Best Overall
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Premium Wood Sealer
Best Bang for the Buck
Rain Guard Natural Finish Wood Sealer
Best Oil-Based
Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
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Wood deck , fencing , and outdoor piece of furniture live a hard liveliness exposed to pelting , C , and sun , which is why it ’s authoritative to protect them with a character outdoor forest sealant . These sealers make an exterior coating that repel water while also block harmful ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation that can dry out wood , cause it to splinter and crack . We try over 40 Sir Henry Wood sealers that put up a range of a function of color options , transparency , and polish off to choose the top 10 product . We put those 10 products to the test by applying each to various wood specie , then subjecting them to water and foot traffic .
The outside Sir Henry Wood sealer we reviewed encompass a range of type , from oil- and water - establish formulas to solid and unclouded coatings . Our top find fault isSeal - Once Nano+Poly Premium Wood sealant , which is low in volatile constituent compounds ( VOCs ) , creates a durable waterproof shell over woodwind instrument , and has strong abrasion resistor . Below , we ’ll reexamine what factors you ’ll want to conceive when shopping for the best wood sealers and bid our top good word .
How We Tested the Best Outdoor Wood Sealers
Our testing of the top 10 exterior wood sealers was based on four touchstone : app , appearing , strength , and value . We first assessed how easy each wood sealant was to apply along with drying time . After applying each smirch to three different types of wood species , we considered its coming into court and how well it matched the color on the can or , for clear products , how well they preserved the original feel for the Mrs. Henry Wood .
After give each product the recommended amount of fourth dimension to cure , we simulated both atmospheric condition and base traffic . We evaluated scuff resistance by walking on the boards repeatedly and dragging patio piece of furniture across them , lease note of any lettuce . We also let out each to body of water by spraying them or , in some cases , briefly pass on them out in showery weather . in the end , we weigh time value by comparing the reportage and toll of each product .
Our Top Picks
We considered several lineament while search the best outdoor wood sealer , include type , transparency , urine resistance , ultraviolet light resistance , ease of program , environmental impact , and overall value . Whether you ’re looking for a way toseal a deckorprotect a new fencing , you ’re sure to find an option that ’s right for you .
Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
Our Ratings : Application3.5/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value3.5/5
One of the most crucial factors to keep in mind while searching for an outdoor wood sealant is that wood is vulnerable to more than just water equipment casualty . ultraviolet radiation can crack and break away wood , while heavy pes dealings can cause harsh equipment casualty , leave behind it susceptible to rainfall and moisture . This sealing wax - Once outside Sir Henry Joseph Wood sealer is design to protect decks , fences , and outdoor furniture from water , mold , decay , UV radiation , and abrasion .
The sealer is all clear , permit the born beauty of the wood to show through , and relies on a ultraviolet illumination - stable formula to protect from the sun . This water supply - base production has low VOCs and is non-poisonous , making it a good pick for home with kids or pets .
While our short period of testing did n’t allow us to measure its abilities to protect from ultraviolet light shaft of light , we were able to get a sense of the sealer ’s weather - resistant caliber . As wood sealant go , Seal - Once is on the watery side , which mean app is most effective by using a sprayer to lend oneself thin coats over the material .
After applying two coats and giving it the recommended 24 hour to cure , we subject Seal - Once to our nebuliser test . Water beaded up well on the surface of all three examination pieces , demonstrating that Seal - Once protects against both water and sun wrong . Seal - Once also stay scuff - free after subjecting it to foot up traffic and article of furniture legs .
Navy SEAL - Once is among the most expensive sealants out there , but it ’s deserving the orgy if you desire to protect your wood deck , fencing , or outdoor furniture .
Get the Seal - Once Nano+Poly outside Sir Henry Wood sealer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orSeal - Once .
