10 Best Outdoor Wood Sealers of 2024

This DeckWise oil-based sealer is not a budget option, but it does penetrate deeper into the wood. It’s perfect for all external wooden surfaces, including decks, railings, and fences.

You get UV protection because the formula contains trans oxide pigments. It protects against mold and mildew and has a 250 low VOC to keep odors to a minimum.

The other great thing about this sealer is it applies in just one coat, so you get instant protection, and you don’t need to worry about drying times between layers. It’s guaranteed not to crack, bubble or peel.

Because this sealer is translucent, it enhances the natural grain of the wood, and if you have exotic woods like bamboo, it does an excellent job of protection. The only downside is the trans oxide slightly yellows the color, and it is not available in California.

Caring for cedar takes a specific outdoor sealer. This Ready Seal requires no primer, saving you preparation time, and it can be applied using a brush, sprayer, or roller.

There’s no need to back brush, and it is guaranteed never to leave lines, runs, or streaks. You can forget about the wet-line application because it will self-blend, and it applies in most temperatures within the acceptable range.

This sealer is runny enough that you don’t need to dilute it if you are using a sprayer, and because it only requires one coat, you save time, money, and extra effort.

The only thing to watch for is when you initially coat your deck; the color is very dark. It takes 14 days for the true color to appear, so there’s no need to panic. Between coats, you also need to wait 48 to 72 hours for the sealer to cure.

This cedar deck sealer comes in 5-gallon tubs. That’s enough to seal every piece of cedar in your home and garden and still have some left over for next year.

Okay, so this is a teak sealer, but teak is hardwood, like oak, so the formula preserves all fine woods. It uses tung oil polymers to provide enhanced protection for your oakwood.

It contains UV absorbers to protect against fading, sun damage, and weathering, and it stops your oak from graying and splitting. After just one application, it starts working to protect and enhance your natural oakwood grain.

This sealer is easy to apply, fast-acting and lasts 6 times longer than other teak oils. It’s also effective on marine teak decks. However, you only get 100 square feet of coverage from a 32 fluid ounce bottle, which is pretty meager compared to some sealers.

This translucent treatment is the perfect candidate for protecting softwood like pine. Softwoods are susceptible to rot if they aren’t protected properly, so this sealer penetrates deep into the wood to fully protect and seal.

You also get UV protection, thanks to iron oxide pigments in the formula, which is important if you live in an area with a lot of sunshine. It dries flat and translucent, and you get approximately 400 to 600 square feet of coverage on smooth surfaces and 250 to 350 square feet on rough surfaces.

The magic of this formula consists of 3 elements: linseed oil for penetration, long-oil alkyds for increased durability, and pure South American Tung oil for color.

The only downside is the small 1-quart tins, making larger projects expensive because you will need extra supplies.

Pressure-treated wood needs extra care. Shaped and molded decks on boats are susceptible to many threats that land-based timber doesn’t get. Saltwater and extreme sunlight can age and weather pressure treated wood quickly.

This Marine-grade sealant is ideal. It utilizes nanotechnology to deeply penetrate to a cellular level, and it performs like an oil-based sealant but without harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds.

This product is child-safe and non-harmful to marine life, so coating your boat deck will not impact the environment. It has been specially formulated to perform in and around saltwater, so it’s ideal for staining and protecting wooden decks and docks.

You get 9 color choices, ranging from natural and coastal to black. This sealant is sold in 1-gallon tins, making it an expensive option when you compare the cost against the 5-gallon Ready Seal. The same quantity of this sealer would cost you double the price!

On the plus side, the company is so confident this product performs; they guarantee the vertical elements of your woodwork are protected for up to 10 years, and you also get up to 350 square feet of coverage.

This Helmsman Spar Urethane aerosol contains UV blockers, so it prevents graying and fading. Because it’s a spray can, applying this sealer is about as easy as it gets. And the price of this can is a lot less than comparable sealers.

Once you spray on one coat, you get instant rain and moisture protection, and the specially formulated oils expand and contract with the weather conditions to reduce flaking and cracking.

It dries crystal clear and is ideal for light-colored woods. Once applied, it dries quickly and cleans up with warm soapy water.

Because this is such a small spray can, it is limited to smaller projects like exterior tabletops, furniture, and boat decks. Plus, aerosols are not the most accurate way of sealing your woodwork, so you might get overspray.

This marine-grade varnish is fast-drying, which means you can apply multiple coats in a single day. It’s dry and ready for recoating within an hour at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The premium oil-based formula is guaranteed not to peel or crack and it expands and contracts with the weather conditions.

Once applied, you get a high-gloss finish that enhances the wood grain and protects against moisture, UV rays, and extreme weather events.

The coverage is pretty impressive, with up to 400 square feet, so you get a lot with one tin. However, to achieve such a high-gloss finish, the manufacturer recommends you paint on at least 6 to 8 coats.

Applying this varnish is easy. It can be rolled, painted, and sprayed, but you would need to thin the formula with xylene if you want to spray it.

This varnish comes in matte and gloss, but matte is not recommended as a base-coat sealer. You need the gloss for that.

This water-based poly sealer has enhanced UV protection to stop your exterior wood from fading and cracking. And best of all it is a well-known US brand.

The first coat dries to the touch within 30 minutes, which means a second layer is possible within 2 hours. You get up to 87 square feet of coverage, so you don’t get the same quantities as other products, but it is ideal for smaller projects. The cleanup is easy with warm soapy water.

When the topcoat cures, it seals the wood, protecting it from UV rays. It won’t fade or yellow, and it restricts mold and mildew growth.

You get various finishes, from gloss, semi-gloss, and satin, and it applies with a brush, roller, or sprayer. However, much like the TotalBoat varnish, you need many layers to achieve a long-lasting seal against the elements.

Plus, for such a small tin, you will incur increased costs if you want to achieve the highest levels of protection.

When you want a sealer that is kind to the environment, try this Eco Advance. Unlike the other products to feature, this bottle is a concentrate that makes up to 1-gallon of sealant.

It’s ideal for wood decking, outdoor furniture, and fences. It protects against mold, mildew, salt stains, water damage, and pool chemicals. It’s breathable, dries clear, and sprays on. You can even use it directly on new wood.

What makes this sealant unique is it is safe for pets, children, plants, and wildlife. It has no impact on the environment, and as with all eco products, it contains almost zero VOCs, so you won’t suffer from headaches and a sore throat when applying this sealant.

Thomsons is another trusted and popular brand of sealant. This one is transparent, so it dries crystal clear to leave you marveling at the grain of your wood. It is UV and moisture-resistant, so your wood won’t rot, fade or crack, and you can apply it by brush, pad, or sprayer.

You get 3 years of protection for your deck with just one coat, and your fence is safeguarded for 4 years. You can even apply this to fresh or damp wood, and it still offers the same level of protection.

This sealant is also available in 5 different stains, from acorn brown to woodland cedar, and depending on the wood surface, you get between 150 and 400 square feet of coverage. This formula is dry in just 2 hours, so you should get multiple coats done in a day.