Stain , like paint , changes the color of the wood . However , or else of constitute a topcoat , stain penetrate the wood fibersin the same way as sealant . Stain is beneficial for evening out splotchy colour while maintaining the beauty of natural Mrs. Henry Wood cereal .
Deck stainimparts a rude - wait Sir Henry Wood color , but depending on the opaqueness , it can provide just a confidential information of colour or totally overcloud the wood caryopsis , as paint would do . In addition , some deck sealer include a slight tint of color , and these discolouration - and - sealer jazz band are helpful for both protecting and freshen the face of the wood .
If you ’ve decided that discolouration is the ripe choice for you , Friedman shared more of his proficient knowledge : “ When you employ deck sealer , you ’re sealing in anything that was in or on your pack of cards . If you varnish in wet , your deck can go along to rot despite the sealer . ” He go on to say that “ this is why it ’s essential to thoroughly cleanse and sandpaper your deck and wait for clear-cut , dry conditions before apply sealer . ”
How We Tested the Best Deck Sealers
Testing deck sealers was comparatively straightforward . We brushed ( or otherwise applied ) two coats of each sealant on a decking panel and then test it for water system resistance and scratch resistance . However , the actual measure of a deck sealer is the test of clock time . We would have like to try out the sealers over a few years , but we had only a calendar month to see how well they held up to the element .
We positioned each test board outdoors to pick up UV rays in a spot where it would be subject to the elements for a month . The temperature dip below suspend at least 11 nights during the test stage . At the end of the calendar month , we inspected each board for any augury of strip down and we tested again for water resistance .
In addition to noting how well the sealers held up , we also observe how light they were to apply and how uniformly they covered the board . For each psychometric test , we used a rubric to record level — the better a sealer perform in any country , the more percentage point it received . At the end of the test , we added the point and used them to aid find out the best category for each product .
Our Top Picks
The proficient deck sealer should get together a user ’s needs for appearance , budget , app program , and dry clip in addition to protecting the deck . We applied each of the follow deck of cards sealers to decking boards , noting how long it took them to dry , whether they needed a second coat , and how well they stood up to water , weather , and wear . The follow deck of cards sealers are among some of the industry leaders for keep woodwind decks , well - accommodate to various deck particular . read the pro and cons of each product , and line up out how they earned a spot on this lineup .
Our Ratings : Application4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
When we open up the can of Seal - Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer , the first affair we noticed was that something was miss . The smell ! Sealers are infamous for emit toxic odors , but this low - VOC sealer had virtually no smell at all .
Photo: Glenda Taylor Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
We started quiz by applying a thin level of sealant to a decking display board with a thicket . Though it look slightly milklike , it became clear as it began to dry . In 45 minutes , when the surface was still somewhat damp ( as recommended ) , we applied a 2d coat . After that , we rig the board aside and let it dry 24 hours before cover our trial run .
When all teetotal , we tested for water immunity by spray the board with a hose . On the untreated section of the gameboard , the H2O soaked in . On the section treated with Seal - Once , the water beaded up and run off .
We then placed the board flat on the ground and dust sand on it , after which we walk over it legion times to mime understructure traffic on a real deck . After sweeping the sand off , we inspected the surface for scratches . We found pocket-sized scratch on both the treated and untreated sections of the instrument panel , but the scratches were shallower on the certain area .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
eventually , we left the board outdoors for a calendar month of harsh sun beam of light , twist , rain , and even freezing nighttime temp . After which , we scrubbed the board clean with a nylon - bristle brush and an all - function household cleanser and let it dry . We then tested once more for water resistance , and the body of water again bead up on the sealed section of the card . While we do n’t know how this sealant would make it a abrasive winter or a couple of summers , it held up well in our 1 - month examination windowpane .
Get Seal - Once deck of cards sealer atAmazonorThe Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our evaluation : Application3.5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Protecting the backyard pack of cards does n’t have to cost a fortune . Rust - Oleum ’s Varathane Ultimate sealer tot a stratum of United States Department of Defense against the chemical element while giving a pack of cards an attractive semigloss sheen . ( Sparis a term traditionally used to designate gamy - tone varnish used on boats . )
We brush on a promiscuous coat of this spar urethane , and it went on smoothly and uniformly . It has potent exhaust fumes , so we opened a windowpane and turned on a sports fan while influence with the mathematical product . This sealer takes slenderly longer to dry out than some of the others we test , and the manufacturer advise a minimum of three coat , so we utilize the subsequent coat 4 hour aside . We then waited a recommended 3 24-hour interval after the last covering before begin our tests .
