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As a proud owner of a wooden fence, you understand the joy of having a picturesque outdoor space. However, the harsh reality is that your beautiful fence is constantly exposed to the elements, leading to gradual deterioration, discoloration, and even structural damage.
It can be disheartening to witness your once-stunning fence lose its luster and resilience. But fret not! There is a game-changing solution that can protect your investment and restore the natural beauty of your wood fence.
We curated the best wood fence sealers, specially formulated to combat moisture, UV rays, and the wear and tear of everyday life. In this blog post, we will delve into the realm of wood fence sealers, exploring the top-notch options that will safeguard your fence and keep it looking magnificent for years to come.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer
Our Pick
Ready Seal
Ready Seal is a top-rated wood fence sealer that requires no primer and reaches its true color within 14 days. It can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush, without the need for back brushing. With easy maintenance and no runs or streaks, this sealer provides long-lasting protection for your fence.
Ready Seal is an exceptional wood fence sealer that truly lives up to its reputation. With its no-primer requirement, it simplifies the application process, making it a convenient choice for homeowners.
The sealer’s unique feature is its initial dark appearance, which gradually develops into its true color over approximately 14 days, ensuring a stunning end result. It’s important to note that applying Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces is not recommended, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
What sets Ready Seal apart is its versatility in application. Whether you prefer a sprayer, roller, or brush, this sealer adapts seamlessly to your chosen method. It eliminates the need for back brushing, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish without runs, laps, or streaks.
Additionally, its “Goof Proof” application ensures that even inexperienced users can achieve professional results.
Regardless of the temperature range, you can confidently apply Ready Seal for optimal results. No diluting or thinning is required prior to spray applications, further simplifying the process and saving you time and effort.
In terms of environmental consciousness, Ready Seal is subject to or includes a PaintCare recycling fee in certain states. However, it’s important to note that the product is not available in California.
With Ready Seal, maintenance becomes a breeze. There’s no need for sanding or stripping when it’s time for re-application, making it a hassle-free choice for long-term fence preservation. Its easy maintenance and exceptional performance make it a top-notch wood fence sealer that truly delivers on its promises.
What we like: Effortless application, no primer needed. Darkens to true color in 14 days. Versatile application methods. “Goof Proof” with no laps, runs, or streaks. Can be applied in any temperature.
Considerations: Not suitable for painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
Best Runner Up: #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
Our Pick
#1 Deck Premium
#1 Deck is a versatile stain and sealer that protects against color fade and graying. It enhances the natural wood grain and offers easy cleanup with its eco-friendly formula. With the ability to work on damp wood, it reduces the waiting time between cleaning and staining.
Firstly, the #1 Deck provides excellent protection against color fade and graying, safeguarding your wood from the damaging effects of sun exposure and the elements.
It is suitable for various types of wood, including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, redwood, and most other softwoods. However, it’s important to note that hardwoods may require more frequent maintenance coats.
What sets #1 Deck apart is its dual-purpose formulation as both a deck stain and a deck sealer. It not only adds vibrant color to your wood but also effectively seals it, preventing water penetration and minimizing the risk of damage.
One of the standout features of #1 Deck is its ability to showcase the natural beauty of your wood. With five beautiful, semi-transparent deck stain colors to choose from, you can achieve a flat, natural-looking finish that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your exterior wood surfaces.
Environmental consciousness is also a priority with #1 Deck. It boasts a low VOC content of less than 50 g/L, making it a better choice for the planet and ensuring minimal environmental impact. Additionally, cleanup is a breeze with this product. Just use soap and water, and you’re good to go.
Another notable advantage of #1 Deck is its ability to work on damp wood. This feature minimizes the wait time between cleaning and staining, allowing you to proceed with your deck project more efficiently. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, you can apply #1 Deck and enjoy its protective benefits.
Overall, #1 Deck stands out as an exceptional product for protecting and enhancing your wood surfaces. With its ability to prevent color fade, dual-purpose formulation, natural-looking finishes, eco-friendly characteristics, and compatibility with damp wood, it proves to be a reliable choice for homeowners looking to maintain the beauty and longevity of their outdoor spaces.
What we like: #1 Deck offers effective protection against color fade and graying, serving as a dual-purpose stain and sealer. The semi-transparent colors enhance wood grain, and the low VOC content ensures an eco-friendly option. Easy soap and water cleanup adds convenience.
What to consider: Hardwoods may require more frequent maintenance coats. Proper drying is necessary before application. Limited color options. Ensure wood is visibly dry before staining, even if it can be applied to damp wood.
Best Wood Fence Sealer For Outdoor: Storm System Protector
Our Pick
Storm System Protector
Storm Protector is a high-quality wood stain and sealer that enhances the natural beauty of wood while providing superior waterproofing and UV protection. It can be applied to various wood types and is easy to use.
This penetrating, semi-transparent stain and sealer is designed to showcase the exquisite wood grain while providing robust defense against the elements. With Storm Protector, you can say goodbye to color fading and hello to long-lasting vibrancy.
