7 Best Wood Sealers for Cedar Reviews with Buying Guide

Bet you have been grinding on those cedar logs and making some fantastic wood pieces lately, or maybe just trying to revive some worn-out exterior furniture back to life.

You might be a beginner at producing superior finishes to wooden works, or maybe you already are a maestro when it comes to carpentry.

For preserving wood pieces, you definitely will need the best wood sealers for cedar to keep it off from external damage. In this way, you will not have to worry about its longevity at all.

Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

Let us start with this fantastic product from Ready Seal. You can use this wood sealer on your cedar works in any way that you like. Whether through a sprayer, roller, or brush, you can use this on all the wood surfaces you please.

One positive thing you will find with this product is that you need to use a primer before applying this sealer. Although it may appear the darkest right after applying it, the actual color usually takes about 14 days to show.

You can refrain from worrying about leaving any runs, laps, or streaks around with this item. Forget about any wet line application because you can apply this product at any temperature range and not worry about degraded quality. 

A lot of sealers may require dilution or thinning before applying or spraying it on wood surfaces. Well, with this one, you can bid farewell to all of those hassles because you can directly use it when needed.

When it comes to maintenance, the great thing about this sealer is that you do not need any sanding or stripping before application. This sealer is so easy to use that anyone can start working with it without worrying about messing up.

Pros

  • No laps, runs, or streaks
  • Applicable in any temperature
  • Can be sprayed on, brushed, or rolled upon
  • No diluting required
  • No primer required

Cons

  • Takes 14 days to show original color
  • May leave some oily residue at times

2. Ready Seal 525 Exterior Stain And Sealer For Wood

Ready Seal 525 Exterior Stain And Sealer For Wood

Here we have another fantastic sealer from Ready Seal. Many wood finishing products need a long list of preparation, such as using primers, sanding the surfaces, etc. Now here lies the specialty of this product from this particular manufacturer.

This item is all prepared right out of the bucket, which means no mixing, no diluting needed before its usage. Aside from the fact that it protects the materials from all sorts of exterior damage, it enhances the surface's beauty by several folds.

It is an oil-based semi-transparent product that happens to be both stain and sealer, both combined into one super product. You can use this on top of all kinds of exterior wood works without facing any hassle.

This one uses a special kind of formula that quickly penetrates the wood surfaces to protect and preserve the wood so that molds, mildews, or UV rays from sunlight cannot pass through the coating and damage your hard-working cedar products.

One thing that's very special about this item is that it will immensely enhance the natural beauty of the materials you apply. This product will allow the texture and grain of the wood to be visible.

Pros

  • Preparation not needed beforehand
  • Wood stain and sealer all inside one
  • Biodegradable while in contact with soil and water
  • No linseed oil present, so no stains
  • One of the best within a budget

Cons

  • Brush, roller, or sprayer needed to apply
  • Drying time varies depending on temperature

3. Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks 

Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks

Here, we have another quality product from the Deck, which will help you protect all your woodworks from discoloration, fading, or graying. It protects your cedar works from damages caused by all sorts of outside elements.

This product is both a deck stain and sealer combined into one. It will add color to your wood and seal it to prevent damage from water penetration. You can safely use this sealer on pine, cedar, fir, redwood, or most of the other softwoods.

You can use it on the hardwood as well. But then you will have to maintain the coats more frequently. We believe that you will also be glad to know that this product is entirely safe for the environment.

This product also works well on dampened wood, which minimizes the waiting time between cleaning and staining. Once you notice that your woodwork has visibly gotten dry, this means that it is ready for you to stain. You can choose any of the variety of colors available on this particular product.

It is natural to create a messy situation while working with all these. You can clean it up afterward just by only using soap and water, which means no extra hassle is needed at all.

Pros

  • Both stain and sealant inside one product
  • Available in 5 different semi-transparent colors
  • Nature-friendly product
  • Easy cleanup
  • Works on damp wood

Cons

  • Not ideal for hardwood products
  • Stains may chip or peel if not maintained

4. Thompsons Waterseal TH.042854-16 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain

Thompsons Waterseal TH.042854-16 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain

Let us now talk about another wonder product from Thompson's. If you have been searching for a sealer with an advanced polymer that will keep away the colors from fading, then this one is for you.

