Does your beautiful cedar deck or fence look dull and weathered? Cedar wood is amazing, but the sun and rain can quickly damage it. Protecting your investment matters! Choosing the right wood sealer for cedar is tricky. Some sealers look great at first but peel off too soon. Others might change the natural color you love. You want a product that truly lasts and keeps your cedar looking fantastic for years.
Don’t let the overwhelming choices stop you from protecting your wood! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a cedar sealer. You will learn the differences between oil-based and water-based options. By the end, you will feel confident picking the perfect product. Get ready to give your cedar the long-lasting shield it deserves. Let’s dive into finding the best wood sealer for your cedar project!
Top Wood Sealer For Cedar Recommendations
- NO LAPS, RUNS OR STREAKS: Goof Proof formula with no back brushing required; ideal for exterior wood projects
- OUTSTANDING DURABILITY: No cracking, chipping, flaking or peeling with excellent moisture resistance and UV protection; great for outdoor decks, fences, wood siding and more
- CAN WITHSTAND RAIN WITHIN MINUTES OF APPLICATION: Can also be applied in direct sunlight
- HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE APPLICATION: Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application
- EASY TO APPLY AND MAINTAIN: Low odor formula may be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the wood's surface; no sanding or stripping required for reapplication
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
- NO LAPS, RUNS OR STREAKS: Goof Proof formula with no back brushing required; ideal for exterior wood projects
- OUTSTANDING DURABILITY: No cracking, chipping, flaking or peeling with excellent moisture resistance and UV protection; great for outdoor decks, fences, wood siding and more
- CAN WITHSTAND RAIN WITHIN MINUTES OF APPLICATION: Can also be applied in direct sunlight
- HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURE APPLICATION: Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application
- EASY TO APPLY AND MAINTAIN: Low odor formula may be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the wood's surface; no sanding or stripping required for reapplication
- GARDEN BED WOOD SEALER - For Use On Cedar And All Wood Types Used In Raised Bed Gardens. Deep Penetrating, Natural Oils, Bond With Wood Fibers To Protect Wood For A Decade Or More
- NON-TOXIC - FDA Food Contact Safe. Plant Based With No Toxic Chemicals That Can Leach Into Your Garden's Soil And A Natural Citrus Scent. WARNING: Never use sealers made of acrylics, polymers, silane/siloxane/silicone for vegetable gardens. They are derived from petroleum and toxic. If the label says the product contains any of those ingredients return it and purchase a 100% plant based option.
- PLANT SAFE - No Toxic Chemicals To Harm Your Plants, Vegetables Or You. Ingredients You Can Understand (Listed In Product Description Section). ALSO GREAT FOR PET PROJECTS. Seal Your Chicken Coup Or Dog House
- PROFESSIONAL STRENGTH - Covers Up To 200 SF. Used By Professional Growers That Are Required To Have Their Soils Tested For Harmful Chemicals
- MULTI-PURPOSE - Safe For Sealing and Protecting Bird Houses, Bird Feeders, Dog Houses, Chicken Coops. Safe For Animals And Pets
- ✔️ Perfect for fences, decks, woodwork, garden boxes, docks, and outdoor furniture ✅ USE ON ALL WOOD TYPES: This universal product can be used on all types of wood including oak, cherry wood, pint, cedar and all other wood types. Cedarshield will also work on all wood types whether it is soft, hard, new, or old wood.
- 🌞 FAST DRY TIME: Cedarshield has one of the quickest turn around times with only needing 72 hours to dry. Spend less time waiting and more time completing and enjoying projects.
- 💧 BUILDS A MOISTURE-RESISTANT BARRIER: Cedarshield will create a moisture resistant barrier that will keep out all moisture to ensure the longevity and health of your wood. Keep alcohol, grease, food oil, acid, water, and other potentially damaging moistures from ruining the surface of the wood.
- 💪 LONG LASTING TREATMENTS: Spend less time worrying about your wood projects, and more time enjoying them. Cedarshield will last you and your family up to 8 years before your next treatment.
- 🔨 USE TO PROTECT DOCKS, DECKS, FENCES & MORE: Cedarshield is the perfect addition to your big wood project like docks, decks, and fences. Make your project built to last for a lifetime by covering it with Cedarshield.
- Helps Prevent Water Damage
- Helps Maintain Natural Color-Dries Clear
- Use as a wood sealer, brick sealer, or for concrete waterproofing
- Soap and water cleanup
- For concrete, brick, masonry and wood
- MARINE SEALANT: Our liquid formula creates a UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. Marine is a great protector for outdoor furniture, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. Marine is safe for use over open water and is non-hazardous to aquatic life.
- DECK STAIN: It's water-based, ultra-low VOC, great for enhancing the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level to help preserve the natural color.
- WATERPROOF WOOD SEALER: The wood used on boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds is subjected to constant moisture. We crafted a sealer, remove stain, and finish all in one, specifically for these installations.
