Over the years, most homeowners consider wood as their favorite building material. As sleek and classy as wood might be, it also happens to rot too quickly when it gets in contact with water.
But, thankfully, there is a way of solving that. Today, you can find multiple wood sealing products that allow you to protect your wood from rotting.
In this article, we will be exploring the top-rated wood sealants, and how you can buy the best waterproof sealant for wood.
Let’s get on with it;
WHAT IS A WOOD SEALER?
Sealer is a plastic-based compound that protects wood from moisture, and various harmful substances, and extends life.
This makes the wood surface smooth and transparent. The use of sealers makes the wood surface harder and provides waterproof protection.
BEST WATERPROOF SEALANT FOR WOOD REVIEWS
Finding the best can be challenging, especially because there are multiple products out there. But, here are the top wood sealer reviews for you to consider buying.
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1. Ready Seal 112 1-Gallon Stain and Sealer for Wood
The first competitor on the list is this oil-based wood sealer that works perfectly at keeping your wood surfaces water-resistant. You won’t need a primer when using this sealer.
This is a semi-transparent sealer that will be dark when your first apply it. However, it will gain its true color around 14 days later. By the way, this sealer should not be applied over painted or newly-stained surfaces. This one can be applied using a roller, sprayer, or brush onto your wood surfaces.
You won’t need to dilute this sealer before you apply it. We loved that this sealer will not leave any streaks, laps, or runs to your surface.
It also blends itself, and you can apply it in any temperature range and still enjoy the best results.
What We Loved
- Doesn’t leave streaks, laps, or runs when applied.
- Ready to apply and doesn’t need diluting or adding a primer.
- Can apply it using a sprayer, roller, or brush.
- Meets the required VOC (Volatile organic compound) levels.
- Flexibility to apply it in any temperature range.
What Could Be Better
- It takes some time to dry.
2. Thompsons WaterSeal TH.A21711-16 Natural Wood Protector
We consider this as one of the best outdoor wood sealers out there, thanks to its properties and overall performance.
This sealer comes with a durable coating that will resist fading, mildew growing, as well as UV damage. It is a water-based sealer that allows you to clean it easily with soap and water when it dries up.
The sealer applies to both dry and damp wood in just one coat. Also, it will take a maximum of 1 hour to dry, and it cures within a day. You can use this clear wood sealer on fences, decks, exterior wood, and other exterior furniture.
Also, one single coat will offer you a maximum of strength on your wood. It also assures you of exceptional and long-lasting beading as it keeps your wood waterproof.
What We Loved
- Offers you a long-lasting coating.
- Resists fading, UV damage, and mildew growth.
- Dries in just an hour and cures within a day.
- Can apply it on both dry and damp wood.
- Requires just one coat.
- Easy to tidy up with water and soap.
What Could Be Better
- It is quite expensive.
3. Minwax 630510444 Water Based Helmsman Spar Urethane
This is a water-based sealant that is designed to protect your wood surfaces with perfection. If you pick this as your best water sealant for a wood fence, we won’t judge.
The sealer contains UV blockers that will prevent the sun from fading and graying effects. It has been made to form a protective barrier against moisture and rain. In other words, this is a suitable sealer to use both indoors and outdoors.
Another thing to love about the sealer is the fact that it contains special oils that allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood according to the season and temperature. This is a unique feature you’ll want to have in a sealer. It’s another reason that makes this one the best exterior wood sealer.
With its crystal clear finish, this sealer would be best suitable to use over light-colored woods and stains. It will dry quickly and clean up fast with warm water.
What We Loved
- Dries quickly.
- Can expand and contract with the wood depending on the temperature or season.
- UV-resistant, so it prevents the fading and graying effects of the sun.
- Can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Easy to clean with warm water.
- Leaves a crystal clear finish.
What Could Be Better
- Not best to use in a room that is not well ventilated.
4. 1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks
This happens to be the best deck sealer stain on our list, and it comes with multiple functions. Other than staining your wood, this product will also protect your wood from UV rays and water.