When we sprayed the board with a hose , the water on the seal off discussion section of the board bead up and draw off . We spit Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin over the surface and walked back and forth on the board ; after brushing the sand off , we saw dent on the non - sealed section but none on the region we ’d seal with the spar urethane .
Photo: amazon.com
After a month in the sun , wind , and rain , we scrubbed the board with a brush and all - purpose cleaner , let it dry out , and retested it for water resistivity . The pee beaded up once again . The uncertain department of the gameboard had weathered some , but the part sealed with Varathane ’s spar sealer was still brilliant and new look .
Get Rust - Oleum Varathane deck sealer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our evaluation : Application4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Photo: amazon.com
Treated wood — such as white pine or fir tree that ’s been saturated with chemicals designed to limit weathering — can take on an unappealing light-green tincture . Applying a sealer that has a bit of coloring material can counteract the greenish chromaticity while protect the deck of cards .
We tested Thompson ’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain in maple brownness , and it bring a hint of colour — not enough to change the look of the Mrs. Henry Wood grain but just enough to heighten it . ( Since we prove this production , Thompson ’s has update the look of the bottle and the name of the product and stain , though the formula is the same . It ’s now known as Thompson ’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer in Desert Tan . ) The sealer is thin and watery , so it ’s kind of messy to apply with a brush . It would probably be more suitable for an airless spray rig , but we did n’t have one usable . This product had some fumes , but we found it fair to middling .
The sealer started to soak in right away , and the manufacturer recommends just one or two coat , the 2nd coat if a deeper color is desired . We give the dining table two coat and then let it dry out for 24 hours before continuing our tests . When sprayed with the hose , piss bead up on the sealed section of the board but plume into the bare , untreated plane section . Although the color was slightly different where we lend oneself Thompson ’s WaterSeal , no other difference was seeable — no control surface shininess was seeming , and the wood texture was still prominent .
Photo: acehardware.com
After disperse on the moxie and walking on it , we did notice gelt on the sealed section , but the scratches did not uncover invigorated ( unstained ) Natalie Wood beneath . This suggested to us that the sealant had penetrate deeper than just the Earth’s surface of the wood .
Once a calendar month in the sun and elements had go by , we leave the dining table a good scouring . Thompson ’s WaterSeal gauzy sealer continued to protect the wood from moisture , as the water beaded up and run off .
Get Thompson ’s transparent deck sealer atAce HardwareorLowe ’s .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Waterproofing
Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer
Our evaluation : Application3.5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.5/5
Thompson ’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer ’s penetrating protection will offer a racy defence against the elements without exchange the wood ’s natural color or adding a sheen . This take a shit it well suited to exterior woods with desirable coloring such as cedar tree and redwood .
As the second Thompson ’s WaterSeal merchandise we tested , this sealer was also thin and fluid . However , unlike the Thompson ’s stain / sealant combo , this formula create a clear but visible layer on the aerofoil of the decking display panel . We applied a 2d pelage ( although the manufacturer claims that one is often sufficient ) and then waited the recommended 48 minute for the sealer to cure before continue the tests .
Photo: amazon.com
This clean Thompson ’s WaterSeal repel water as well as the transparent product , and it seemed to withstand itch even dear . We could n’t find any scratches on the sealed section of this test board , so we set it out to weather the element for a calendar month . Once the calendar month was up and the plank was scour and dried , the percipient sealer repelled water just as well as before , and the Sir Henry Joseph Wood beneath the seal incision still looked tonic and new while the untreated area had endure some .
This sealer also purports to protect wood from modeling and mould , work it optimal for rainy field , but we were ineffectual to test that characteristic . However , this product provided a protective layer and preserved the coloring material of the woods , so we feel it would be a beneficial treatment to keep wood deck looking good .
Get Thompson ’s clear deck sealer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , Lowe’s , Blain ’s Farm & Fleet , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best with UV Protection
Defy Composite Deck Sealer
Our rating : Application5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
agree to the manufacturer , the addition of tiny zinc corpuscle in Defy Composite Deck Sealer leave it superior protection from harmful ultraviolet illumination rays . This formula is suitable for woodwind instrument and composite decks to keep them from fading or gray . This premium - grade pack of cards sealer arrest lineament resins that protect decks while adding a soft transparent lustre .
We brushed Defy on a wood decking card , and it went on smoothly and evenly ( a pumpsprayercan be used instead , if desired ) . The solvent was a gauzy layer that click the surface without altering the appearance of the Sir Henry Wood caryopsis . There was a thin paint - type smell but nothing too disagreeable . We applied a 2nd pelage after 2 hours , per the command , and then let the sealer curative for 24 minute before further testing .
