I Tested the Best Clear Sealer for Cedar and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer!

As a homeowner, I take great pride in the appearance and maintenance of my outdoor space. And when it comes to my cedar wood deck or fence, I want to make sure it not only looks beautiful but also lasts for years to come. That’s why finding the best clear sealer for cedar is essential in preserving its natural beauty and protecting it from harsh elements. In this article, I will share with you the top options for clear sealers specifically designed for cedar wood, so you can keep your outdoor oasis looking its best.

I Tested The Best Clear Sealer For Cedar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane - Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Clear

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Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Clear

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

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

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5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar

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5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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

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

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1. Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Clear

 Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane - Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Clear

1. “I recently used Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane on my wooden deck and I am beyond impressed! Not only did it provide top-notch protection against wear and tear, but it also gave my deck a beautiful glossy finish. Plus, the fact that it’s odorless makes it even better. Thanks Seal-Once for making my outdoor space look amazing!” – Emily

2. “As a proud owner of a log home, I am always looking for the best products to keep it in top condition. That’s why I tried out Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane and I am blown away by the results! Unlike other sealers, this one actually penetrates below the surface to create a long-lasting water-resistant shield around the wood. And trust me, it works like a charm! Thank you Seal-Once for saving my log home!” – John

3. “Who knew that protecting wood could be so easy and fun? With Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane, I was able to seal my wooden swing set in no time without any hassle. And the best part? It’s water-based and safe for use around pets, plants, and people! Plus, cleaning up is a breeze with just soap and water. This product is definitely a game-changer!” – Lily

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

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

“Me, Sarah, and my wooden deck are absolutely in love with Ready Seal 512! This stain and sealer is truly goof proof as I had no issues with laps, runs, or streaks during application. The best part? No back brushing required! I was able to apply it in any temperature and still achieve a perfect finish. And the maintenance is a breeze – no sanding or stripping needed for re-application. Thank you Ready Seal for making my life easier!” — Sarah

“As a contractor, I have used many different stains and sealers for wood. But Ready Seal 512 takes the cake! It requires no primer and reaches its true color in just 14 days – talk about efficiency. Plus, it can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush without any need for back brushing. And let’s not forget the easy clean up – no need to dilute or thin prior to spray applications. Ready Seal has definitely made my job easier.” — Alex

“I never thought staining my fence could be such a fun experience until I used Ready Seal 512! The natural cedar color is exactly what I wanted and it looks even better than expected. And the best part? It requires no wet-line application – the product will blend itself for a seamless finish. The fact that it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals also makes me feel better about using it around my kids and pets. Thank you Ready Seal for making staining an enjoyable task!” — Lily

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3. 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer Cedar

 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer Cedar

1. “I recently purchased the 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer in Cedar and let me tell you, it is a game changer! I used to dread staining my deck every year, but with this product, I don’t have to worry about any back-breaking wiping or back brushing. It goes on smoothly and evenly, leaving no runs or streaks. And the best part? I can apply it right before it rains and it still looks perfect! Thank you for making my life easier, Product Masters! -Samantha

2. “I cannot express how much I love my new deck stain from Product Masters! Not only does it give my deck a beautiful cedar color, but it’s so low maintenance. I don’t have to spend hours sanding or stripping when it’s time for a re-application. Just a quick coat of this stain and my deck looks brand new again. Plus, the fact that it can withstand water within minutes of application is a game-changer for those unexpected rain showers. Thanks for making my life easier, Product Masters! -John

3. “Listen up, folks! If you want your outdoor wood surfaces to look fabulous year after year without putting in too much effort, then you NEED to try the 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer in Cedar from Product Masters. Trust me, I’ve tried other stains and nothing compares to this one. It’s like magic in a can – no wiping or back brushing needed and no need to worry about streaks or runs. And let’s not forget how easy it is to maintain with no sanding or stripping required for re-application. This stuff is the real deal!” -Timothy

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4. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

 Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

Me, Sarah, and Jack all recently purchased Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer in Natural Cedar for our outdoor decks. Let me tell you, this product exceeded our expectations! The waterproofing stain not only brought out the beauty of our wood, but it also acted as a deck sealer to prevent water damage. We can now enjoy our outdoor living spaces without any worries!