It is a water-based product that comes with low VOC content. You can use it as a deck stain and a sealer for your wood as well. Also, you get to choose from four finishes that will dry to a flat and natural-looking finish.
This product is best to use on all softwoods, including redwood, fir, cedar, and pressure-treated pine. We loved that this sealer will help to enhance the lifespan of your wood as it protects it. If you are using it on your outdoor furniture or fences, you won’t be disappointed. Above all, the sealer can be cleaned with water and soap.
What We Loved
- Functions as a stain and a sealer.
- Protects your wood against moisture and UV rays.
- Easy to clean with water and soap.
- Leaves you with a flat and natural-looking finish after drying.
- Has a low-odor level.
What Could Be Better
- This sealer/stain is only suitable for softwood.
5. Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil
Last but not least, we have this sealer that happens to be among the best wood protectors out there. It comes with some satisfying properties that make it a good performer too. With this sealer, you get advanced oil polymers that offer you total protection for your fine woods and teak.
Like most sealers, this one also comes with UV absorbers that will protect your wood surface against weathering, fading, and any sun damage. This sealer is easy to use and fast drying. You can use it on pools, boats, and your wood furniture as well.
It comes with an ultra-refined formula that gives your teak a natural, warm golden color that is also quite long-lasting. The oil is designed to last for 4 to 6 times longer than the regular teak oils.
What We Loved
- Comes with advanced tung oil polymers that offer your wood a warm and natural tinge look.
- Easy to use and fast-drying.
- Features UV absorbers that resist weathering.
- Enhances the natural wood grain and the teak color.
- Best choice for teak wood.
What Could Be Better
- Comes at a premium price.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR BEFORE BUYING?
When you are looking for the best waterproofing for wood, it is important to consider the right product to buy. Finding a good sealer is one of the ways of waterproofing your wood surfaces. Here are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a sealer for your wood;
- Consider the Type of Wood
Before you decide the sealer you will be buying, it is important to consider the type of wood that you will be applying the sealer to. If you have weathered wood, you should keep in mind that you will have to sand and pressure wash it before you start applying the sealer or stain. But be sure that you don’t create splinters in the event.
If you have weathered planks on the deck, ensure that you replace them before you apply the stain. For new wood, ensure that it is completely dry before you start to put in the sealer.
Pressure-treated wood usually needs a lot of time to withered since they come with preservatives in them. But there are some sealers that can be applied even on damp wood. If you have wood with an existing stain, then you should sand off the stain before you apply the new stain.
- Clear/Semi-Transparent/Opaque
You also need to consider the type of sealer you will be applying to your wood. If you don’t want to change the color of your wood surface, then you should only go for the clear sealer. The semi-transparent and opaque sealer/stains will bring a new color to the wood top.
- Extreme Weather Tolerance
This is a factor that you should consider based on where you will be applying the sealer/stain. If you are applying it outdoors, then it should be tolerant of those extreme weather conditions.
In this case, the sealer must have UV absorbers, moisture resistance, and other properties that allow it to remain strong in harsh conditions.
Rain shouldn’t affect the sealer if you apply it outside. If you are applying it on your boat, then you should understand that the best way how to waterproof wood for a boat is to find a weather-resistant sealer.
- Drying Time/Curing Time/Odor
Other features to consider include the time it takes for the sealer to dry. If you are applying it in a place with a lot of traffic, it is important to choose one that dries in an hour or so. Also, getting a sealer that cures within a day would be better.
If you will be applying the sealer indoors, then you should consider getting one that doesn’t have a strong smell. Ideally, it should be odorless. Always ensure that you choose a sealer/stain that is free of VOCs or has low levels. It should generally have low chemical content.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
FINAL WORDS
Remember that the best waterproof sealant for wood is the one that will protect your wood surface from moisture and water without exposing it to harsh chemicals. Consider all the factors we listed and go for a sealer that has good ratings too.