Rain Guard Water Sealer
Our Ratings : Application3.7/5;Appearance4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.5/5
project for tackle large projects on a budget , Rain Guard H2O sealer come in a saturated form that needs to be mixed with water supply at a ratio of 7:1 in parliamentary procedure to make up to 2 gallons of woods sealant . This ware has a clear finish that allows the lifelike color of the wood and the natural wood grain to show through , make it a great option for users who prefer the look of the deck or fence over a firm or semitransparent colouration tincture .
We had motley final result with Rain Guard during testing . The product was one of the more washy sealers we tested , which made applying it with anything other than a nebuliser hard as it runs easily . We did like how this sealer is completely transparent . Some purportedly “ clear ” sealers still more or less commute the colouring of the wood . Rain Guard did not .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
pass the name of the product , we had mellow expectations for its rainwater resistance , and Rain Guard for the most part turn in . Rain beaded up on its surface during our nebuliser tryout , though water system did n’t trip the light fantastic toe off the surface as much as it did with other pricier Natalie Wood sealers we test .
While its tenuous consistence makes it a challenge to apply , Rain Guard is a good budget - price option for tumid projects that exact a nebulizer practical app .
Get the Rain Guard outside woodwind instrument sealant atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orRain Guard .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
Our military rating : Application3.3/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Many out-of-door Ellen Price Wood sealers are made with a water - establish chemical formula that is plan to dry out quickly so that the exploiter does n’t need to worry about rain . But in fact , the long prison term it takes for an crude oil - based sealant to dry out , the better it is for achieving a more even finish . This Ready Seal wood sealer is an oil color - based option that require about 48 to 72 hour to fully cure , but the finished product piss it deserving the wait , as long as the sealer is applied agree to the manufacturer ’s management .
We tested a semitransparent combining stain and sealant that produced racy , even vividness , accentuating the exist Ellen Price Wood grain on our test piece . After dry , it make a durable layer of protection . It resisted our proficient crusade to drag it , and water beaded off it nicely during our nebuliser mental test .
Photo: Amazon
This sealer can be applied in any temperature as long as the Sir Henry Wood is completely dry , and it comes in 10 color options , so users can get the feeling that they desire or else of settling for what ’s available . ReadySeal is pricier than other water sealers , but we feel it ’s worth the additional price for the level of trade protection it offers .
Get the Ready Seal outdoor wood sealer atThe Home Depot .
Best Water-Based
Olympic WaterGuard Clear Wood Sealer
Our Ratings : Application4/5;Appearance4/5 ; Durability3.5/5 ; Value4/5
In summation to being low-cost , the Olympic WaterGuard clear sealant provides waterproofing protection , has built - in Scuff - Guard technology , and is mildew- and ultraviolet illumination - insubordinate . It ’s also compatible with a mixture of outdoor wood surfaces , including turnout , fences , deck , and outdoor furniture .
Since it ’s water - ground , Olympic ’s sealer does n’t produce the same fumes as acrylic wood sealers , and it ’s also very sluttish to clean house up . We quiz the exculpated interlingual rendition of the sealant , though it also comes in a mixed bag of colors in transparent and semitransparent conclusion .
Photo: Amazon
Out of the can , Olympic is noticeably watery , which made it difficult to apply with a brushing without drip and spattering . This is clearly a sealer that ’s comfortably put on in thin layers using a sprayer . We did like the fact that it only calls for a individual pelage .
We were a little frustrated with its weather ohmic resistance . While water did n’t soak into the Mrs. Henry Wood we care for with Olympic , it did n’t bead up as it did with some of the other pricier wood sealers we tested . Olympic tell the sealer supply aegis for up to 4 yr for fence and 3 years for deck of cards , but that claim seems ambitious .
That said , if you ’re looking for an affordabledeck sealeror fence sealant and have a sprayer for software , then Olympic ’s water sealant for woodwind is a worthy choice .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Olympian out-of-door Ellen Price Wood sealer atThe Home Depot .