You can use this product for all sorts of decks, fences, or outdoor furniture and exterior wood. Its superior coating will help you prevent all kinds of mildew and protect your woodworks from UV and water damage.

After using this sealer on your wooden works, you will be able to see a medium level of wood grain and a medium range of color. A single coated layer will protect your decks for up to 4 years or fences up to six years.

No matter how old your wood is, it will do a fine job of covering and protecting the wood. Just make sure to rub it down well after the sealant dries off to keep the color from staining other materials, that is if you are using a color stain.

One particular thing to keep in mind is, you need to make sure that you have cleaned off any materials well enough before applying this product. In this way, it will help you brighten up the grayed up areas.

Pros

  • Color fade resistant materials
  • Prevents mildew and UV damage
  • Industry-standard for waterproofing wood
  • Works perfectly on damp wood
  • Revives aged wood in no time

Cons

  • May need multiple coats at times
  • Stain colors are darker than advertised

5. Thompsons Waterseal TH.041841-16 Transparent Waterproofing Stain

Thompsons Waterseal TH.041841-16 Transparent Waterproofing Stain

Here we have another product from Thompson's. This one comes with an acorn brown color. The product works well on dry wood without any trouble. You can use this item cleaned damp wood as well.

When it comes to an industry standard for waterproofing wooden materials such as cedars, their quality far exceeds the average products that you may find in the market. Besides this, you can purchase a variety of colors for your exterior wood project works.

With this sealant, you will get a completely transparent layer of protection for almost all types of wooden materials. You will notice that the after-work is so great that the liquid will form beads if you decide to splash water on top of the wooden pieces.

The level of darkness that it provides to the applied area leaves a certain beauty to its appearance. If you are into your woodworks looking for the finest, then without any doubt, this product is made for you.

If you choose, you can also use this sealant to revive wooden materials that are several years old. Applying this on top of aged items will bring back new life into them.

Pros

  • Restores old materials like brand new
  • Protects from all sorts of weather
  • Advanced polymer prevents color from fading
  • Extremely versatile for its usage
  • Can be used in most sprayers

Cons

  • Needs to be thinned down for pump sprayer
  • Color may change depending on materials used on

6. ToughTimber Waterproof And Water Repellent Deck Sealer

ToughTimber Waterproof And Water Repellent Deck Sealer

If you were searching for a dependable brand for premium wood sealer, you would not regret choosing this product from this particular manufacturer. This product is an industrial-level wood, roof, and deck sealer that will protect you for many years.

This one quickly penetrates through cedar and other wooden materials for the best level of protection. It can cover up to 1000 square feet of area with only one gallon of sealant.

Moreover, you may have been worrying about molds or mildews from forming on those wooden surfaces. You can rest assured that the silane/siloxane present within this product will help penetrate through the wood and reduce the water content by up to ninety-five percent.

This sealant helps in protecting the materials from all sorts of exterior elements. It also preserves the wood for a more extended period. This material is fully resistant to stains from anti-freeze, oil, and gas as well.

Before using this item, make sure to mix one gallon worth of sealant with 1-4 gallons of water, depending on the level of protection you expect to get. You may notice some cloudiness after applying, but soon as it dries, it will provide you with a slightly glossy texture.

Pros

  • Covers up a large area
  • Provides a high-end protection
  • Reduces 95% of water in wood for protection
  • Fully stain resistant
  • Easy maintenance

Cons

  • Remains sticky for a while
  • Not recommended to apply over paint

7. Seal-Once Nano Penetrating Wood Sealer & Stain 

Seal-Once Nano Penetrating Wood Sealer & Stain

This water-based sealer from Seal-Once is one of the best that you can find in the market. It is both a wood sealer and stain combined into a single unit. This wood sealer comprises advanced penetrating nanotechnology, which will provide you performance like an oil-based product.

A positive fact about this is that there are no solvents or toxic chemicals present in this product. You will realize that you spent well after seeing the enhancement level that it will provide to your woodworks. This sealer will also extend the life of the materials on which you apply it.

