Does your beautiful cedar deck or siding look dull and weathered? Cedar wood is stunning, but it needs protection from sun and rain. If you skip sealing, the wood quickly turns gray and might even crack. Choosing the right sealant feels like a huge task. You see so many cans on the shelf, each promising the best results. Which one truly guards your investment?
Picking the wrong product can lead to frustrating peeling or a finish that fades too fast. Nobody wants to redo that hard work next year! This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore exactly what makes a sealant perfect for cedar. You will learn the key differences between oils, water-based finishes, and stains.
By the end of this article, you will confidently select a sealant that keeps your cedar looking rich and protected for years. Ready to give your cedar the long-lasting defense it deserves? Let’s dive into the best ways to seal your cedar wood.
Top Sealant For Cedar Wood Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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.
- PROFESSIONAL-GRADE PROTECTION FOR ALL WOOD TYPES: Our premium wood sealer penetrates deep into wood surfaces to help protect against the effects of moisture, sun exposure, and outdoor wear. Suitable for cedar, pine, hardwood, bamboo, and pressure-treated wood. A great choice for garden beds, planter boxes, fences, and other outdoor wood structures. Note: Not recommended for laminated or coated wood.
- PLANT-SAFE & WATER BASE FORMULA – FREE FROM HARSH FUMES: Made with no toxic derived ingredients, this formula contains no synthetic solvents, waxes, or strong odors. Designed with your garden and family in mind, it’s a safe choice for spaces shared with plants and pets.
- LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE WITH LESS MAINTENANCE: Unlike surface coatings that wear away quickly, our formula bonds with wood to help extend its appearance and durability over time. Helps minimize the impact of outdoor elements such as water and sun.
- HOME GARDEN & PET-FRIENDLY USE: Great for DIY garden projects, home planters, and wooden enclosures near pets. Perfect for raised beds, flower boxes, and other non-painted outdoor wooden items.
- EASY APPLICATION & LASTING RESULTS: Apply using a brush, roller, or sprayer—just two coats on a clean, dry surface are all it takes. Dries in approximately 2 hours between coats. Covers Up To 50–200 sq ft depending on the wood’s porosity. NOTE: Before applying, ensure the wood is clean, dry (moisture content < 15%), smooth, and free from dust, grease, and old coatings.
- ✔️ 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.
- 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
- 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
Choosing the Best Sealant for Your Cedar Wood
Cedar wood looks beautiful. It has a natural reddish color and a nice smell. To keep your cedar looking great and lasting long, you need a good sealant. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for these important things in a sealant.
- **UV Protection:** Sunlight breaks down wood fibers. Good sealants block harmful UV rays. This stops the cedar from turning gray too fast.
- **Water Resistance:** Cedar naturally resists water, but a sealant adds extra protection. It stops rain from soaking in, which prevents rot and warping.
- **Mildew and Mold Resistance:** Damp wood often grows mildew. Choose a sealant that has chemicals to fight off this growth.
- **Penetration:** The best sealants soak deep into the wood grain. This offers protection from the inside out, not just a surface layer.
- **Finish Type:** Do you want a clear look, or a slight tint? Sealants come in clear, semi-transparent (which lets some wood grain show), and solid colors.
Important Materials in Sealants
The ingredients matter a lot for how well the sealant works.
Most quality cedar sealants use one of two main bases:
Oil-Based Sealants
Oil-based products soak deeply into the cedar. They offer fantastic protection against water. They usually last longer than water-based options. However, they take longer to dry, and cleanup requires mineral spirits.
Water-Based (Acrylic/Latex) Sealants
These are easier to use. They dry much faster and clean up easily with just soap and water. Modern water-based formulas offer great UV protection now. They might not penetrate as deeply as oil, but they are very popular for easy application.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one sealant better than another? It’s often about the quality of the formula and how you apply it.
Quality Boosters:
- High amounts of UV absorbers keep the color bright.
- Natural oils (like tung or linseed oil) in the formula help the cedar stay flexible and resist cracking.
- Good adhesion means the sealant sticks well and doesn’t peel off easily.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin, cheap formulas often just sit on top of the wood. These break down quickly.
- Sealants that lack mildewcides will fail faster in humid areas.
- Applying sealant to dirty or wet wood severely reduces its ability to stick and protect.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where your cedar is located. This helps decide the best product.
Decking and Outdoor Furniture
These items get heavy foot traffic and constant sun. You need a tough, penetrating product. Oil-based sealants often work best here because they handle wear and tear well. Reapply every 1-2 years.
Siding and Fences
These vertical surfaces need good UV blocking. Water-based sealants are often preferred for siding because they are easier to spray on large areas. They need less frequent reapplication than deck sealants, maybe every 3-5 years.
Ease of Use
If you are new to sealing wood, start with a water-based product. They offer a more forgiving application process. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times. Poor user experience usually comes from rushing the process.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cedar Sealants
Q: How often must I reapply the sealant?
A: This depends on the product and the weather. Generally, decks need resealing every 1 to 2 years. Siding and fences might last 3 to 5 years. The water “beading up” test tells you when it is time to reapply.
Q: Should I use a stain or a clear sealant?
A: If you love the natural look of cedar, use a clear or semi-transparent sealant. Stains add more color and often contain more UV blockers, which helps prevent graying.
Q: Can I seal cedar right after it is installed?
A: No. Freshly cut cedar needs time to dry out. Wait about 2 to 4 weeks of dry weather before applying any sealant. Sealing wet wood traps moisture inside.
Q: Do I need to clean the wood before sealing?
A: Yes, always clean the wood first. Use a dedicated cedar cleaner or brightener. Dirt, mildew, and old finish prevent the new sealant from soaking in properly.
Q: What is the difference between a sealer and a stain?
A: A sealer’s main job is to block water and UV rays. A stain’s main job is to add color. Most modern products are a combination, called a “sealer-stain.”
Q: Can I use a regular wood deck sealer on my cedar siding?
A: You can, but it’s usually better to choose a product specifically designed for siding if possible. Siding sealants are often thinner and better suited for vertical surfaces.
Q: How long does it take for an oil-based sealant to dry?
A: Oil-based products are slow. They might feel dry to the touch in 12 to 24 hours. They can take several days to fully cure before getting wet.
Q: Will the sealant change the smell of my cedar?
A: Some oil-based sealants have a strong odor while curing. Water-based products usually have very low odor. The natural cedar smell will eventually return once the product has fully dried.
Q: What happens if I skip sealing my cedar?
A: The wood will turn a silvery-gray color due to UV damage. It will absorb more water, leading to cracking, splitting, and eventually, rot.
Q: Should I use a brush, roller, or sprayer?
A: For most sealants, a quality natural bristle brush works best because it helps push the product deep into the wood grain. Sprayers are fast for large areas, but you must always back-brush the area immediately after spraying to ensure deep penetration.