There are so many different outdoor wood sealant products. But which is the best outdoor wood sealer? We'll give you all the facts in this article.
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:
- The best outdoor wood sealer
- Tips for your successfully applying the best outdoor wood sealer
- Supplies you'll need for applying the best outdoor wood sealer specific to project
And much more!
Below is a quick list of our top 5 products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the top outdoor wood sealer.
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Our Top Pick ![]() | Our Top Pick | Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon
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Budget Pick ![]() | Budget Pick | Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Aerosol
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High-End Option ![]() | High-End Option | SEAL-ONCE MARINE - 1 Gallon
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| View on Amazon |
![]() | ANCHORSEAL 2 Hybrid Log & Lumber
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![]() | THOMPSONS WATERSEAL Transparent
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Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On January 27, 2023
Our favorite is Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood because it comes in a 5-gallon quantity, is reasonably priced, requires minimal preparation, and has thousands of great Amazon reviews.
Our Top 5 Outdoor Wood Sealers
What Are Outdoor Wood Sealers?
Outdoor wood sealers are any product that protects your wood from the sun, water, cracking, fading, etc.
You'll find countless options on Amazon for outdoor wood sealer products. We've listed all of the best ones here.
What Are The Different Types of Outdoor Wood Sealers?
Water-based, oil-based, polyurethane, epoxy, are all common chemical compositions of wood sealers. Each type of wood sealer acts as a preservative by blocking ultraviolet rays and weathering.
As far as appearance goes, you'll find wood sealers in clear, tinted, and semi-transparent.
How Do Outdoor Wood Sealers Work?
Outdoor wood sealers are simple and easy to apply, depending on the product. These products listed below are paint products, so that means they can be applied with a paint sprayer, roller, brush, etc.
On the other hand, there are products like epoxy sealers that require mixing two liquids to create an extremely durable finish. Epoxy is great for smaller projects, but it can't be applied with a paint sprayer.
Youtube is a great resource for learning about DIY projects. Below is a great example of how to protect your outdoor wood projects.
What To Look For In The Best Outdoor Wood Sealers?
Water-resistance
Some interior wood stains don't provide much water resistance. For this reason, it's important to ensure the product you use seals off the wood surface and prevents water damage.
UV-resistance
Your outdoor wood sealer must provide UV protection to the wood. UV rays cause wood to deteriorate and discolor/gray over time, so make sure you aren't applying an interior wood sealant on outdoor applications.
Read Also: How Many Coats of Primer on Wood? (5-Step Guide)
Scratch-resistant Durability --> Polyurethane
Some outdoor wood sealers, like polyurethane, are much more durable to scratches and damage when compared to older-style oil-based wood sealers that sink into the pores of the wood.
Now, there are advantages to all of the different chemical compositions of wood sealer whether it be oil-based, water-based, or polyurethane, but polyurethane finish is the best way to create a hard finish.
Just lightly sand before application, and then wet sand with 600-grit sandpaper for the best results when applying polyurethane to your outdoor projects.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Manufacturers are typically required to provide a material data safety sheet on the back of the container. Here are a few of the material facts provided on the MSDS:
Hazardous ingredients
It's good to be aware of dangerous substances when working with paint products, and the MSDS makes us aware of this.
Effect On Human Health
It's always good to check the back of the label to see its effect on health when working with chemicals. You never know when a product could contain a chemical that might not be the best use for the situation.
Physical And Chemical Characteristics
The MSDS makes you aware of flammability, chemical reactions, etc. so that you can avoid a fire or other dangerous situation.
How Many Years Protection
Wood sealer products will almost always give you an estimate of how many years it will seal your product for.
Read Also: How To Remove Stain From Wood (3-Step Guide)
Our Reviews Of The Best Outdoor Wood Sealer
Ready Seal provides customers with the classic 5-gallon bucket solution to any large water sealing project.
This is the best bang for your buck if you're looking to have a hay day with the paint sprayer in your backyard or business.
Pick up Ready Seal for your next project in either 1-gallon or 5-gallon quantities, and don't bother even driving to the paint store when Amazon delivers right to your doorstep.
Oh, and the best part is the Ready Seal comes in nine different colors.
Pros
- No back brushing is necessary
- Doesn't leave runs
- Doesn't require sanding or stripping
Cons
- Takes 14 days to reach its ultimate color
- No VOC (volatile organic compounds) content specified
Do you want an easy spray can solution for treating your outdoor wood projects? Try this Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Aerosol.