Moreover, the water damage protection level that it will provide will keep you worry-free for up to 10 years. The ultra-low VOC sealer is entirely safe for the environment and does not harm any life in anyways.

You can also apply it on either wet or damp materials without having to worry at all. This sealant also prevents all sorts of warping, cupping, rots, mildews, molds, staining, peeling, etc.

If you want a variety in color for different materials, then get ready to explore the 11 different color tints that it comes at. This clear cedar finish for outdoors will allow the wood to turn gray naturally.

Pros

  • Versatile in usage
  • Advanced penetrating nanotechnology provides superior protection
  • 11 different colors available
  • No toxic or harmful chemicals present
  • Can be used as wood stain or finish

Cons

  • Multiple coatings needed for the right color
  • Inferior UV inhibitor compared to other products

Things to Consider Before Buying

Whether you're buying wood sealers fpr cedar or long-lasting epoxy for river table, it is essential to acquire some basic knowledge of the products prior to spending your money before using them.

Contents

Before purchasing, you have to know the contents that the cedar sealant comes with. Some may carry a certain number of toxic substances, which may harm your environment either during usage or afterward. It will be wise to always opt-out for the ones which are safe for the environment and your family.

Wood Sealers for Cedar

Nowadays, most manufacturers focus on using safer ingredients for their products because people are becoming more and more cautious about preserving the environment from any harm.

Purpose

While some of the sealants are great for various wooden materials, many are only suitable for using a limited amount of substances. It is crucial to know the types of wood that you will be working on.

Wood Sealers for Cedar

By ending up buying the wrong kind of sealant for the material for that upcoming project in hand, you may waste your hard-earned money and permanently damage the product you have spent several hours or even days working on to perfect.

Equipment

Many wood sealants require a list of purchases for some specific equipment in order to use them. There is a wide array of equipment available in the market to use these sealants on.

You will find sprayers, rollers, brushes, etc., that you may need to work with. While some of these wood sealants may support working with any of these items, others may have specific equipment on certain things that show the best results.

Some of these products may also need dilatation before their usage. At the same time, some of these are just ready for application right out of the store. Find out the correct equipment and usage process for each type of sealant before choosing the right one for purchase and use.

Area

There are different brands of sealant available in the market, which offers a wide range of coverage. Some may need a single coating layer to do a perfect job, while others may require multiple layers to get the best result. You need to find the amount of area along with its required coverage first.

Then decide which wood sealers are appropriate for the work and the amount needed to purchase in order to finish your project. If you end up running out of sealant halfway through the work, it may end up getting ruined.

Protection

Different wood sealants provide a wide range of protection for those woodworks. Based on the wood's age and the level of protection that may cater to your needs, you will have to choose the product accordingly.

Wood Sealers for Cedar

While some may be great for providing excellent protection from UV rays only, others may be great for protecting from all seasons, whether it is the hottest day of the year or the coldest nights.

So it is crucial to know the surroundings of your home and the seasons from which those amazing wood art is going to have to go through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the steps of working on the finish?

First, prepare the surface by conditioning the materials. Then stain the consistency by adding rich colors to it. Finally, apply a protection layer with a clear finish.

2. How to get the right color?

You must test by applying a single coating on an insignificant amount of space and wait for the result. Find out how your sealer reacts to the product that you are using on. In this way, you will have something to work with.

3. Why does it take so long for the stains to dry?

Some factors like temperature, humidity, or the coating's thickness, may affect the time you will need for your work to dry off.

4. Why are there white ring-like stains in the finish?

You may notice some white rings in the finish with old furniture due to putting glasses on the surface. Often the moisture gets inside the wood and damages them.

5. Which wood sealant is best for the outdoors?

There are many products available that will provide you protection from UV rays. You will also find some which are perfect for all-weather protection. Those can be considered as the best outdoor wood sealer products.

Final Words

To preserve your wooden materials, you need to make sure to put the right sealant on them to make them last for a long time. We hope this article could provide you with enough help to choose the best wood sealers for cedar for all your wooden works.

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