When it comes to protecting your exterior wood surfaces, Storm Protector stands out from the crowd. Its superior waterproofing capabilities create a reliable barrier against moisture, ensuring your siding, deck, or fence remains in optimal condition.
Additionally, the advanced UV protection shields the wood from the harmful effects of the sun, preventing unsightly color fading and discoloration.
What sets Storm Protector apart is its versatility. It can be applied to a wide range of wood substrates, including redwood, cedar, pine, Douglas fir, spruce, cypress, mahogany, and even pressure-treated lumber. This makes it a perfect choice for any outdoor wood project, regardless of the wood type.
Applying Storm Protector is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly formula. It comes in a ready-to-use form, requiring no complicated mixing or dilution.
Simply ensure that the wood surface is properly prepared, and then use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the stain and sealer. Its smooth consistency allows for easy and even application, ensuring consistent coverage.
Packaged in a convenient 1-gallon container, Storm Protector provides ample quantity to tackle large projects while remaining easy to handle.
Whether you’re looking for a clear finish that beautifully accentuates the natural beauty of the wood or a bolder and dramatic solid color stain, Storm Protector has got you covered. It offers a range of options to suit your personal preferences and desired aesthetic.
With Storm Protector, you can trust that your exterior wood surfaces are in good hands. It combines the perfect balance of visual appeal and reliable protection to weather whatever nature throws at it.
What we like: Storm Protector is a reliable stain and sealer that enhances wood grain while providing superior waterproofing and UV protection. It can be applied to various wood types and is easy to use.
What to consider: Ensure thorough mixing before application. Limited color options are available. Proper surface preparation is essential for optimal results.
Best Durable Wood Sealer: Seal-once Nano+poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
Our Pick
Seal-once Nano+poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
Experience the ultimate protection for your wood surfaces with our water-based polyurethane wood finish. This odorless sealant penetrates deep into the wood, creating a long-lasting water-resistant shield. Ideal for high-traffic areas, it’s perfect for wood siding, outdoor furniture, decks, and more. Choose a UV-stable, eco-friendly option with Seal-Once.
When it comes to wood sealants, this particular brand’s water-based polyurethane wood finish deserves recognition. Its exceptional performance and durability make it a top choice for protecting wood surfaces.
Designed to withstand the rigors of high-traffic areas, this sealant provides unparalleled defense against wear and tear. What sets it apart is its unique formulation that goes beyond surface-level protection.
Unlike other sealants that merely form a topcoat, this one penetrates deep into the wood, creating a long-lasting, water-resistant shield that guards against moisture damage.
One of the standout features of this sealant is its odorless nature, making it a pleasure to work with. This makes it ideal for various applications, from wood siding and log homes to swing sets, outdoor furniture, and wooden decks and fences. Its versatility knows no bounds, ensuring that it meets the needs of any wood sealing project.
Not only does this sealant provide excellent protection, but it also offers ease of application. Its water-based formula allows for a smooth and effortless process.
Whether using a brush, roller, or sprayer, this sealant applies seamlessly, ensuring even coverage and consistent results. Its fast-drying nature means less waiting time and quicker project completion.
What truly sets this brand apart is its commitment to environmental friendliness. With its ultra-low VOC content, it is a sustainable choice that minimizes harmful emissions. Additionally, the sealant’s ability to allow the wood to naturally grey over time adds to its eco-conscious appeal.
What we like: Exceptional durability and odorless formula. Versatile application on various wood surfaces. Fast drying, low VOC content, and allows natural wood greying.
Considerations: May require additional coats on hardwood. Not suitable for painted or stained surfaces. Coverage may vary. Periodic reapplication may be needed in high-weather areas.
Best Waterproof Wood Sealer: Thompson’s Waterseal
Our Pick
Thompson’s Waterseal
Thompson’s WaterSeal is the ultimate solution for protecting outdoor wood surfaces. It prevents water damage, beads, and waterproofs, and allows wood to gray naturally. Versatile and easy to use, it’s ideal for decks, fences, and smaller exterior structures.
When it comes to protecting your outdoor wood surfaces, Thompson’s WaterSeal emerges as a top-notch solution. This exceptional product takes the battle against water damage to new heights. Its advanced formula creates a robust barrier that prevents moisture from seeping into the wood, safeguarding it against rot, warping, and decay.
Thompson’s WaterSeal goes beyond mere protection—it also excels at enhancing the natural beauty of wood. By beading and waterproofing the surface, it ensures that water slides off effortlessly, even during heavy downpours. The result is wood that retains its structural integrity and maintains its stunning appearance for years to come.
One remarkable feature of Thompson’s WaterSeal is its ability to allow wood to gray naturally over time. This organic aging process adds character and charm to your outdoor space, giving it a timeless and rustic feel.
However, it’s essential to note that Thompson’s WaterSeal is not suitable for areas with mildew or other biological factors. It is specifically designed for situations where water damage is the primary concern.
Thompson’s WaterSeal shines through. While it excels on larger surfaces like decks and fences, it also proves its worth on smaller exterior structures such as terra cotta planters, birdhouses, and mailbox posts.