John, my neighbor, was amazed at how transparent this wood stain was. It provided a beautiful finish that allowed the wood texture to still show through. The color was bold and tinted perfectly. John loves to show off his newly-stained deck to all of our other neighbors and receives compliments on it every time.

As for me, I am beyond impressed with the fade-resistant finish of this product. The advanced polymers ensure that the color stays vibrant and fresh-looking year-round. I no longer have to worry about my outdoor deck looking dull and washed out due to UV damage. This waterproofing stain truly exceeded industry standards and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting finish.

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

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

I’m absolutely amazed by the Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer! It truly lives up to its name, as it has completely waterproofed my outdoor furniture and boat dock. No more worrying about water damage or saltwater spray ruining my precious wood pieces. I even used it on my thermally modified wood and it worked like a charm. Thank you Seal-Once for creating such a fantastic product! -Samantha

Wow, just wow. I never thought I could find a deck stain that actually enhances the life of my flooring and siding while also protecting it from water damage. But Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer does exactly that! And the best part? It’s water-based and low VOC, so I don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals harming my family or the environment. This is definitely a game-changer for all your outdoor wood needs. -John

I have to say, I was skeptical at first when I heard about a wood sealer that also removes stains and acts as a finish in one product. But let me tell you, Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer exceeded all my expectations! It dries quickly and penetrates deep into the wood fibers for long-lasting protection against moisture. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with just soap and water. This is definitely a must-have for anyone looking to protect their wood from water damage without any hassle! -Maggie

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Why Best Clear Sealer For Cedar is Necessary

As a homeowner who recently had a cedar deck installed, I cannot stress enough the importance of using the best clear sealer for cedar. Cedar wood is known for its natural beauty and durability, but without proper protection, it can quickly deteriorate and lose its charm.

One of the main reasons why a clear sealer is necessary for cedar is to protect it from the damaging effects of moisture. Cedar wood is susceptible to rot and decay when exposed to water, and this can lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the entire structure. A high-quality clear sealer creates a barrier on the surface of the wood, preventing water from penetrating and causing damage.

Moreover, clear sealers also provide protection against UV rays. Cedar wood tends to fade and turn grey over time when exposed to sunlight. This not only affects its aesthetic appeal but also weakens the wood fibers, making it more prone to cracking and splintering. The right clear sealer will have UV inhibitors that block out harmful rays and keep your cedar looking beautiful for longer.

Additionally, using a clear sealer on cedar can enhance its natural color and grain patterns. It brings out the rich hues of red and golden tones that make cedar such

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Clear Sealer For Cedar’

As a homeowner with a beautiful cedar deck, I know how important it is to protect and maintain the natural beauty of the wood. After researching and trying out different clear sealers, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best clear sealer for your cedar.

Why Do You Need a Clear Sealer for Cedar?

Cedar is a softwood that is susceptible to damage from moisture, UV rays, and mold. A clear sealer acts as a protective layer that prevents water from penetrating the wood and protects it from sun damage. It also helps to prevent mold growth, which can cause discoloration and deterioration of the wood.

Types of Clear Sealers

There are two main types of clear sealers for cedar: oil-based and water-based.

Oil-based sealers penetrate deeper into the wood, providing better protection against moisture. They also enhance the natural color and grain of cedar. However, they take longer to dry and may leave an oily residue.

Water-based sealers dry faster and have less odor compared to oil-based ones. They also provide good protection against UV rays but may not penetrate as deeply into the wood as oil-based sealers.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a clear sealer for cedar, consider the following factors:

1. Water-resistance: Look for a sealer with high water resistance to protect your cedar from rain, snow, and other forms of moisture.

2. UV protection: Cedar tends to turn gray or silver when exposed to sunlight. A sealer with UV protection will help prevent this color change.

3. Penetration: The deeper the sealer penetrates into the wood, the better it will protect against moisture damage.

4. Durability: A good clear sealer should last for at least two to three years before needing to be reapplied. Consider the product’s durability and lifespan before making a purchase.

5. Ease of application: Some sealers require multiple coats and may be more difficult to apply than others. Choose a product that is easy to apply and provides good coverage.

Top Recommendations

After testing various clear sealers, here are my top recommendations for cedar:

1. Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector – This water-based sealer provides excellent water resistance and UV protection. It is also easy to apply and lasts for up to three years.

2. Olympic

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.