Imagine a beautiful cedar deck, rich with warm color, slowly turning a dull, weathered gray. Does that sound familiar? Cedar wood is stunning, but nature works hard to fade its beauty. Sun, rain, and time constantly attack that gorgeous reddish-brown hue.
Choosing the right sealer feels like a puzzle. Should you use oil, water-based, or something else? Many sealers promise protection but end up peeling, yellowing, or not lasting through one summer. You want that cedar to look amazing and last longer without constant upkeep. Picking the wrong product wastes your time and money.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what makes a sealer perfect for cedar. You will learn the key differences between top products so you can confidently protect your investment. By the end, you will know exactly which sealer will keep your cedar vibrant for years.
Let’s dive in and find the best shield for your beautiful cedar wood.
Top Sealer For Cedar Wood Recommendations
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
- 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.
- 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
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding lightly tinted color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a semi-transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding lightly 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.
- Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
- May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
- Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
- Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
- Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
- Year-Round Protection in Just One Coat
- Helps Prevent Water Damage
- Exceeds Industry Standard ASTM-D4446 for Waterproofing Wood
- Crystal-clear sealer and sunblock protects wood and prevents yellowing
- 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 400 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
- 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 Sealer for Your Cedar Wood: A Buyer’s Guide
Cedar wood looks beautiful. It has a lovely natural color and smell. Protecting your cedar wood from the weather is very important. A good sealer keeps the wood looking great for years. This guide helps you pick the right sealer.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for cedar sealer, look for these important things.
- UV Protection: Sunlight is cedar’s biggest enemy. UV rays turn cedar gray quickly. A good sealer must block these rays.
- Water Repellency: Rain and moisture cause wood to swell, crack, and rot. Look for sealers labeled as water-resistant or waterproof.
- Mildew and Mold Resistance: Damp areas encourage mold growth. Check the label for additives that stop mildew.
- Penetration Depth: The best sealers soak deep into the wood fibers. This offers protection from the inside out.
- Ease of Application: You want a product that brushes or sprays on smoothly. Cleanup should also be simple.
Important Materials in Cedar Sealers
Sealers use different ingredients. These materials decide how well the sealer works.
Oil-Based Sealers: These soak deeply into the cedar. They often provide the richest, most natural look. They usually last longer but take more time to dry. They might require mineral spirits for cleanup.
Water-Based Sealers: These are easier to clean up, usually just needing soap and water. They dry faster than oil versions. Some modern water-based formulas offer excellent UV protection.
Natural Oils (Tung or Linseed): These nourish the wood deeply. They are great for maintaining a natural look but often require reapplication more frequently.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the sealer directly affects how long your cedar lasts.
Good Quality Factors: High concentrations of UV absorbers improve quality. Sealers with resins that flex with the wood prevent peeling. A sealer that contains mildewcides offers better long-term protection.
Poor Quality Factors: Thin, cheap sealers often sit only on the surface. These offer minimal protection and wear away fast with rain. Sealers that have very low solids content are usually less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where your cedar wood lives. This changes the sealer you need.
Decks and Fences (High Exposure): These areas get direct sun and heavy rain. You need a tough, penetrating oil-based sealer with maximum UV protection here. Reapplication might be needed every 1-2 years.
Siding and Trim (Moderate Exposure): Water-based stains or acrylic sealers work well for vertical surfaces. They let the wood breathe while still repelling water.
Furniture (Indoor/Outdoor): For items you touch often, choose a low-odor, non-toxic sealer. Ensure the finish does not feel sticky after drying.
Application Tip: Always apply sealer to clean, dry wood. Proper preparation is crucial for a good user experience. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for recoating times.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cedar Sealer
Q: How often do I need to reseal my cedar?
A: Most cedar needs resealing every one to three years. High-traffic areas like decks need it more often.
Q: Does sealer change the color of my cedar?
A: Some sealers are completely clear. Others add a slight amber tint or a solid color. Always test a small area first.
Q: Can I use a deck sealer on cedar siding?
A: Yes, often you can. However, siding needs a less thick coating than a deck. Check if the product is rated for both.
Q: What is the difference between a stain and a sealer?
A: A sealer primarily protects the wood from moisture and UV rays. A stain adds or changes the color while offering protection.
Q: Is oil-based or water-based better for cedar?
A: Oil-based penetrates deeper, which many experts prefer for maximum durability. Water-based is easier to use and clean up.
Q: How long does cedar sealer take to dry?
A: Drying times vary. Water-based products might be dry to the touch in 2-4 hours. Oil-based sealers can take 24 hours or more before you can walk on the surface.
Q: Can I apply sealer if rain is expected soon?
A: No. Most sealers need several dry, mild-temperature days to cure properly. Check the forecast before starting.
Q: Does sealer stop cedar from turning gray?
A: Yes, a quality sealer with good UV blockers will slow down the graying process significantly. It does not stop it completely forever.
Q: Do I need to strip old sealer off before applying new sealer?
A: If the old sealer is peeling or flaking, yes, you must remove it. If it is just faded, you can often clean the wood and apply a new coat directly.
Q: Is cedar sealer toxic to pets?
A: When wet, most sealers are toxic. Once fully cured, oil-based and water-based sealers are generally safe for pets and people.