The ease of application is an added bonus, allowing users to achieve excellent results without hassle. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time user, Thompson’s WaterSeal offers a user-friendly experience that delivers outstanding protection.
What we like: Thompson’s WaterSeal provides exceptional water damage prevention and effectively beads and waterproofs wood surfaces. It allows the wood to naturally gray over time, enhancing its natural beauty.
What to consider: This product is not suitable for areas with mildew or biological factors. It is designed for use on smaller exterior surfaces such as terra cotta planters, birdhouses, and mailbox posts.
What Is The Best Product To Seal A Wood Fence?
When it comes to sealing a wood fence, Ready Seal stands out as one of the best products available. With its exceptional performance and ease of use, it is highly recommended for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Ready Seal is a top-quality wood stain and sealer that provides excellent protection against moisture, UV rays, and other outdoor elements.
Its unique formula allows for easy application, whether using a sprayer, roller, or brush, and it requires no back brushing, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
The product is available in a range of attractive colors that enhance the natural beauty of the wood while offering long-lasting durability. With Ready Seal, you can achieve professional-grade results and extend the lifespan of your wood fence.
How Much Sealer Is Required For Your Fence?
Calculating the amount of sealer required for your fence is a straightforward process. Here’s a simple way to do it:
1. Measure the length and height of your fence using a tape measure.
2. Multiply the length by the height to determine the total square footage of the fence.
3. Check the coverage rate listed on the sealer product label. It typically indicates how many square feet the sealer can cover per gallon.
4. Divide the total square footage of your fence by the coverage rate to determine the approximate number of gallons needed.
Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to buy slightly more sealer than the calculated amount to account for any uneven surfaces or additional coats.
How does Wood Sealer Protect Fence?
Wood sealer protects a fence by creating a protective barrier on the surface of the wood. It acts as a shield against moisture, UV rays, mold, mildew, and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
The sealer penetrates into the wood fibers, sealing them and reducing the wood’s ability to absorb water. This helps prevent warping, cracking, rotting, and decay.
Additionally, wood sealers often contain additives that provide UV protection, reducing the effects of sun exposure such as fading and discoloration. By forming a barrier and maintaining the integrity of the wood, the sealer extends the lifespan of the fence and keeps it looking beautiful for years to come.
Sealing For The First Time-what To Look For?
When sealing a wood fence for the first time, there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what to look for:
- Clean and Prep the Surface: Before sealing, ensure that the wood surface is clean and free from dirt, debris, and previous coatings. Remove any mold or mildew with a suitable cleaner and allow the wood to dry completely.
- Choose the Right Sealer: Select a high-quality wood sealer suitable for your fence type. Consider factors like the wood species, desired finish (clear or tinted), and the level of protection required (waterproofing, UV resistance, etc.).
- Application Method: Determine the best application method based on the sealer’s instructions and the size of your fence. Common options include brushing, rolling, or spraying. Ensure even coverage and follow the recommended application thickness.
- Test in a Small Area: If using a tinted sealer, it’s advisable to test it in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it achieves the desired color and appearance on your wood.
- Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before applying the sealer. Choose a dry and moderate temperature day to allow proper drying and avoid potential issues like bubbling or uneven finish.
- Follow Instructions: Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, including recommended drying time between coats if multiple coats are required. Allow sufficient curing time before exposing the fence to normal usage or adverse weather conditions.
Should You Seal A Wood Fence?
Yes, it is highly recommended to seal a wood fence. Sealing provides numerous benefits that help protect the fence and extend its lifespan.
A wood sealer forms a protective barrier on the surface of the wood, which helps prevent moisture penetration, rotting, warping, and cracking. It also shields the wood from damaging UV rays, preventing color fading and deterioration.
Additionally, a quality sealer can resist mold, mildew, and insect infestation, keeping the fence in optimal condition. Sealing the fence enhances its appearance, highlighting the natural beauty of the wood while providing a smooth and finished look. Overall, sealing a wood fence is a crucial step in maintaining its durability, aesthetics, and longevity.
Is It Better To Stain Or Seal A Fence?
When it comes to choosing between staining or sealing a fence, it depends on your preferences and the specific needs of the wood.
Staining offers both color enhancement and protection. It adds pigments to the wood, giving it a desired hue while also providing UV protection and waterproofing. Stains can also highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain.
On the other hand, sealing focuses primarily on protection. A sealer creates a barrier that repels water, prevents moisture damage, and helps maintain the wood’s structural integrity.
Sealing is ideal for preserving the natural appearance of the wood while providing essential protection against the elements.
Ultimately, the decision between staining and sealing depends on whether you prioritize color enhancement or maximum protection for your fence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sealing your wood fence for the first time is a crucial step in preserving its beauty and extending its lifespan. By choosing the right sealer, assessing the condition of your fence, properly cleaning the surface, and applying the sealer evenly, you can ensure maximum protection against the elements. Sealing your fence not only enhances its appearance but also prevents moisture damage, color fading, and structural deterioration. It’s an investment that pays off in the long run, as a properly sealed fence requires less maintenance and can withstand the test of time.
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