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Wood is susceptible to mold, mildew, and rot if it is left exposed to rain, sleek, snow, and other moisture. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can dry out wood, causing it to splinter and crack. So to protect your outdoor furniture, fence, or deck from ongoing damage, it’s necessary to apply paint, stain, or sealant to the wood. However, outdoor wood sealers are made specifically to bond to wooden objects in order to create a waterproof barrier and prevent wood rot.
You are watching: The Best Outdoor Wood Sealers of 2023
Depending on the type of outdoor wood sealer you invest in, it may also have UV stabilizers that block UV radiation from damaging the wood. Opaque wood sealers provide more UV protection than clear sealers, but the natural look of the wood is completely covered. Before you can make an informed decision while searching for the best outdoor wood sealer to protect your exterior structures, furniture, and other wooden objects, keep reading. There is more to find out about selecting an outdoor wood sealer below.
- BEST OVERALL: Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rain Guard Water Sealer
- BEST OIL-BASED: Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer
- BEST WATER-BASED: Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector
- BEST SOLID: SaverSystems #1 Deck Wood Deck Paint and Sealer
- BEST SEMITRANSPARENT: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
- BEST CLEAR: Wolman Raincoat Clear Oil Base Sealer
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer
- BEST UV PROTECTION: Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
- ALSO CONSIDER: Olympic Stain Smartguard Multi-Surface Sealant
Types of Outdoor Wood Sealers
There are several types of wood sealers that are differentiated by the formula and transparency. The main types include oil-based, water-based, solid/opaque, semitransparent, and clear.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based
Outdoor wood sealers can be split into oil-based and water-based products, each with its own drawbacks and benefits.
- Oil-based sealers are better for pine, cedar, oak, ash, and other types of wood that have a high absorption rate because oil-based sealers are not as easy for the wood to absorb as water-based products. However, an oil-based wood sealer typically has better UV resistance and tends to have a more even finish.
- Water-based sealers are ideal for wood with a low absorption rate, like alder, birch, and maple. They can also be used on oak and ash if a fast-drying alternative to oil-based sealers is needed. Water-based products are also more environmentally friendly, though the fast drying time can result in an uneven or splotchy appearance.
Solid or Opaque
The transparency of an outdoor wood sealer contributes to its ability to provide UV protection to the wood. Solid or opaque outdoor wood sealer is similar to paint because it completely covers the natural grain of the wood. This gives the wood a more uniform appearance in the color of the user’s choice.
Solid wood sealer is the best transparency option for UV protection because the thick layer or colored/tinted sealer helps to repel UV rays.
Semitransparent
The next option for sealant transparency are the semitransparent products. These sealers protect the wood from rain, moisture, rot, and mildew as well as providing mild UV protection with a semitransparent tint or color.
The semitransparent appearance allows the natural wood grain to show through. However, the color or tint in these sealants tends to fade faster than the color in solid or opaque sealers, so it may need to be reapplied about once every 2 to 3 years to maintain the appearance.
Clear
Paint and stains are commonly available in a wide range of colors, but most outdoor wood sealers have a clear finish because sealers are specifically intended to protect the wood from water, mold, and mildew.
UV protection is typically an added feature in clear sealers that results in a superior product, which allows such products to stand out from the competition. Clear sealers protect the wood without covering up the natural grain or natural color, though they are not as effective at repelling UV radiation as solid or semitransparent sealers.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Outdoor Wood Sealer
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Before coming to a conclusion about which wood sealant is the best protection for outdoor wood furniture, it’s necessary to understand some of the most important characteristics and product factors to look out for when deciding on the best outdoor wood sealer for a deck or fence.
Water and Mildew Resistance
The purpose of an outdoor wood sealer is to protect the wood from rain, sleet, snow, humidity, and any other type of moisture that can cause wood rot, mold, or mildew. By providing a waterproof layer with mold and mildew resistance, the wood sealer prevents the moisture from seeping into the fibers of the wood, causing swelling, shifting, warping, and tearing.
Mold and mildew pull moisture in from the air and collect rainwater to grow and thrive. This spreading growth can increase wood rot and also permanently discolor the wood, so it’s important to get rid of mold and mildew before it can start to spread.
Just keep in mind that the sealer repels all liquids, so it isn’t recommended to apply an additional layer of sealer after the initial layer has fully set because the sealer will not bond to the wood, it will just sit on top of a sealed horizontal surface or run down a sealed vertical surface.
UV Protection
Similar to water and mildew resistance, UV protection is intended to extend the life of the wood by preventing ongoing damage. Outdoor wood sealers are typically made for repelling water, but solid, semitransparent, and some clear sealers do have UV-resistant properties. Opaque or solid oil-based outdoor wood sealers with stabilizers offer the highest level of UV protection of any outdoor sealer.
