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10 Best Clear Deck Sealers 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,483
UV Protection
Water Resistance
Durability

Most important from
8650 reviews

UV Protection
Minimal color selection might be a downside, but the available shades are effective in blocking UV damage.
Water Resistance
Ready Seal penetrates the wood deeply, offering excellent protection and longevity.
Durability
Ready Seal penetrates the wood deeply, offering excellent protection and longevity.
Ease of Application
The 'Goof Proof' feature truly delivers, preventing runs and streaks, and ensuring a smooth application.

The Ready Seal 512 is an oil-based wood stain and sealer that offers several notable advantages. Its ease of application stands out, as it can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush and does not require a primer, back brushing, or wet-line application. The 'Goof Proof' application ensures no laps, runs, or streaks, making it user-friendly even for those with minimal painting experience. Additionally, it can be applied at any temperature, providing flexibility for various weather conditions.

The product also includes UV protection, enhancing the longevity of the wood by preventing sun damage. Its natural cedar color reaches its true shade approximately 14 days after application, offering a visually appealing finish once settled. However, it should not be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration, which might be restrictive if you're looking to refresh previously treated wood.

The ease of use and the aesthetic finish make Ready Seal 512 an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a straightforward and effective wood stain and sealer, particularly in terms of application and visual results.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,483
UV Protection
Water Resistance
Durability

Most important from
8650 reviews

UV Protection
Minimal color selection might be a downside, but the available shades are effective in blocking UV damage.
Water Resistance
Ready Seal penetrates the wood deeply, offering excellent protection and longevity.
Durability
Ready Seal penetrates the wood deeply, offering excellent protection and longevity.
Ease of Application
The 'Goof Proof' feature truly delivers, preventing runs and streaks, and ensuring a smooth application.
#2

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

Rating
9.6
UV Protection
Water Resistance
Ease of Application

Most important from
4592 reviews

UV Protection
The UV-resistant formula ensures that it doesn't fade or peel under the sun's harsh rays.
Water Resistance
The clear stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing a robust waterproofing barrier.
Ease of Application
The aerosol can provides a consistent and smooth spray, ensuring even coverage.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain is a versatile product designed for a variety of exterior surfaces including wood, concrete, and brick. It provides excellent waterproofing capabilities, helping to protect your outdoor structures from water damage. The clear finish enhances the natural texture of the material without hiding its grain, which is ideal if you want to maintain the authentic look of your deck or patio.

The product also features advanced polymers that offer fade-resistant color, ensuring your outdoor surfaces stay vibrant and less susceptible to UV damage over time. This makes it particularly suitable for areas exposed to direct sunlight. Applying the sealer is straightforward, which can be a significant advantage for those who prefer DIY projects. It covers up to 375 square feet per gallon, making it reasonably efficient for large areas.

On the downside, while it offers good water resistance, its effectiveness in preventing mildew and mold may not be as robust as some other specialized products. Additionally, because it is a clear stain, it may require more frequent reapplication compared to tinted or colored sealers that offer added UV protection. However, its ease of use and ability to protect a variety of surfaces make it a valuable option for homeowners looking for a reliable, multi-purpose outdoor sealer.

Rating
9.6
UV Protection
Water Resistance
Ease of Application

Most important from
4592 reviews

UV Protection
The UV-resistant formula ensures that it doesn't fade or peel under the sun's harsh rays.
Water Resistance
The clear stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing a robust waterproofing barrier.
Ease of Application
The aerosol can provides a consistent and smooth spray, ensuring even coverage.
#3

Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer - Waterproof Sealant - Wood Stain and Sealer in One - 1 Gallon & Clear

Rating
9.3
Water Resistance
Durability
Ease of Application

Most important from
1812 reviews

Water Resistance
Water beads up and runs right off, the wood fibers seem very well protected and sealed.
Durability
It has good coverage, goes on easily and quickly, and the result is long-lasting.
Ease of Application
Goes on like a dream and being water-based makes for easy cleanup.

The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer stands out for its comprehensive protection features. It provides robust UV protection, which is crucial for preventing sun damage to your deck. Its water-resistant capabilities are notable, forming a shield around wood fibers at the cellular level, making it ideal for areas exposed to constant moisture, such as boat docks and outdoor furniture.

The product effectively guards against mildew and mold, critical for maintaining the longevity and appearance of wood structures in damp environments. One of its significant strengths is its user-friendly, water-based formula that is safe for use around pets, plants, and people, and it offers easy clean-up with soap and water. Additionally, its fast-drying nature and ability to penetrate wood deeply make it a lasting solution for many outdoor applications.

However, it may require multiple coats for optimum performance, which could be time-consuming. Also, while it is marketed as a stain and sealer in one, the color options are limited, which might not meet everyone's aesthetic preferences. Its weight (9.13 pounds) and size (12 x 12 x 12 inches) make it a bit bulky to handle. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is a reliable choice for those needing a durable and environmentally friendly solution for protecting their wooden structures from the elements.

Rating
9.3
Water Resistance
Durability
Ease of Application

Most important from
1812 reviews

Water Resistance
Water beads up and runs right off, the wood fibers seem very well protected and sealed.
Durability
It has good coverage, goes on easily and quickly, and the result is long-lasting.
Ease of Application
Goes on like a dream and being water-based makes for easy cleanup.

Buying Guide for the Best Clear Deck Sealers

Choosing the right clear deck sealer is crucial to protect your deck from the elements and keep it looking great for years. A clear deck sealer will help to preserve the natural beauty of the wood while providing a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and mildew. When selecting a clear deck sealer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best results for your deck.
UV ProtectionUV protection is a measure of how well the sealer can protect the wood from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This is important because UV rays can cause the wood to fade, crack, and deteriorate over time. Sealers with high UV protection will help maintain the wood's natural color and extend the life of your deck. If your deck is in a sunny area, look for a sealer with strong UV protection. For shaded areas, UV protection is still beneficial but may not need to be as high.
Water ResistanceWater resistance indicates how well the sealer can repel water and prevent it from penetrating the wood. This is crucial for preventing water damage, such as warping, swelling, and rot. Sealers with high water resistance will form a barrier that keeps moisture out, which is especially important in areas with high rainfall or humidity. If your deck is exposed to a lot of moisture, choose a sealer with excellent water resistance. For drier climates, moderate water resistance may suffice.
Mildew and Mold ResistanceMildew and mold resistance refers to the sealer's ability to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the wood surface. This is important for maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of your deck, as mold and mildew can cause discoloration and decay. If your deck is in a damp or shaded area where mold and mildew are more likely to grow, opt for a sealer with strong mildew and mold resistance. In drier, sunnier areas, this feature is still beneficial but may not be as critical.
DurabilityDurability measures how long the sealer will last before it needs to be reapplied. A more durable sealer will provide longer-lasting protection, reducing the frequency of maintenance. This is important for saving time and effort in the long run. If you prefer low-maintenance options, look for a sealer with high durability. For those who don't mind reapplying the sealer more frequently, a less durable option may be acceptable.
Ease of ApplicationEase of application refers to how simple and straightforward it is to apply the sealer to your deck. This can include factors such as the drying time, the need for multiple coats, and the type of applicator required. A sealer that is easy to apply will save you time and effort during the application process. If you are a DIY enthusiast or prefer to do the work yourself, choose a sealer that is user-friendly and easy to apply. For those who plan to hire a professional, ease of application may be less of a concern.

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