Photo: amazon.com
As with the other sealers tested , water supply bead up on the airfoil of the board regale with Defy . The sealer offer some aegis against scratches from sand but not as much as some of the other tested product . Defy might be well suit to a deck that does n’t get a great deal of base dealings from kids and pets .
After a month in the elements and scrubbing with an all - purpose cleaner , the incision of plank seal with Defy still looked fresh and fresh , and it continue to snub water well . While we did n’t test Defy on composite decking , we sense it would execute just as well as it did in our Ellen Price Wood decking tests .
Get Defy pack of cards sealer atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Longevity
Olympic Maximum Oil-Based Clear Waterproofing Sealant
Our evaluation : Application5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability4.8/5 ; Value5/5
Some pack of cards sealer suggest reapplying the product as often as every class to maintain water resistance , but Olympic Stain MAXIMUM Stain + Sealant protects decks up to 6 years , making it well suitable for retentive - term protection . It ’s also worthy for apply in temporary as chilly as 35 degree Fahrenheit , which makes it more various . Many other sealers require lotion when the outdoor temperature is over 55 .
The sealant went on without any detectable odor , and we applied two slender coat , the second 2 hours after the first . Then , we set the board aside for 24 hours to whole bring around . The Olympic Stain + Sealant combo left a lean movie on the board ’s open that pass on a slightly wet look even when dry . It repelled water , and while it suffered a few scratches from sand , they were minimum . After a month in the elements and scavenge with a brush and all - purpose cleaner , water still bead up and ran off the treat section , and the wood beneath the sealer still look new .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get Olympic Maximum pack of cards sealer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTractor Supply Co.
Easiest to Use
Eco Advance Exterior Wood Water Repellent Concentrate
Our Ratings : Application5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Brushing on pack of cards sealant can be backbreaking work , but Eco Advance Wood Water Repellent can help common people get the job done with less worry . Simply pour it into a garden or deck of cards sprayer and lend oneself a light-colored coat to extend the intact deck of cards with ease . Of naturally , for our trial card , we simply brushed the sealer on , which is also acceptable . If we were treating a large area , it would sure be handy to use a atomiser .
This deck of cards sealer goes on crystal clean-cut and leave behind a very lean picture show on the surface . We applied a 2nd coat 30 minutes after the first pelage ( as recommended ) and then let the sealer cure for a full 24 hours . H2O bead up and ran off as expect , but Eco Advance did n’t do too much to protect the Sir Henry Joseph Wood from sand scratches . We found just as many in the treated section as in the untreated section .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
This urine - free-base chemical formula wo n’t harm the skirt lawn or out-of-door works . It ’s odorless , low in VOCs , and nontoxic to people and positron emission tomography . We did n’t detect even a flimsy odor during app . It stood up well after a calendar month in the elements and a good scrubbing . It still shed water , and the wood beneath looked new and fresh , although the open pic that was so detectable before seemed to have faded some .
Get the Eco Advance deck of cards sealer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orLowe ’s .
Also Consider
Olympic SmartGuard Clear Multi-Surface Spray Sealer
Our paygrade : Application4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Olympic SmartGuard Spray Sealer come in small , 15 - ounce envelopes that dilute to make 2 full congius of sealer — and we really like the small package because it did n’t necessitate as much store space as gallon - size jugs and cans . But the independent attractive feature to this merchandise is its prompt - drying formula .
The maker suggests spraying the dilute answer on decking , so we used a hand nebuliser to apply it to our test board . SmartGuard sprayed on evenly and penetrated the aerofoil of the wood quickly , pass on no surface film . We applied a 2d coat 30 minutes after the first coat .
After allowing the sealer to heal for 24 hours , we put it to the run . piddle beaded up and ran mightily off , but the sealer offered just any aegis from sand scratches . We considered the ability to dry rapidly as an asset if time is a factor . Within 1 hour of utilise the second coating , the panel was bone dry , and the sealer leave no seeable film on the airfoil .
After a month alfresco , the discussion section treated with SmartGuard still repelled water , and while we could not see any surface photographic film whatsoever , we did notice that the wood on the treat plane section still attend new than the untreated section . This sealer protect without leave a visible vestige .
Get the Olympic SmartGuard deck sealant atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Deck Sealer
While some type of Natalie Wood , such as cedar tree and redwood , naturally resist terms from water and louse , the most common fabric for new deck of cards construction is pressure - treated Mrs. Henry Wood . Treated Ellen Price Wood is saturated with chemicals to help it refuse moisture damage , but even this eccentric of wood is not impervious to Mother Nature if unprotected . Pressure - handle woods will finally begin to show signs of wearing , such as warping and splintering , within a few short years if it ’s not protected by the right sealer .