With UV blockers that prevent discoloring and special oils that allow the wood to properly expand and contract with temperatures, this is a budget option for smaller wood finishing projects.
Pick up 11.5 oz. cans of Minwax off of Amazon for the best price.
Pros
- Easily applied
- Great for trim and other small projects
- Resists chipping and cracking
Cons
- Small quantity
- Flammable liquid
Pick #3: SEAL-ONCE MARINE
Seal-Once is worth a try if you're going for a water-based, low VOC content solution for sealing your outdoor wood projects.
Specially formulated for high-moisture areas, you could use this Seal-Once Marine sealant for all of the essential outdoor applications, including retaining walls, foundations, docks, decks, piers, anything.
This is a higher-quality solution for your project, and you can pick up the clear version of Seal-Once off of Amazon that would cover an estimated 150-300 square feet depending on the project. Reap the advantages of using a product that's safe for both humans and animals.
Pros
- Great for any application
- Use safely around humans and animals
- Non-toxic/Ultra-low VOC
Cons
Achorseal is a great product for sealing green wood logs and lumber. Consider using this water-based and eco-friendly formula for preventing splitting and end checking.
Pick up 1-quart and 1-gallon quantities off of Amazon for the best price.
Use damp wood and other freshly cut lumber for great waterproofing results.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Great reviews
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- More expensive than other products
- Not for pressure-treated wood
Pick #5: THOMPSONS WATERSEAL
Thompson’s transparent waterproofing stain comes in Woodland cedar color to prevent water damage with Paul and Burnham but also provides further distance color.
If you were looking for the perfect waterproofing stain for preventing mildew damage and UV damage, then this stain can go on damp or Drywood while exceeding the industry standards.
Purchase Thompson’s water seal and four different colors, including acorn brown, maple brown, Sequoia red, and Woodland cedar.
Pros
- Prevents water damage
- Inexpensive price
- Fade-resistant color
Cons
- Water-based formula isn't as attractive as oil-based in some ways
- Not the highest-quality option
Pick #6: STORM SYSTEM Storm Protector
Storm system protects your wood product with a semi-transparent oil-based sealer meant to protect the natural beauty of the wood grain.
This particular wood protector and sealer is ideal for staining wood species such as Cedar, Redwood, Pinewood, Cypress, spruce, and more.
Easily apply this product with a paint sprayer, paintbrush, or paint roller for UV protection and lap-free application. The storm system is a great product for projects like wood substrate, siding, fences, and decks.
Pick up a 1-gallon bucket of storm system protector penetrating sealer and Stan protector off of Amazon in three different colors, including golden oak, Sienna, and Hickory. Darken your wood to perfection with this quality deck stain.
Pros
- Semi-transparent
- Three different colors to choose from
- Affordable 1-gallon cost
Cons
- Not the highest-end option
- No smaller or larger volume sizes
This convenient urethane aerosol spray coating forms a protective barrier against water.
With an oil-based formula that allows the finish to expand and contract, this spar urethane formula uses fortified alkyd resin to form a hard yet unbrittle finish.
Use this spray sealant on wood surfaces both indoors and outdoors. Suggested applications include exterior doors, window sills, bar tops, wooden boats, and patio furniture.
This product claims to be safe around people and pets, but you will still want to read the label on the back to be 100% sure.
Pros
- Maintains the natural grain look
- Covers 300 square feet
- Can be easily used with a paint sprayer
Cons
- The natural color design may not product from scratches
- Slower application if no available paint sprayer
Pick #8: Rain Guard Water Sealers
Are you looking for a more natural appearance for waterproofing your outdoor wood project? Here's a product that doesn't alter the surface appearance.
The Rain Guard Water Sealers covers up to 300 square feet, and it helps prevent rot from water damage.
This is a reasonable price for the quantity, so pick up a one-quart container of Rain Guard off of Amazon for easy delivery. Each quart makes up to two gallons of wood sealer that you can spray onto the surface for a quick and easy solution.
Pros
- Its concentrated formula makes up to 2 gallons of sealer
- 1-hour dry time
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not a polyurethane
- It may not be scratch resistant
Pick #9: Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil
Teak oil is one excellent option for staining small projects. Applying teak oil is simple, you just pour it onto a rag, and wipe it onto the surface you wish to protect.