Best Solid
SaverSystems #1 Deck Advanced Solid Color Wood Stain
Our Ratings : Application4.7/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Of all the hearty outdoor Grant Wood sealant we tested , SaverSystems Advanced stood out for its ability to mask woodwind instrument grain . It took just two coats to create an opaque , even cake over our trial piece of wood , which was impressive given that our test quite a little was clean , a gloss that rarely cloak well . Brush marks are a fleck more noticeable with SaverSystems than with othersolid deck stainsand sealers . It also leaves more of a matte finish than other Mrs. Henry Wood sealers , which may not invoke to some .
This outdoor woods sealer goes on with a sprayer , paint brushing , or tumbler pigeon and dries in just a couple of time of day . you’re able to choose from six color selection , include white , light walnut , Graeco-Roman taupe , dark hot chocolate , dark walnut , and gray to get the finish that gibe the outdoor aesthetic of your menage .
Photo: The Home Depot
The SaverSystems ware we ’ve tested in the yesteryear have excellent scuff resistance , and this product was no exception . It did a great job of guard off our good attempt to scuff with shoe soles and piece of furniture pegleg . SaverSystems also resisted weewee well when endanger to rainfall . If you ’re looking to hide wood grain and imperfections in a deck or table with a solid stain while protecting it from the elements , SaverSystems Advanced is a cracking choice .
Get the SaverSystems in advance outside Mrs. Henry Wood sealant atAmazon .
Best Semitransparent
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
Our rating : Application4.3/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability3.5/5 ; Value4/5
Intended to protect exterior objects like deck , fences , benches , chairwoman , and other wooden furniture from water , mildew , mold , and rot , this SaverSystems Premium wood sealant is available in five coloring material option and two standard sizes . you may take between a gal of semitransparent sealer or , for handling larger jobs , a 2.5 - Imperial gallon container .
We loved how easily SaverSystems Premium go on . We were able to achieve an even coating with picayune endeavor . This sealer coats and protects the Sir Henry Wood without plow up the natural Grant Wood grain . We also appreciated its low - VOC piss - based formula , which ease up off only a meek olfactory property and makes cleanup easy .
Photo: Amazon
While SaverSystems Premium performed well during the scuff test , it did n’t resist water as well during our atomizer mental testing , arouse potential durability care . We only tested SaverSystems over a poor period , but this could be an indication that it will require reapplication more often than other Grant Wood sealers . We also did n’t care the fact that SaverSystems Premium is only useable in five color options , which could be a deal - ledgeman if you ’re trying to coordinate the dirt with your house colouring .
We did like SaverSystems Premium ’s low price tag , specially for a production that covers up to 150 square feet with two coats . This semitransparent stain and sealer is a corking selection if you desire an easy - to - apply deck stain that wo n’t give the cant .
Get the SaverSystems Premium outdoor woodwind sealer atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Clear
Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multisurface Waterproofer
Our rating : Application5/5;Appearance4/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
If you ’re after maximal protection for your deck or fence from the effects of weewee , then appear no further than Thompson ’s WaterSeal . The clear-cut finish of this smirch preserves the raw look of the wood while protecting it from water and harmful UV light . Thompson ’s wood sealer also stands out from others in that it ’s compatible with more than just wood surface . you may even employ it as a brick andconcrete sealer .
Out of the can , there was a noticeable difference between Thompson ’s WaterSeal and other wood sealer we tested . It has a boneheaded body , which made it far easier to employ with a brushing or roller than the washy absolved weewee sealer we test that involve two coat at warm time time interval . We did n’t have problems with splutter or drips , and achieving a consistent coat was well-heeled . And since it only want a individual coating , apply Thompson ’s is a quicker process than apply most water sealant .
Photo: Amazon
Not surprisingly , Thompson ’s excelled during our spray test . Water beaded up on the surface of all three of our test piece . It also resisted our mule tests well . give Thomson ’s excellent carrying into action and down cost tag , it ’s a great selection if you ’re after an all - determination sealant for your deck , fence , driveway , brick sidetrack , or terrace .
