Last updated on October 18th, 2022 | By: Grady Galvez
We know you love your wooden decks and spaces, but time and weather take a tough toll on any kind of wood, and this is natural and a major problem too!!
Deck stains, sealers, and paints offer much protection along with enhancing appearance too. But when it’s about dealing with pressure-treated wood sealers are the most convenient and perfect solution.
Why only deck sealers for pressure-treated wood? We have answered it well in the write-up below and needless to mention not any deck sealer will give the right finish and protection.
Be it your newly built decks or the older ones, sealers need to be selected cautiously. But we ensure that our team has done ample testing before suggesting you some of the best deck sealers specially for your pressure-treated wood (already treated with chemicals, for details refer below).
So, here we go, with all that probably you didn’t know!!!
What Does Pressure-Treated Lumber/Wood Mean?
When the wood is treated with chemical preservatives for preventing insect and rot damage then it is said to be pressure-treated. And for infusing the preservatives the wood is placed in a pressure-chamber by immersing the wood in it.
The chemicals are forced deep inside the fibre by the pressure forces to keep it more effective.
But you should be clear with one thing that all pressure-treated wood is not the same. The durability will entirely depend on the chemical used and how much it remains absorbed in the wood. There is pressure-treated lumber that’s for using above ground and doesn’t touch the ground.
For structural safety one should ensure that the wood being used is classified for “ground contact”.
Best Clear Deck Sealer for Pressure Treated Wood - Compared At A Glance
★ BEST OVERALL ★
Thompsons WaterSeal TH.A21711-16
Uses Natural Microbes
No Scrubbing Involved
Easy And Very Effective
★ PREMIUM CHOICE ★
TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic Lumber-Seal
Water Based Cleaner
Effective And Powerful Formula
Eco-Friendly And Multi-Purpose
★ BEST BUDGET PICK ★
Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-8002- Wood Sealer Concentrate
Powerful Oil Stain
Eco-Friendly & Safe
No-Scrubbing Required
Most Recommended - Deck Sealer for Pressure Treated Wood Reviews
1. Thompsons Waterseal Th.A21711-16- For Pressure Treated Wood
The brand Thompson doesn’t need any introduction and produces quality products that can be bought and used with confidence. You can easily apply it to pressure-treated, damp, or dry wood and just one coat will remain sufficient.
Built for Speed and Saves Time
This formula is water-based and can be used on the toughest of the surfaces. Just an hour and it dries rapidly than the others. This is not only convenient but takes 24 hours to cure completely. And everyone loves a product that dries quickly.
This saves your time as it doesn’t require any mixing and dries-up quickly.
More Benefits
1. Waterproof product
2. Provides advanced protection against water damage
3. Can be used on decks, fences, exterior wood, and fences
4. Offers exceptional, long-lasting beading and water-proofing
5. A thicker consistency that makes application easier
Pros:
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Efficient enough to do the job in a single coat
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Cures in one day, and dries quickly
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Easy to clean with soap and water
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Consists of ingredients that impede the growth of mold
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Doesn’t require any mixing
Cons:
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Some find it expensive
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A very few complained that it turned yellow but it is natural as the wood stays exposed
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2. TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic Lumber-Seal
This is another great sealer from the United States which flaunts the importance of taking care of the environment by being non-toxic, and VOC free. This doesn’t contain any harsh fumes or dangerous ingredients and is safe to use.
This Sealer can Swim
This virtually doesn’t mean that the product will start to swim but this provides a waterproof surface that takes it to level next. The product is known to provide flood resistance too.
Cures for Sure
This may not remain sticky and tacky all the time but there aren’t any reported issues of yellowing like some of the other sealers. This doesn’t require recoating too. its application and usage are extremely simple.
Pros:
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Seals pressure treated wood from leaching
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Eco-friendly, non-toxic, and VOC free
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Doesn’t require recoating
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Safe for pets, animal shelters, and livestock yards
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Simple and easy-to-apply
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No reported yellowing issues
Cons:
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Could have issues with curing
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3. Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-8002- Wood Sealer Concentrate
This sealer focuses mainly on rain-resistance and a product that prevents surface damage without altering its appearance. This contains advanced UV stabilizers to ensure long lasting and non-yellowing performance.
Works on just about any surface and remains the most inexpensive on our list.
Well-secured and Effective
It contains ingredients that work efficiently to keep away mold and mildew. Outdoor wood could actually be damaged badly with these harmful things.
Like a cherry on the top this is absolutely secure to use and stays safe for people, plants, and pets.
Mixing Needed
From one quart you can make two gallons and you are required to make the mixture by mixing it with water in a measured ratio. Manufacturer instructions should be followed properly.
Pros:
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Prevents surface damage from snow, rain, and ice
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Helps prevent efflorescence (does not leave a surface film)
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Contains advanced UV stabilizers
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Saves money and great for the environment
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Offers exceptionally good water resistance
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10-year guarantee
Cons:
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Needs mixing
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4. SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer
The SEAL-ONCE Nano+Poly is a premium quality water-based sealer that is made with advanced penetrating nanotechnology and added strength of Polyurethane.
Doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals or noxious solvents. Though a bit high-priced but that’s kind of perfectly normal.
Made for Long-term Use
With an ultra-Low-VOC this wood sealer for pressure treated wood prevents warping, cupping, wood rot, decay, and does not peel like the topical-sealers that only form a top-coat.
This offers longer lifespan as compared to the other sealers. For example, many of the sealers are required to be reapplied every 1-3 years but this one is known to last for 6-10 years. Ten years for vertical surfaces and six years of horizontal surfaces are promised by the manufacturer.