One great thing about Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is that has a fast drying time, so you can get the results you want without losing any time.
This 16 fluid ounce container of teak oil is perfect for applications like boats, furniture, etc., and it is a higher-end option for artisan and household jobs. We have personally enjoyed applying teak onto surfaces and watching it shine, and we know you will too.
Pros
- Contains UV absorbers
- Made in the USA
- Very attractive finish
Cons
- Smaller container (not for larger projects)
- High VOC content (fatal if swallowed, combustible, irritant
Pick #10: HOPE'S Pure Tung Oil
Hope’s wipe-on oil is another great solution for sealing smaller exterior wood projects, and it’s one of our favorites because it has zero VOC content and applies quickly and evenly.
This oil-based treatment waterproofs wood by penetrating deep into its pores to protect them from destruction due to problems like UV-rays while not leaving a film on the surface of the wood at the same time.
Pick up Hope's Pure Tung Oil off of Amazon in various sizes, including 16, 32, and 128 fluid ounces. Enjoy an additive-free wood treatment on your next home-making project.
Pros
- Easily applied
- Also works on concrete
- Non-toxic when dry
Cons
- Meant for smaller projects only
- More expensive by volume compared to other products
Eco-Poly polyurethane sealer & floor finish will give your exterior wood a high-quality finish at an extremely reasonable cost.
The best part about the Eco-Poly polyurethane sealer is that it has no VOCs, no HAPs, no odor, and no red list toxins, so you can confidently apply it to your wood project without worrying about hurting nearby plants and animals.
Apply this scratch-resistant polyurethane to your exterior wood or concrete surface, and then wet sand for a ridiculously durable and easy solution to protecting your project.
Pros
- UV & chemical resistant
- No VOCs
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not sold in quantities less than a gallon
- Only comes in 1 color (matte)
Pick #12: TotalBoat Gleam Marine Spar Varnish
TotalBoat provides customers with the classic marine finish containing tung oil and phenolic resins for a glowing amber finish on interior/exterior wood projects.
If you need a high-quality finish that resists the elements at all costs, we suggest you try TotalBoat on your next project.
Pros
- Contains UV inhibitors
- High-gloss and satin options
- Extremely effective for protecting wood surfaces
Cons
- More expensive than other products
- Suspected of causing cancer
- Extremely flammable
Krylon provides a semi-transparent spray paint in 12-ounce quantities that are just the right amount to cover small jobs like coffee tables, doors, lamps, desks, drawers, etc.
For just a little over 10 bucks, you can get fast even wood sealing covered applied on your exterior wood, so come get it while it's hot.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- UV and fade resistant
- Comes in different colors
Cons
- The flammable container under pressure
- Less quantity
Do you have painted wood that needs to be sealed? Try this Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-9004 paint sealer to save the day and preserve your outdoor wood structures for the years to come.
Pour it into an HVLP paint sprayer, or use a roller and brush to thoroughly protect your exterior wood from UV rays, mildew, water, cracking, and protect other people and animals around you while you do it.
This Rain Guard water sealer prevents surface damage like rain, ice, snow, and more, so pick up the reasonably priced 1-gallon jug off of Amazon for less.
Pros
- Protects against UV and mildew
- Eco-friendly (safe around pets and people)
- Inexpensive price
Cons
- Coverage rates vary depending on the project
- Doesn't come in different shades
Roxil offers 10-year protection on any decking our household project you're willing to try it out on.
Purchase in 1-quart or 1.5-gallon quantities for medium-size and larger projects. This product covers 200 feet per gallon, so you can choose from 50 feet or 150 feet quantities.
Roxil Wood Protection Cream meets federal and state environmental guidelines, so you can apply it to any exterior surface without the guilt of emitting harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Guaranteed to protect your exterior wood surface for up to five years, you'll want to keep an extra bottle of Roxil wood protection cream around just to be safe.
Pros
- Creates an invisible waterproof layer
- 10 years of weatherproof wood deck
- Improved resistance to cracking and warping.
Cons
- Manufacturing location not specified
- Says to apply with brush or roller (sprayer isn't recommended)
Pick #16: Minwax Wood Finishing Cloths, Maple
Minwax decided to go out on a limb to provide customers with a wipeable product.