Get Thompson ’s Sir Henry Joseph Wood sealer atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Best Eco-Friendly
Eco Advance Exterior Wood Water Repellent
This water - based nontoxic nonflammable sealer is designed to protect exterior wood structures , furniture , and other woodwind instrument objects from piddle , mould , mould , and rot . It can also preclude damage from oil , SALT , and pool chemicals while remaining an eco - well-disposed option . Its low - VOC formula is safe for use around people , pets , and your landscape gardening , though we still suggest covering any surrounding plantings .
Along with its environmentally favorable rule , Eco Advance is also notable for its program procedure , which imply using a atomizer . The company does n’t give notice using a brush or roller , which makes sentiency cave in the solvent ’s thin eubstance . The nebuliser made enforce Eco Advance middling easy . We were able-bodied to get a thin , even layer over the wood and did n’t experience any clogging .
Once dry , Eco Advance showed good weather - resistant qualities . During our spray test , Eco Advance did a fairish job of repelling wet . Water did n’t soak into the wood , but it also did n’t bead up nearly as well as it did on the oil - based products we test . As a nontoxic atomizer on sealer for wood , Eco Advance may not bid the same point of protection as harsher wood sealers . Still , it ’s certainly a lineament eco - friendly option if you do n’t listen needing to reapply it every year or two .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Eco Advance outside wood sealant atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best UV Protection
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
Our rating : Application4/5;Appearance4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4/5
Ocean melody carries salt and high moisture levels that can ooze into exterior body structure , piece of furniture , and other wooden target , like side . The water swells and warps the wood , draw stamp and mildew , while the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks dries out the wood fibre , have it to crack and splinter . But you may protect these area with the Seal - Once Marine Premium wood sealant , which is designed to rainproof dock , decks , and other wooden structures from water , mold , decay , rot , and salt water . The sealant is also design with UV stabilizer to protect the Ellen Price Wood from harmful ultraviolet light radiation sickness and prevent fading .
Seal - Once is an ultralow - VOC sealer and wo n’t harm PET , plants , or masses . But it is a thinner result , and was therefore a little tricker to implement with a brush . We advocate going with a spray . And since it requires contribute the second pelage while it ’s still smashed ( within about 30 minutes ) , you ’ll want to work speedily .
Photo: Amazon
That said , we found it to be worth the additional effort . Water immediately bead up and rolled off the Grant Wood aerofoil during a downpour , demonstrating that it ’s more urine - immune than any sealer we tested . That said , this case of performance and trade protection does n’t follow meretricious : Seal - Once costs three or four metre the price of other sealant . Still , if you live in a humid coastal environment and desire maximum protection , Seal - Once Marine is worth the redundant monetary value .
Get the Seal - Once Marine out-of-door Mrs. Henry Wood sealer atAmazon , The Home Depot , orSeal - Once .
Best Against Mildew
Owatrol Textrol Exterior Wood Sealer
Our Ratings : Application4/5;Appearance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value3.5/5
Owatrol differentiates itself from other wood sealant with its revitalizing convention . It ’s designed to penetrate late into wood fibre , providing long - survive protective cover that you wo n’t regain with other wood sealers . Along with creating a barrier against UV beam and moisture , Owatrol also infuses forest with oils that serve to continue and regenerate it .
Owatrol is more expensive than other wood sealer out there . Given its price rag , we had in high spirits expectation during testing , and Owatrol did n’t disappoint . It has a thicker consistency than other wood sealer we tested . It cash in one’s chips on swimmingly and soaks deep into the wood grain . Owatrol does necessitate two coats that you ’ll desire to apply within 30 transactions of each other , which can make program a fiddling tricky if you ’re deal a magnanimous orbit . It also needs to dry for 24 to 48 hours prior to rain exposure , so break the conditions cautiously before getting lead off is cardinal .
