It may seem like a particular product to look for, but if you have decking, it is hopefully built using pressure-treated wood. And if you’ve decided you’d like to maintain the natural wood coloring of your deck, then yes, you will want the best clear deck sealer for pressure-treated wood.
But panic not; we’ve done the research for you.
We’ve looked at the important things to consider, including cost, level of protection, durability, and ease of application, and put together our list of the best clear deck sealers. Yes, you guessed it, for pressure-treated wood.
So take a seat on your soon-to-be-freshly-sealed deck, and have a read.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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1. Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
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2. Rust-Oleum 9441 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil-Based
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3. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks
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4. Thompsons Waterseal Solid Waterproofing Stain
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5. SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain
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Specification
| Brand | Ready Seal |
| Color | Semi-Transparent |
| Item Size | 5 gallons |
| Material | Oil-based |
| Surface Recommendation | Remove old stain, clean, and dry. |
Features
- All-In-One Stain and Sealer
- Ultimate UV Protection
- Repels Moisture
- No runs, laps, or streaks
- Penetrating
- Biodegradable
- Easy to Apply – Brush, roller, spray. 2 coats
Ready Seal 520 is semi-transparent to allow the natural texture of the wood to show through but with a variety of colorings available to enhance the natural color of the wood.
This professional-grade sealer isn’t just one of the best exterior wood stains and sealers available. It is also hassle-free and super easy to apply.
It won’t leave laps, runs, or streaks and doesn’t require back brushing. It blends itself in and can be applied at any temperature by brush, roller, or spray.
And to make life even easier, it is an all-in-one stain and sealer, so no multi-step application is required, saving time and money.
WHAT WE LIKE
This Ready Seal product stands out because of its ease of application. As Ready Seal says, it really is ‘Goof Proof’.
You’re ready to enjoy your deck with a quick and easy couple of coats.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
It is semi-transparent with added coloring, so it isn’t completely clear. If you really want to have only the wood’s natural color, then other options may suit you better.
PROS
- All-In-One
- Hassle-Free Application
- Professional Grade
CONS
- Semi-Transparent
2. Rust-Oleum 9441 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil-Based – Best Budget
Specification
| Brand | Rust-Oleum Varathane |
| Color | Clear |
| Item Size | Quart |
| Material | Oil-based polyurethane |
| Surface Recommendation | Sand, clean and dry. |
Features
- Clear
- Semi-Gloss
- Weather and UV Resistant
- ‘Flexible’
- Durable Urethane
This urethane is from the trusted Rust-Oleum brand sold under the Varathane name. It is an oil-based, clear urethane that leaves a classy semi-gloss finish on furniture, fences, and railing around your deck.
It is a durable urethane that is formulated to expand and contract with weather conditions to remain intact and seal out water.
WHAT WE LIKE
Its tough semi-gloss finish makes it good for areas of your decking that you want to add a bit of classy shine, like railings and maybe your decking furniture.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
It is not recommended for floor areas.
PROS
- Tough
- Classy Finish
- Superior Protection
CONS
- Not For Floor/High Traffic Areas
- Thick to Apply to
3. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks – Premium Choice
Specification
| Brand | #1 Deck |
| Color | Semi-Transparent |
| Item Size | 2.5 gallons |
| Material | Water-based |
| Surface Recommendation | Remove old stain, and clean. No visible water, damp OK. |
Features
- All-In-One Stain and Sealer
- UV Protection From Fading and Greying
- Waterproofing Protection
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
- Penetrating
This highly rated wood stain from #1 Deck, like the Ready Seal product, is an All-In-One stain and sealant. And it is also a semi-transparent deck treatment available in a variety of colors.
It differs, though, in that it is a water-based stain. This means cleanup is much easier, and it can even be applied to damp wood.
WHAT WE LIKE
Being water-based, it is easy to apply and clean up afterward. This also means that you can start applying it soon after washing down your deck.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
If you have a new deck made from cedar, redwood, or other oily woods, you will need to let it weather for a year before using this product. Hardwoods will need repainting annually.
PROS
- All-In-One
- Easy Application
- Easy Cleanup
CONS
- Semi-Transparent
- Not ideal for new oily or hardwoods
4. Thompsons Waterseal Solid Waterproofing Stain – Best Waterproofing
Specification
| Brand | Thompson’s WaterSeal |
| Color | Solid |
| Item Size | 1 gallon |
| Material | Water-based |
| Surface Recommendation | Remove loose stain, clean. |
Features
- All-In-One Stain and Sealer
- Waterproofing Protection
- Resists Mildew and UV Damage
- Fade Resistant Polymers
- One Coat
Thompson’s WaterSeal products are synonymous with waterproofing, having developed a formula in the 1920s to protect buildings from water damage.
This long tradition and reputation for superior waterproofing continues to this day and has extended to other products, including wood stains. This is an all-in-one stain and sealer that has renowned waterproofing to protect the wood from water damage.
WHAT WE LIKE
Simply put, its superior waterproofing protection in just one coat.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
This is a solid color wood stain, so the natural color of the wood won’t show through.
PROS
- All-In-One
- Waterproofing
- One Coat
CONS
- Solid Color
- High Level of Waterproofing Can Make Wood Slippery
5. SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain – Best with UV Protection
Specification
| Brand | Seal-Once |
| Color | Clear |
| Item Size | 1 gallon |
| Material | Water-based |
| Surface Recommendation | Remove old stain, and clean. |
Features
- All-In-One Stain and Sealer
- UV Stable
- Breathable, Waterproof
- Ultra-Low VOC
- Salt Water Protection
- Easy to Apply – Brush, roller, spray. 2 coats
Seal-Once Marine is a water-based product made for areas near water, so it is specially formulated to protect the wood against UV rays and saltwater damage.
It is a non-toxic, low VOC all-in-one wood stain and sealer.
As it is flexible and breathable, it doesn’t form a sealed surface that becomes slippery when wet or cracks in changing temperatures.
WHAT WE LIKE
The added protection against UV rays and saltwater damage. Being flexible and breathable means the coating is less prone to cracking for longer-lasting protection.
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
If you have a new deck made from cedar, redwood, or other oily woods, you will need to let it weather for a year before using this product. Otherwise, the stain could peel. Hardwood will need repainting annually.
PROS
- All-In-One
- UV Protection
- Eco-Friendly
CONS
- Recommended not to apply in direct sunlight or rain, so need the right time
Buyer’s Guide
Color – Do you want the natural color of the wood to show through, enhance with a little extra color or completely color over the wood?
Toxins – Check how VOC compliant it is in your state and if the stain may run off into the environment.
Types Of Wood – Whether your deck is pressure-treated, softwood or hardwood and even new or old will determine the best choice of wood stain.
Durability – Think about how often do you want to have to apply wood stain again? And if it’s worth spending more initially to last longer.
Ease of Application – Don’t just think about how easy it is to apply the stain, but also how much preparation is needed, how much cleanup, and how often you will have to repaint.
Conclusion
Our recommendation for the best clear deck sealer for pressure-treated wood is Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain And Sealer for its excellent quality and protection with the hassle-free and idiot-proof application.
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I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