- WOOD SEALANT: Our fast-drying protector penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, which creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. It provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water.
- SEAL-ONCE: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber or concrete against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, you have the satisfaction of knowing our products will not harm pets, plants, or people.
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding smooth color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
- TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding boldly tinted color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.
Choosing the Best Wood Sealer for Your Cedar
Cedar is a beautiful wood. It smells great and lasts a long time outside. But even cedar needs protection. A good wood sealer keeps your cedar looking new and strong. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a cedar sealer, look for these important things:
- **UV Protection:** Sunlight fades cedar fast. A sealer with strong UV blockers keeps the color longer.
- **Water Resistance:** Cedar can rot or grow mildew if it stays wet. Look for sealers that make water bead up and roll off.
- **Penetration:** The best sealers soak deep into the wood. This offers protection from the inside out, not just a thin coat on top.
- **Mildew and Mold Resistance:** Cedar decks and fences live outside. The sealer should fight off green and black growth.
- **Appearance (Finish):** Do you want the cedar to look natural (clear) or slightly tinted (toner)? Choose a finish that matches your goal.
Important Materials in Your Sealer
The ingredients matter a lot for how well the sealer works. You usually choose between oil-based and water-based formulas.
Oil-Based Sealers
Oil-based sealers sink deep into the cedar. They offer excellent, long-lasting protection against water. They often bring out the natural warmth and color of the cedar grain very well. However, they take longer to dry. Clean-up often needs mineral spirits.
Water-Based Sealers
Water-based sealers dry quickly. They are easier to clean up—just soap and water! They are usually lower in strong smells (low VOCs). Modern water-based formulas offer great UV protection. They might not penetrate as deeply as oil, but they are very user-friendly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a sealer great or just okay?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **High Solids Content:** This means there is more actual sealer in the can and less water or solvent that evaporates. More solids equal better protection.
- **Resin Type:** Look for sealers made with quality resins like acrylic or polyurethane blends. These form a tough barrier.
- **Ease of Re-coating:** A good sealer allows you to easily clean the surface and apply a new coat later without heavy stripping.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Thin Consistency:** If the sealer pours like water, it likely lacks the necessary protective ingredients.
- **Poor Adhesion:** If the sealer peels or flakes off after only a few months, it did not stick well to the cedar. This often happens if the wood was not totally clean before application.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the sealer affects your choice.
Decks and Patios:
These surfaces face heavy foot traffic and standing water. You need a product that resists abrasion and water penetration strongly. Oil-based sealers often perform best here because they penetrate deeply into the end grain.
Fences and Siding:
For vertical surfaces, UV protection is the biggest enemy. Water runs off easily. A high-quality, clear water-based sealer works great for fences because it is fast to apply and easy to maintain.
Application Tips:
Always apply sealer when the wood is completely dry—usually after several sunny days following rain. Work in the shade if possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended application method (brush, roller, or sprayer).
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cedar Sealers
Q: Do I have to seal cedar?
A: No, you do not have to seal cedar. Cedar naturally resists rot. But sealing protects the color and stops it from turning gray quickly. Sealing makes it last longer looking good.
Q: How often do I need to re-seal my cedar?
A: Most cedar surfaces need re-sealing every 1 to 3 years. Decks need it more often than shaded fences.
Q: Can I use deck stain instead of sealer?
A: Yes, stains are a type of sealer. Stains add color. If you want the cedar to look natural, choose a clear sealer instead of a colored stain.
Q: What is the difference between a sealer and a water repellent?
A: A water repellent only stops surface water from soaking in. A true sealer penetrates deeper and usually contains UV blockers and mildewcides too.
Q: Can I apply sealer when it is cold outside?
A: No. Most sealers need temperatures above 50°F (10°C) to cure properly. Cold temperatures stop the sealer from soaking in right.
Q: How long does it take for the sealer to dry?
A: Water-based sealers might dry to the touch in 2 to 4 hours. Oil-based sealers can take 12 to 24 hours before you can walk on them or apply a second coat.
Q: My cedar is already gray. Can I seal it?
A: You should clean and brighten the wood first. Use a cedar cleaner or deck brightener. This removes the gray layer. Then, the sealer will stick better and look much nicer.
Q: Which is better for decks: oil or water-based?
A: Oil-based often penetrates better for high-wear decks, offering better water resistance. Water-based is easier to maintain and dries faster.
Q: Will the sealer change the look of my cedar?
A: Clear sealers usually make the wood look slightly darker or “wetter.” Toners or stains will significantly change the color based on the pigment used.
Q: Is it safe to use a pressure washer to clean cedar before sealing?
A: Be very careful. Pressure washing can damage soft cedar fibers. Use a low-pressure setting or a dedicated wood cleaner with a soft brush instead.