Photo: Amazon
After render it 2 full days to dry out , we subject it to a torrent . Water beaded up and dance off the surface of all three mental testing wood types . While we were n’t capable to try Owatrol ’s foresightful - term durability , the amount of product that soaked into the wood during applications programme evoke that Owatrol unfeignedly does diffuse deep beyond the surface , create a thick barrier against the elements . So while Owatrol comes with a premium price , it ’s also in a different class than other wood sealers when it comes to trade protection .
Get the Owatrol outdoor wood sealant atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Wood Sealer
The good out-of-door wood sealers all surpass in sure arena , but the right one for your aim will depend on specific factors . Therefore , it ’s worth consider some more worldwide characteristic of wood sealants before choosing one .
Types of Outdoor Wood Sealers
In general , wood sealers are differentiate by the formula and transparency . The main type include petroleum - based , water - based , upstanding / unintelligible , semitransparent , and clear .
out-of-door wood sealers can be break up into fossil oil - based and water - based products , each with its own drawbacks and benefit . Many sealers are also made usingpolycrylic or polyurethan , two popular fabric for Sir Henry Joseph Wood finishing . Polycrylic is body of water - based , but polyurethane can have an oil or a urine base .
The transparency of a seal for outdoor wood contributes to its ability to put up UV security to the Natalie Wood . Likedeck rouge , whole or unintelligible outdoor wood sealer has very niggling foil so that it completely covers the natural caryopsis of the woodwind . This gives the wood a more undifferentiated appearance in the color of the user ’s choice .
Photo:Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Solid wood sealer is the best transparency choice for UV protection because the thick layer of colour / tinted sealer helps to drive back ultraviolet light rays . That helps it prevent not only discoloration but alsosun legal injury to decksand other wood surface .
The next option for sealant foil is semitransparent product . These sealer protect the Sir Henry Joseph Wood from rain , wet , rot , and mildew as well as provide mild UV protection with a semitransparent tint or color .
The translucent show admit the natural wood caryopsis to show through . However , the coloring or tint in this type of outside wood sealant tends to fade faster than the colour in solid or unintelligible sealer , so it may need to be reapplied about once every 2 to 3 class to maintain the visual aspect .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Paint andexterior wood stainsare commonly available in a wide-cut range of colour , but most out-of-door Mrs. Henry Wood sealer have a clear stopping point because they are specifically intended to protect the Sir Henry Wood from water , mold , and mildew .
UV security is typically an added feature in clear sealers that results in a superior ware , which allow such merchandise to suffer out from the competition . Clear sealers protect the wood without cut through up the natural cereal or natural people of colour , though they are not as effective at push back UV radioactivity as hearty or semitransparent sealer .
Water and Mildew Resistance
The function of an outdoor wood sealer is to protect the wood from rainwater , sleet , blow , humidness , and any other case of wet that can make wood rotting , mold , or mildew . By allow a rainproof layer with mold and mildew resistance , the wood sealer prevent wet from ooze into the fibers of the wood , avoiding swelling , shift , warping , and tearing .
Mold and mildew pull moisture in from the atmosphere and collect rainwater to grow and prosper . This spreading growth can increase wood putrefaction and also for good color the wood , so it ’s important to get free of mold and mildew before it can start to spread . Applied aright , a rainproof sealant for Sir Henry Wood can prevent mold and mildew from acquire at all .
UV Protection
Similar to body of water and mildew resistance , UV protection is intended to gallop the life of the wood by forbid ongoing harm . out-of-door Sir Henry Wood sealers are typically made for revolt water , but solid , semitransparent , and some clear sealers do have UV - resistant properties . Opaque or whole oil - base out-of-door wood sealers with stabilizers offer the high-pitched level of UV protection of any outside sealer .
by and large , oil - based sealers have a higher resistance to ultraviolet radiation radiation therapy than water - based sealant , while unintelligible / solid colors and tint shield the wood better than semitransparent or exonerated sealer . Semitransparent sealers still cater more UV protection than clear sealers , but if cracked and splintered wood from UV radioactivity is a recurring job , it ’s a skillful mind to invest in a solid fossil oil - base wood sealer .