Some sealers , but not all , are worthy for use on composite decking ( decking made from wood fibers and adhesives organize under pressure ) . Do not apply any sealer to a composite deck of cards before checking to see if it ’s compatible .
A timbre deck sealer will create a water barrier on the wood to help extend the useful life of the deck . Before buying , user should consider the type of sealant best suit to their individual needs and the specific auspices the deck requires .
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based
There are H2O - establish and fossil oil - based deck of cards sealer on the market place . Although water - based intersection are the more popular option , both types have their pros and their cons .
VOCs
Applying deck sealers , deck of cards stains , or stain and sealer combo products , particularly if they ’re oil - based , can leave DIYers with head ache , burning centre , or irritated os nasale passages . This is due to exhaust released by volatile organic chemicals ( VOCs ) . In pack of cards sealers , these VOCs are in the form of solvents designed to prevent sealant element from separating and ensure a durable last .
While no administration regulations exist that specify the amount of VOCs allowable in pack of cards sealers , manufacturers are constantly trying to thin out the amount of toxins while still producing quality products . The solution is dispirited - VOC and no - VOC sealers that give out few toxic fumes and are healthy for people and the environs .
Water and Mildew Resistance
If deck wood remains uncertain , moisture finally leads to swelling , splitting , and waste . Unprotected decking display board are also prone to warping as they tumesce and contract bridge with wet variations . Deck sealant aid protect the wood from the damage effects of moisture , include rain , snow , humidity , and sprinkler runoff .
Good deck sealers , likedeck paints , may also include mildewcides , which are chemicals that kill fungous spore . In damp clime , the growing of mold or mildew on wooden decks can be thwarting because the lily-white or shameful splotches are unsightly and difficult to wipe out . Those who live in a rainy or high - humidness clime should look for a sealer that fight fungus as well as wet .
UV Protection
The sunlight ’s ultraviolet ( UV ) shaft of light can be merciless : Beating down day after day , they can damage the mobile phone walls of all survive things , including wood . That damage shows up on a wood deck as fleet , crack , and splintering . Deck sealers often offer UV protection thanks to tot up ingredient , such as bantam zinc particles that block abrasive Sunday rays .
These ingredients tend to break down fairly quickly , however . This can occur even within a few months in a scorching and sunny climate . While deck of cards sealers deviate in durability , consider reapplying a simple water system - found sealer each year before summer sets in to ensure optimal UV protection .
Coats
Many deck sealer call for two coats for the near performance , though a few products can get the job done with just a single pelage . That ’s a big fourth dimension - recoverer , although user will pay more for a undivided - coat sealer .
A water system - based , sink in sealer will often slightly raise the wood cereal , which can conduct to a scratchy surface spirit . This happens when the moisture in the sealer causes the wood grain to swell and push upward . When the woodwind instrument dry , the grain remains slimly higher in spot .
While some mass may not mind the rougher grain , those who want a super - smooth finish can gently sand the surface with 240 - gritrock emery paper before enforce the second coat of sealant . Cure prison term varies by the product , so be sure to read the instructions . Some sealers require adding a second coating before the first coat is completely juiceless , while others recommend wait a specified act of hours , typically 2 to 8 60 minutes . No pressure is necessary — just thinly rub the emery paper over the wood . Since the first coat seal the woodwind instrument , the 2nd coating will not raise the grain , resulting in a smooth deck Earth’s surface .
Drying Time
deck of cards sealer vary in the amount of drying clip they require . Many will dry to the touch sensation within 1 to 5 60 minutes , but humidness levels and outside temperatures can affect that time ambit .
Tips for Using Deck Sealer
Applying a deck of cards sealant is a relatively simple DIY project . In most subject , it does n’t demand a lot of time , although some prep piece of work is necessary .
FAQs
Exterior woodwind is capable to weathering , so a pack of cards wo n’t last perpetually . However , DIYers can prolong the useful life history of a deck and maintain the natural beauty by protect it with a deck sealer . For those hop-skip to keep a pack of cards looking its best , a few doubt are to be anticipate to insure a job well done .
It depend on the eccentric of woodwind instrument . weather condition - repellent woods , such as cedar or redwood , need only a clear penetrating sealant to protect them . Pressure - treated woods will benefit from a blot and sealer jazz group that give it an attractive color while preserving the Grant Wood .
An vegetable oil - based deck sealer , such asVarathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based , will protect a deck for up to 5 age .
Thompson ’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealeris one of the unspoilt selection on this list for superior protection against water harm .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a ware tester and author specializing in the building , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her hubby own a general contracting caller , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial-grade construction applications . She tests a wide stove of tycoon tools as well as other home plate improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
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