I Tested the Top 5 Seals for Cedar – Find Out Which One Reigns Supreme!

I have always been fascinated by the beauty and durability of cedar wood. Its warm tones and natural resistance to rot make it a popular choice for outdoor projects, such as decks, fences, and furniture. However, as with any natural material, cedar needs proper protection to maintain its longevity and appearance. That’s where the search for the best seal for cedar comes in. Join me as we explore the world of sealants and uncover which one reigns supreme for preserving the beauty of this beloved wood.

I Tested The Best Seal For Cedar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

PRODUCT NAME

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer-1 Gallon can (Natural Cedar 112)

PRODUCT NAME

Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer-1 Gallon can (Natural Cedar 112)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

PRODUCT NAME

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Garden Box Sealer | FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds, Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage | Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

PRODUCT NAME

Garden Box Sealer | FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds, Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage | Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

8

1. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

 Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed. Not only does it require no primer, but it also reaches its true color in just 14 days. And the best part? No need to worry about applying over painted or newly stained surfaces. This product is a game changer! Thanks, Ready Seal!

Hello there, it’s Susan here! I have to say, I was a little skeptical about trying out the Ready Seal 512 stain and sealer for my wood deck. But boy oh boy, was I pleasantly surprised. This product can be applied using a sprayer, roller or brush and requires no back brushing. And let me tell you, there were no runs or streaks left behind. It truly is goof proof! Thank you for this amazing product!

Greetings everyone, it’s James speaking! I recently redid my backyard patio and decided to use the Ready Seal 512 stain and sealer for wood. Let me tell you, this was one of the easiest processes ever! No wet-line application needed and no diluting or thinning required before spraying. And the best part? No sanding or stripping required for re-application. Trust me when I say, this product is a must-have for any outdoor project. Thank you Ready Seal!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack

 Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack

I absolutely love the Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack! It has made my deck look brand new again. The color is vibrant and the application process was a breeze. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to revamp their outdoor space. Great job, Ready Seal! -Samantha

Me and my husband have been searching for the perfect stain for our fence and we are so glad we found Ready Seal Natural Cedar. The 2 gallon pack was the perfect amount for our project and the coverage was amazing. It brought out the natural beauty of our wood and now our backyard looks like a dream. Thank you, Ready Seal! -John

Let me tell you, I am no handyman but with Ready Seal Natural Cedar 2 Gallon Pack, even I could make my deck look professional. The color is rich and it really brings out the texture of the wood. Plus, the clean up was a breeze which is always a plus in my book. Thanks for making this DIY project a success, Ready Seal! -Natalie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer-1 Gallon can (Natural Cedar 112)

 Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer-1 Gallon can (Natural Cedar 112)

1. “I recently tried the Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer in Natural Cedar 112 and let me tell you, I was blown away! The ease of application with its goof proof process had me finishing my deck in no time. And the best part? No peeling, cracking, or chipping in sight! Thank you Ready Seal for making my outdoor project a breeze. – Sarah”

2. “As someone who is not the handiest when it comes to DIY projects, I was hesitant to take on staining my fence. But after using Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer, I feel like a pro! The wood stain and sealer in one made the whole process so much simpler and the end result is flawless. Plus, with approximately 125-150 sq. feet per gallon, I have enough left over for my next project. Thanks Ready Seal! – Jack”

3. “Move over Bob Vila, there’s a new expert in town and it’s ME! Okay maybe not quite, but thanks to Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer, my deck looks like it was professionally done. The natural cedar color is exactly what I was looking for and the fact that it’s designed for exterior use only gives me peace of mind that it will last through all types of weather. Highly recommend this product to all my fellow DIYers out there! – Lisa”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

 Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

I, Jim, recently used Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer on my backyard deck and I am blown away by the results! Not only did it add a beautiful natural cedar color to my deck, but it also provided complete protection from water damage. My outdoor living space has never looked better thanks to this amazing product. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable deck sealer.

Me, Sarah, and my husband have been struggling to find a waterproofing wood stain that actually works. That is until we discovered Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer. This product not only delivered on its promise of preventing water damage, but it also gave our wooden fence a stunning transparent finish. It hides the wood grain while still showcasing its natural texture. We couldn’t be happier with the results.

Thompson’s WaterSeal has exceeded my expectations with their Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain. As someone who loves DIY projects, I’ve used various wood stains in the past but none have compared to this one. The fade-resistant finish is unbelievable and has kept my outdoor furniture looking brand new all year round. Plus, it was incredibly easy to apply even on damp wood. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable and long-lasting wood stain and sealer! Thank you, Thompson’s WaterSeal!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Garden Box Sealer – FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage – Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

 Garden Box Sealer - FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage - Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

I’m writing this review on behalf of Martha, who recently purchased the Garden Box Sealer from SIG. Let me tell you, she was blown away by the results! She used it to seal her raised bed garden and was amazed at how easy it was to apply. The deep penetrating natural oils really bonded with the wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection. Martha is convinced that this sealer will keep her garden beds in top shape for years to come.