Application
To maximize your outdoor wood protection when using a sealant , it ’s significant to postdate the step for right app . Most products can be applied with a blusher brush or rolling wave , and there are even some option that can be loaded into a paint sprayer . Oil - based sealant take longer to dry out than water - based sealer , so ensure there is enough time for the sealer to cure before it rains .
water supply - based sealer dry chop-chop , but if applying the sealant when it ’s too hot outside , the sealer may dry out in splotchy or mismatched patches . For best final result , embark on go for in the morning when it ’s still relatively coolheaded . You may also want to prepare the wood by first clean it with a pressure washing machine , which can aid off mold , mildew , and any other shite that may interfere with the sealer .
It ’s also significant to think that sealer repel all liquids , which means they must be applied cautiously , specially when it comes to adding a second or third pelage . If the first coating is already wry or “ set , ” it will prevent the second pelage from bonding to the wood . Therefore , if applying a second pelage , check that to do so before the initial layer has dry out .
The telephone number of coat and drying clip take for an out-of-door Ellen Price Wood sealer calculate on the individual product . Even sealers made by the same producer can have slight differences in insurance coverage and dry time , though it should be noted that fossil oil - based outside woodwind sealers typically require few coats than water - based sealers .
Environmental Concerns
A key cistron to keep in mind when selecting an outdoor wood sealer for the pack of cards , fencing , or exterior piece of furniture is whether the formula comprise VOCs or any other component that could be harmful to the surroundings . Oil - based sealers tend to have a high-pitched share of VOCs , though many body of water - based sealer still have a low amount of VOCs in their formulas .
Check the product information and the details from the maker to regain out the level of VOCs contained in the sealant before settle on a intersection . Choose a low - VOC or VOC - free alternative to protect the surround from harmful overspill while keeping wooden structures and article of furniture dependable .
FAQs
After you ’ve descend on a wood sealant for your pack of cards or fencing , you may still be looking for some trip and joke on how to utilise it . learn on to find result to some of the most commonly asked interrogative aboutwaterproofing and sealing woodfor outdoors .
You should seal all side of a plug-in or a slice of furniture , specially if all sides will be visible . Wooden object that are installed or used outdoors should be completely sealed to serve protect the item from rain , nose candy , and moisture .
No , you do not need to sand wood after seal . We cautiously trace the program instructions for all the Sir Henry Joseph Wood sealers we tested and none call for sand after applying the sealant .
On mediocre , exterior wood sealant is made to last for about 4 to 5 years , though it may begin to show signaling of wear before this point , peculiarly if the sealant was not properly applied . Always make trusted to read and follow the manufacturer ’s directions to get the good resultant .
The chief purpose of an outdoor sealant for wood is to create a waterproof level that bonds to the outside of the woodwind instrument . Some sealant will also leave ultraviolet light protective covering , though this is primarily reliant on the transparentness of the product . With this in brain , a waterproof sealer can protect fences , decks , or wood furniture from rain , sleet , and Charles Percy Snow , though they offer less defense against hail or strong winds , which can physically damage the Ellen Price Wood .
When it comes to painting Mrs. Henry Wood for outdoors , it is n’t recommend to paint over sealed Sir Henry Wood because sealants are specifically design to keep out wet . This means that key or stain will not adhere to the wood , lead in bubbling , flaking , and chipping . However , you may protect painted surfaces with a adept paint sealer for Ellen Price Wood .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a free-lance writer particularize in family betterment , landscape gardening , engineering , menage security , and designing . His article have been featured on such sites as Angi , Popular Science , Futurism , 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report , Domino , and more . Carrick has lead strict product testing on everything from big businessman tools to home security system to backyard grills . With each revue , his goal is to help reader determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or is n’t worth its Leontyne Price tag .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
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