Generally, oil-based sealers have a higher resistance to UV radiation than water-based sealers, while opaque/solid colors and tints shield the wood better than semitransparent or clear sealers. Semitransparent sealers still provide more UV protection than clear sealers, but if cracked and splintered wood from UV radiation is a recurring problem, it’s a good idea to invest in a solid oil-based wood sealer.
Application
Application of a sealer is important to consider. Most products can be applied with a paint brush or roller, and there are even some options that can be loaded into a paint sprayer. Oil-based sealers take longer to dry than water-based sealers, so make sure there is enough time for the sealer to cure before it rains.
Water-based sealers dry quickly, but if applying the sealer when it’s too hot outside, the sealer may dry in splotchy or uneven patches. For best results, start applying in the morning when it’s still relatively cool.
The number of coats and drying time of an outdoor wood sealer depend on the individual product. Even sealers made by the same manufacturer can have slight differences in coverage and drying time, though it should be noted that oil-based outdoor wood sealers typically need fewer coats than water-based sealers.
Environmental Concerns
A key factor to keep in mind when selecting an outdoor wood sealer for the deck, fence, or exterior furniture is whether the formula contains VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or any other ingredients that could be harmful to the environment. Oil-based sealers tend to have a higher percentage of VOCs, though many water-based sealers still have a low amount of VOCs in their formulas.
Check the product information and the details from the manufacturer to find out the level of VOCs contained in the sealant before deciding on a product. Choose a low-VOC or VOC-free alternative to protect the environment from harmful runoff while keeping wooden structures and furniture safe.
Our Top Picks
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This list of some of the best exterior wood sealer products was selected based on type, transparency, water resistance, UV resistance, ease of application, environmental impact, and overall value in order to help you find the best wood sealer for your deck, fence, or wooden furniture.
Our Verdict
Protect wooden decks, fences, and furniture from UV rays, water, mold, and mildew with Seal-Once Nano+Poly outdoor wood sealer, or opt for the more affordable Rain Guard outdoor wood sealer if you don’t mind the extra step of mixing the sealer from this concentrated formula.
How We Chose the Best Outdoor Wood Sealers
Wood sealers are designed to provide a waterproof exterior layer in order to protect the wooden structure, furniture, or object to which the sealer is applied. For the purpose of putting together this list of the best outdoor wood sealers, it was necessary to conduct in-depth research into a wide range of more than 40 products.
The type and transparency were primary factors in the final decision because they affected the application, drying time, and resistances. Water isn’t the only hazard for exterior wood objects and structures. Opaque or semitransparent sealers provide UV protection and help to prevent the wood from drying and cracking.
Water-based sealers are easier to apply and clean up, though they don’t cover as well as oil-based sealers, so you may need more than one coat. Additionally, low-VOC or zero-VOC products were preferred over high-VOC sealers that could have a serious impact on the environment. Color selection, price, and quantity were also taken into consideration to choose the best outdoor wood sealers for exterior furniture and wooden structures.
FAQs
It’s beneficial to have detailed information about wood sealers to understand why it’s recommended to seal outdoor wood products. Learn more below by reading the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about outdoor wood sealers.
Q. Why do I need to seal my wood?
The intention behind sealing outdoor wooden objects is to prevent moisture from entering the wood, causing it to swell, warp, and rot. Outdoor sealers create a waterproof layer that bonds to the wood to repel moisture.
Q. Should I seal all sides of wood?
You should seal all sides of a board or a piece of furniture, especially if all sides will be visible. Wooden objects that are installed or used outdoors should be completely sealed to help protect the item from rain, snow, and moisture. However, you don’t have to seal all sides if the wooden object is set up indoors and the bottom is largely unseen.
Q. How long does exterior wood sealer last?
On average, exterior wood sealer is made to last for about 4 to 5 years, though it may begin to show signs of wear before this point, especially if the sealant was not properly applied. Always make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use to get the best results.
Q. Will outdoor wood sealer withstand harsh weather conditions?
The main purpose of outdoor wood sealer is to create a waterproof layer that bonds to the exterior of the wood. Some sealants will also provide UV protection, though this is primarily reliant on the transparency of the product. With this in mind, wood sealers can protect fences, decks, or wood furniture from rain, sleet, and snow, though it does nothing to help with hail or strong winds, which can physically damage the wood.
Q. Can I paint sealed wood?
It isn’t recommended to paint over sealed wood because sealants are specifically designed to seal out moisture. This means that paint or stain will not adhere to the wood, resulting in bubbling, flaking, and chipping.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
