Have you ever admired the rich, warm color of beautiful cedar wood outdoors, only to watch it fade to a dull gray over time? Cedar is naturally great at resisting bugs and rot, but even this tough wood needs protection from the sun and rain. Choosing the right sealer is the secret to keeping your cedar looking stunning for years, but the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you pick an oil-based finish, or maybe something water-based? Should it be clear, or should it add color?
The wrong sealer might peel, crack, or fail to stop that dreaded graying. You want a product that offers lasting defense without constant upkeep. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what different sealers do, what ingredients to look for, and how to apply them correctly so your cedar stays vibrant.
Keep reading to discover the best sealer options tailored for cedar, ensuring your decks, fences, and siding enjoy maximum beauty and protection against the elements.
Top Sealer For Cedar Wood Recommendations
- 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
- 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
- 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
- WATER-BASED WOOD FINISH: Our sealant provides top-notch protection against wear and tear in high traffic areas. It's odorless and suitable for use on wood siding, log homes, swing sets, outdoor furniture, wooden deck and fence, and more
- PENETRATING WOOD SEALANT: Unlike many sealers that only form a topcoat, our protector penetrates below the surface to create a long-lasting, water-resistant shield around the wood. It helps protect against the elements
- ULTRA-LOW VOC FLOOR SEALER: Our premium gloss is ultra-low VOC and enhances the extended life of your exterior flooring. The sealant can be safely applied around your home, landscaping, vegetation, or over any water area
- WATERPROOF SEALER: Ditch the oil-based sealers and choose a UV-stable coating option. Our fast-drying liquid creates a flexible, breathable barrier and provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water, as it allows the wood to grey naturally
- NON-TOXIC WOOD PROTECTION: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, you have the satisfaction of knowing our products will not harm pets, plants, or people
- 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
- SUPERIOR BLEND OF LINSEED OIL & BEESWAX: Tried and True wood finish is a superior blend of linseed oil and beeswax. This time-tested combination of oil and wax provides a warm soft appearance and adds protection against water, liquids and daily use.
- EFFICIENT CURING: This linseed oil for wood is polymerized for fast curing without the use of toxic drying aids found in boiled linseed products. No solvents means a little bit goes a long way. Safe to apply indoors with no PPE.
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: Tried & True’s original oil finish provides long-lasting durability and the ability to touch-up or repair the finish without needing to strip or sand the wood. This makes a potential heirloom to pass down for generations.
- SAFE & NON-TOXIC: This wood finish is ideal for many projects including food contact applications like cutting boards, knife handles, butcher block and wood cabinetry. It is also safe as a wooden toy finish and pet items.
- EASY APPLICATION: Sand the piece up to at least 320, wipe it on, buff it dry, wait a day, burnish with 4/0 steel or synthetic wool, repeat as desired. See videos and product label for in-depth application instructions.
- MARINE SEALANT: Our liquid formula creates a UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. Marine is a protector for outdoor decks, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. Marine is safe for use over open water and is non-hazardous to aquatic life. ** This product is NOT intended for hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany and teak. **
- DECK STAIN: It's water-based, ultra-low VOC, enhancing the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level to help preserve the natural color
- WATERPROOF WOOD SEALER: The wood used on boat docks, decks, and wood retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds is subjected to constant moisture. We crafted a sealer, remove stain, and finish all in one, specifically for these installations
- WOOD SEALANT: Our fast-drying protector penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, which creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. It provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water
- SAFE FORMULA: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber or concrete against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, our products will not harm pets, plants, or people
- 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.
Choosing the Best Sealer for Your Cedar Wood
Cedar wood is beautiful. It smells great too. But cedar needs protection outside. A good sealer keeps it safe from sun and rain. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a cedar sealer, look for these important things:
- **UV Protection:** The sun fades cedar fast. A good sealer must block harmful UV rays. This keeps the natural cedar color longer.
- **Water Repellency:** Rain causes rot and mildew. Look for sealers that make water bead up and roll off the wood.
- **Penetration:** The best sealers soak deep into the wood fibers. This offers protection from the inside out.
- **Mildew Resistance:** Damp wood grows ugly mildew. Check the label for mildew-cides that fight fungus growth.
- **Ease of Application:** You want a sealer that spreads smoothly. Thin coats are usually better than thick ones.
Important Materials in Cedar Sealers
Sealers use different ingredients. These materials decide how well the sealer works.
Oil-Based Sealers
Oil-based sealers soak in very well. They often use tung oil or linseed oil. These give a rich, natural look. They usually last a long time. However, they smell strong. Cleanup needs mineral spirits.
Water-Based Sealers
Water-based sealers are easier to use. They clean up with just soap and water. They dry faster than oil types. Modern water-based formulas offer great UV protection now.
Hybrid Sealers
Some products mix oil and water features. They try to offer deep penetration with easier cleanup. They are a good middle ground for many projects.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Sealer Quality
The quality of your sealer matters a lot.
What makes a sealer better? High-quality resins and UV absorbers improve the sealer. A high solids content means more protective material is in the can. This usually means fewer coats are needed.
What makes a sealer worse? Thin, cheap sealers often use too much solvent. These evaporate quickly. They leave very little protection behind. Sealers that dry too fast might not soak in properly. This reduces their lasting power.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where you will use the sealer.
Decks and Fences
These areas get heavy foot traffic or constant sun. You need a very durable sealer here. Oil-based products often perform well on decks because they penetrate deep.
Outdoor Furniture
Furniture needs protection but might be touched often. A lower-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) or water-based sealer might feel better to the touch once cured. Reapplication might be needed more often.
Maintenance
Some sealers require sanding before recoating. Others just need a good cleaning. Always choose a product that matches your willingness to do future maintenance. Some sealers are easier to maintain.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cedar Wood Sealers
Q: How often should I reapply cedar sealer?
A: Most high-quality sealers last between one to three years. Test the wood by sprinkling water on it. If the water soaks in, it is time to reseal.
Q: Can I use a sealer meant for pine on my cedar?
A: It is best not to. Cedar is naturally oily. Some sealers do not stick well to oily woods. Always choose a product specifically recommended for cedar.
Q: Does sealing cedar change its natural reddish color?
A: Some sealers add a slight amber tone, especially oil-based ones. Clear sealers are available if you want to keep the color exactly the same.
Q: What is the best temperature to apply cedar sealer?
A: Most manufacturers suggest applying when the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F. Avoid applying right before rain is expected.
Q: Should I clean the cedar before sealing?
A: Yes, cleaning is very important. Use a wood cleaner designed for cedar. This removes dirt, mildew, and old finishes. The sealer needs a clean surface to soak into.
Q: Can I stain and seal cedar in one step?
A: Yes, many products are “sealer-stains.” These combine color protection and water protection. They save you a step during application.
Q: Will sealer stop cedar from turning gray?
A: A good sealer with UV blockers will slow down the graying process significantly. However, no sealer stops it completely forever.
Q: Is a water-based sealer less durable than an oil-based one?
A: Older water-based products were weaker. Modern acrylic and urethane water-based sealers are very durable. Oil often penetrates better, but water-based formulas are easier to maintain.
Q: What does “penetrating sealer” mean?
A: A penetrating sealer soaks into the wood grain instead of just sitting on top like a film. This protects the wood fibers from moisture deep inside.
Q: How long does it take for the sealer to fully cure?
A: Most sealers are dry to the touch in a few hours. Full curing, where the sealer reaches maximum hardness and water resistance, can take anywhere from 24 hours to seven days.