This is kind of a great idea for smaller projects because it doesn't require that you bust out all of the painting equipment, it's cleaner than pouring paint out of the can, and it makes the job all-around easier for less experienced woodworkers.
Minwax Finishing Cloths dry in just one hour, and you can clean up with just soap and water, so If you want to pay just ten bucks for an excellent and easy wood finish for a smaller project like a coffee table or door, then we highly recommend you try out these Minwax Finishing Cloths.
Pros
- Quick and easy staining solution
- Cleans up with soap and water
- Dries in one hour
Cons
- For small jobs only
- The product could dry out over time (say you (or someone) left the bag open)
Our Overall Top Pick
Our favorite is Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood because it has all the aspects of a great paint product. Pick up a five-gallon jug of Ready Seal off of Amazon for the best price.
Final Thoughts On The Best Outdoor Wood Sealer
Did you try used motor oil? It might sound silly, but painting your wood projects with used motor oil is a sustainable way to seal exterior woods from water without spending extra cash. Yes, using a product from this list will give your exterior wood the professional look, so the majority of buyers will want a clear or stained color.
Used motor oil turns the wood black, and it isn't very aesthetically pleasing, but it would do just fine for landscaping applications, foundations, etc.
Are you getting ready to apply exterior wood sealer? Here is a master set of supplies you’ll need for knocking out any exterior wood sealer job:
Microfiber towel
You can apply a sealant to smaller wood projects by simply pouring some into a microfiber towel, and wiping it onto the surface. Microfiber towels also help when cleaning the wood surface before and after sanding.
Sandpaper
Sanding the surface of the wood beforehand will yield the best results and the most even adhesion. There’s no reason to go over 220-grit sandpaper when prepping for paint, but the wood can be wet sanded after the sealant has dried for super-smooth results.
Paint roller/paintbrush
Using a paint roller or paintbrush works just fine in most situations. Painting/staining/sealing typically starts with using a paintbrush to cut in all of the edges and then going back with the paint roller to quickly cover all of the large areas.
Ladders/Planks
For larger exterior paint projects, you’ll need at least 1 ladder to help you get to all the hard-to-reach surfaces. Professionals even use planks and ladder jacks to easily scale each surface when sealing the exterior of a structure.
Read Also: What're The Best Deck Stains For Pressure Treated Wood?
Paint masker/Masking materials
The fastest way to cover undesired surfaces in your paint job is by using a paint masker. Connect the tape with the masking, and roll out your masking materials along surfaces that won’t be sealed.
Razorblade
Use a blade to cut the tape when tacking all of the masking material down.
Drop Cloth
Throwdown a drop cloth or bed sheet to avoid getting sealant on the ground below your project.
Power washer
Larger exterior wood jobs turn out better if the painter uses a pressure washer to knock off any loose chunks of wood before painting. You’ll have to decide between sanding or pressure washing for correct prep depending on the size of the job and type of wood.
How To Apply Exterior Wood Sealant Properly?
1. Clean the wood surface
Cleaning the surface will ensure that no dust specs or other annoying blemishes don’t end up in your paint job. Any household cleaner will work for cleaning smaller jobs, and larger jobs might require that you just out the power washer to get the job done faster.
2. Mask off undesired surfaces
Before you spray or even roll/brush on the sealant, you need to protect the surrounding surfaces from the paint. Use the paint masker to quickly cover areas that won’t be painted.
3. Apply one coat of sealant
Use your preferred method for applying one coat of sealant to the project, and let it dry for the amount of time recommended in the product container.
Inspect your results after applying the first coat to determine whether or not a second coat is needed. In some cases, you may have to wait a complete 24 hours before seeing the final results because the sealant will absorb into the wood over time.
4. Apply a second coat of sealant if necessary
Was the first coat not enough? You might have to apply another coat to get the full effect. For example, you might see dry spots in the wood where the sealant further into its pores.
Keep in mind that the second coat of sealant won’t require that you use as much as the first coat. On average, you’ll only need about 60% of the amount of sealant used on the first coat to get full coverage the second time around.
5. Peel off masking to reveal the final results
You won’t know whether or not the job is finished until you pull off the masking. Once the tape and paper/plastic is peeled off, you will be able to see if there is any touch-up work that needs to be done before calling it good or sending an invoice to the customer.
6. Touch up
Use a paintbrush to dab sealant onto areas that were either missed or the sealant absorbed in too far to the point where the wood dried out.