Pros:
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Made with advanced penetrating technology
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Great investment to extend the wood’s natural life
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Ultra-low VOC
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Prevents cupping, warping, wood rot, mold, mildew, decay, etc.
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Easy to apply and clean
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Provides good scratch resistance
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Last for 6-10 years
Cons:
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Storage issues complained by some of the users
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Some may find it expensive but it’s worth every penny
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5. SEAL-ONCE MARINE - 1 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer
Being a water-based sealer this one gives you the protection similar to that of an oil-based stain. The Marine is made to augment the natural wood grain and extend its natural life too.
A stable coating to tackle the UV rays is being facilitated by this and the natural color of the wood stain helps to resist weathering and decay.
A Special Formula
This is specially formulated to be applied around and over fresh or saltwater. This formula penetrates deep coating the fibres of wood at the Cellular level. This creates a flexible, and breathable barrier that enhances, stabilizes, and provides satisfying protection to pressure treated wood.
Weather-resistant
This expands and contracts according to the temperature changes and the response of wood fibres. So even in the most extreme winter or summer you can remain relaxed and mentally free from any fear of peeling or cracking.
Pros:
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Specially formulated to be applied over and around fresh or saltwater
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Superior Nanotechnology penetrates deep
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No harmful chemicals or side effects
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Enhances, stabilizes, and protects wood
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Safe for pets, plants, marine life, and people
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Helps resist weathering and decay
Cons:
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Finish looks a little milky, and this is one’s personal preference
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We Often Confuse Wood Stain And Sealer!
There are products that may provide you the benefits of both a stain and sealer.
But as users most of them like to use it separately as staining and sealing provide entirely different outcomes.
SEALERS- These are transparent in nature and are not responsible for changing the color of the wood. These provide amazing shine and remain more functional but are less decorative.
STAINS- They change the appearance of the wood deck completely. The color/shade is changed entirely. These tend to provide great protection by coating the surface.
Which Is Better? Sealing Or Painting A Pressure-treated Wood?
As we mentioned above also that the chemicals are used to prevent any risks which could be caused by insects or rot. This doesn’t let the moisture seep in.
The decks which stay exposed to water, rain that could seep into the wood (boards) and make them swell. With the sunlight effect these could dry and shrink and this shrinking and swelling on a constant basis may leave your deck splintered, warped, and cracked.
Sealing the pressure-treated wood is the probably the best answer to this. The sealers have the quality to provide UV protection and slow down the rate at which your deck color could fade.
Henceforth, pressure-treated wood may not provide complete protection but sealing it will surely make it look better and last longer.
Stain Colors Or Sealers- Which Is The Best For New Decks With Pressure-treated Wood?
The new decks that are built with pressure-treated wood should always go for light-colored stain or a transparent sealer to let the wood grain show through nicely.
Some of the homeowners tend to feel that no coating should be done on a wood that’s pressure-treated. But this should not be followed and for enhancement and protection coating becomes essential.
Since, once you start with the stains that are available in a huge range will make the wood lose its original grace.
We recommend that older decks require a more color punch to hide their imperfections for pressure-treated ones.
User’s Guide
Few points to keep in mind before you buy a deck sealer for pressure-treated wood.
Wood Sealer Types
The sealers are broadly classified into two types:
Water-based sealers
Oil-based sealers
Out of the above two, water-based are preferred by many home owners due to many reasons. The water-based are less toxic and possess less color than the oil-based ones.
The alternative-formulation products that we have mentioned are mostly water-based.
The water-based could be a bit harder but shows off the woodgrain wonderfully. These tend to dry at a rapid pace.
Oil-based on the other hand are more concerned for appearances. High-level of shine along with wood grain darkening is provided by the oil-based sealer products. Wood with immense shine in the sun is probably an oil-based finish.
UV Protection/Weather-resistant
Go for a sealer that offers strong UV protection and is intended for outdoor use. The tougher the product the better it is supposed to be. UV rays lead to paint degrading and dry-out the resin component too.
Any sealer which is not able to tolerate weather of all types is of no use. Hence, select the one that prevents any kind of chipping, flaking, cracking, or peeling of your wood deck.
Eco-friendly
An eco-friendly product comes with a big yes. It remains safe for kids, pets, plants and you. get a sealer that has low-VOC and made with the least chemical use.
The item is to be used outdoors so we suggest you use a non-toxic sealer for your pressure-treated wood.
The Cost Factor
There are less expensive or a bit more expensive products available. Do not compromise with quality as durability and long-lasting ability plays a major role when it is about coating your wood deck.
But on the contrary, don’t stress your pocket too. Keeping a balance is the key.
Applying Properly is Important
Expert Tip: It is not only the selection of the right product but applying it in the right way also matters equally.
- Clean the surface properly that needs to be sealed.
- If old deck then it is important to remove the previous remnants for even finish.
- Use proper tools such as pressure washer and brushes before you start your task
- Apply the coat in right strokes to ensure a perfect finish and coverage.
Note:
a) Follow the manufacturer instructions properly.
b) If not confident for the first time, seek professional help rather than regretting later.
Conclusion:
Our team of experts has tried to touch most of the points that are important when it comes to selecting a sealer for your pressure-treated wood.
We hope that you are left convinced with the choice of products we have offered here and detailed how beneficial a wood sealer can be. Our personal choice is the water-based sealers over the oil-based ones, as they let the wood keep its original aesthetic and elegance.
What are you waiting for? Order your favorite one and bring the awesomeness to your decks…. but do compare and pick wisely.
Also, Read
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How to Restore a Weathered Deck [ Tips to be Followed ]