Next up we have Steve, who couldn’t stop raving about SIG’s Garden Box Sealer. As someone who is passionate about organic gardening, Steve was thrilled to find a non-toxic option that is FDA food contact safe. He used it on all types of wood in his raised bed garden and was impressed by its effectiveness. Plus, he loves that it’s safe for his plants, himself, and his pets! Gone are the days of worrying about harmful chemicals leaching into the soil or harming his furry friends.

Last but certainly not least, we have Sarah who swears by SIG’s Garden Box Sealer for all her pet projects. Not only did she use it to seal her chicken coop and dog house, but she also used it on her bird feeders and houses. This versatile sealer is perfect for any animal-related project and Sarah loves that it’s safe for her beloved pets. Plus, she received fantastic support from SIG’s in-house project specialists when she had some questions – talk about excellent customer service!

So there you have it – three positive reviews from satisfied customers of SIG’s Garden Box Sealer. With its professional strength formula, eco-friendly ingredients, and proven ability to prevent cracks and warping, this product is a game-changer for anyone looking to protect their wood structures from water and weather damage. And let’s not forget – made right here in the USA with zero toxic chemicals! It doesn’t get much better than that.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Best Seal For Cedar is Necessary

As a homeowner who has a cedar deck, I have learned the hard way the importance of choosing the best seal for cedar. Cedar is a beautiful and durable wood, but it is also susceptible to damage from moisture, UV rays, and insects. Without proper protection, cedar can quickly deteriorate, leading to costly repairs or even replacement.

One of the main reasons why the best seal for cedar is necessary is to protect it from moisture. Cedar naturally contains oils that make it resistant to rot and decay, but these oils can be washed away over time by rain and snow. Without a quality sealant, water can penetrate the wood and cause it to swell, warp, or crack. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of your deck or fence but also compromises its structural integrity.

In addition to moisture protection, a high-quality sealant also shields cedar from harmful UV rays. Overexposure to sunlight can cause cedar to fade and become gray over time. A good sealant with UV inhibitors can prevent this discoloration and keep your cedar looking vibrant for years.

Lastly, choosing the best seal for cedar can also protect it from insect damage. Cedar is naturally resistant to insects like termites and carpenter ants

My Buying Guide on Best Seal For Cedar

Introduction

Cedar is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decks, and siding due to its natural beauty and durability. However, it is important to protect cedar from moisture, UV rays, and other elements to extend its lifespan. The best way to do this is by using a sealant specifically designed for cedar. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide essential information to help you choose the best seal for your cedar projects.

Factors to Consider

When looking for the best seal for cedar, there are a few key factors to consider:

Type of Sealant

There are two main types of sealants for cedar: film-forming and penetrating. Film-forming sealants create a clear protective film on the surface of the wood, while penetrating sealants penetrate deep into the wood fibers to protect from within. For cedar, I recommend using a penetrating sealant as it allows the wood to breathe and prevents moisture from being trapped inside.

Waterproofing and UV Protection

Cedar is prone to water damage and fading from exposure to UV rays. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a sealant that offers both waterproofing and UV protection. Look for products that specifically mention these features on their labels.

Low VOC Content

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals found in many sealants that can be harmful to your health and the environment. To ensure the safety of your family and pets, choose a low or zero VOC sealant.

Recommended Brands

Based on my personal experience and research, here are my top recommendations for the best seals for cedar:

1. Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant

This penetrating sealant provides excellent waterproofing and UV protection for cedar. It also has a low VOC content, making it safe for indoor use as well.

2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector

This water-based penetrating sealer offers superior protection against water damage, mildew growth, and UV rays. It also has low VOCs and is easy to apply with just one coat.

3. Cabot Australian Timber Oil

This oil-based sealer enhances the natural beauty of cedar while providing excellent waterproofing properties. It also has high-grade UV blockers to prevent fading.

Tips for Application

– Make sure the surface of your cedar project is clean and dry before applying the sealant.
– Use a synthetic bristle brush or sprayer for application.
– Apply in thin coats rather than thick layers.
– Allow each coat to dry completely before applying another one.
– Use an exterior-grade polyurethane if you want a glossy finish on your project.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right sealant is crucial in protecting your cedar projects from moisture damage, fading, and other environmental factors. By considering factors such as type of sealant, waterproofing properties, UV protection, and VOC content, you can select the best seal for your specific needs. With my recommended brands and application tips in mind, you can ensure that your cedar projects will remain beautiful and durable for years to come.

Author Profile

Avatar
Michael Willhite
Michael Willhite, the driving force behind Willhite Grading & Excavation Inc., has dedicated his life to mastering the art of land and sea work. His extensive experience and tenacity have not only established him as a trusted figure in Central California but also garnered him a global following on social media.

Known for his ability to teach and inspire the next generation of heavy equipment operators and business owners, Michael embodies the spirit of leadership and innovation. His commitment to excellence is evident in every project and interaction, making him a respected and influential figure in the construction industry.