Imagine building a beautiful fence or a charming deck with stunning cedar posts. Cedar wood looks amazing, and it’s also really strong. But even tough wood needs a little help to stay looking its best for years to come. That’s where a good sealer for cedar posts comes in!
Choosing the right sealer can feel like a puzzle. You want to protect your posts from rain, sun, and bugs, but you also want them to keep that natural cedar beauty. So many different kinds of sealers exist, and it’s tough to know which one is best. Will it make the wood look weird? Will it actually work? These are the questions that can make your head spin.
Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about picking the perfect sealer. We’ll break down what makes a good sealer and help you understand what to look for. Get ready to learn how to keep your cedar posts looking fantastic and strong for a long, long time.
Our Top 5 Sealer For Cedar Posts Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Sealer For Cedar Posts Detailed Reviews
1. 1 gal Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer For Wood
Rating: 9.3/10
Transform your outdoor wood with the Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer. This 1-gallon can offers a beautiful, natural cedar look that protects your wood from the elements. It’s designed for easy application, saving you time and effort on your DIY projects.
What We Like:
- No primer needed, saving you an extra step.
- The application is super simple; it’s called “Goof Proof” for a reason!
- You won’t see any annoying runs, laps, or streaks.
- No need to back-brush, which makes the job much faster.
- It blends itself beautifully, so you don’t have to worry about wet lines.
- You can apply it in any temperature, making it convenient year-round.
- It’s ready to go without any thinning or diluting, especially for spraying.
- The natural cedar color looks great on fences, decks, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color is darkest right after you apply it and takes about 14 days to reach its final shade.
- You can’t use it over existing paint or newly stained surfaces because it needs to soak into the wood.
- A recycling fee may apply in certain states like California, Oregon, Connecticut, and Vermont.
This stain and sealer makes protecting and beautifying your outdoor wood simple and effective. Get ready for a great-looking, long-lasting finish on your next project.
2. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
Rating: 9.4/10
The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood offers a simple and effective way to protect and beautify your wooden surfaces. This product is designed for easy application, making it a great choice for DIYers and professionals alike. It works to both stain your wood and seal it against the elements, all in one step.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly easy to use. You don’t need a primer, and it applies smoothly.
- The “Goof Proof” application means you won’t see annoying runs, laps, or streaks.
- No back brushing is required, saving you time and effort.
- You can apply it in any temperature, which is super convenient for any weather.
- It blends itself, so you don’t need to worry about wet-line applications.
- It can be applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush.
- No diluting or thinning is needed before spraying.
What Could Be Improved:
- The color is darkest when you first apply it and takes about 14 days to reach its true shade.
- You cannot apply it over painted or newly stained surfaces because it won’t penetrate properly.
- A PaintCare recycling fee may apply in certain states (CA, OR, CT, VT).
Overall, Ready Seal 512 is a user-friendly stain and sealer that simplifies wood protection. It delivers a beautiful finish with minimal fuss.
3. Olympic WaterGuard 11.75 oz. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain Plus Sealer
Rating: 8.8/10
Give your outdoor wood surfaces the protection they deserve with Olympic WaterGuard 11.75 oz. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain Plus Sealer. This all-in-one product makes your project simple. It’s ready to go right out of the can. It stains and seals your wood in one easy step. This means less time working and more time enjoying your beautiful deck or fence.
What We Like:
- It’s a ready-to-use stain and sealer, saving you time and effort.
- It offers excellent waterproofing for decks and fences.
- The formula creates a tough, resistant coating that seals and protects.
- SUNBLOCK UV defense helps prevent fading from the sun.
- Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology makes surfaces more resistant to scratches.
- It provides long-lasting protection: up to 4 years on decks and 6 years on fences and siding.
- It works on many exterior wood surfaces like decks, fences, siding, and outdoor furniture.
- Coverage is good, about 250-350 square feet per gallon.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 11.75 oz. size might be too small for larger projects, requiring multiple purchases.
- While semi-transparent, the exact color can vary slightly depending on the wood.
This Olympic WaterGuard stain and sealer is a smart choice for protecting and beautifying your outdoor wood. It offers great protection and a natural look for your home’s exterior.
4. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer
Rating: 9.3/10
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer in Natural Cedar is a great way to protect and beautify your outdoor wood. This 1-gallon container offers a beautiful tinted color while keeping your decks, fences, and other outdoor structures safe from water damage. It’s designed to make your wood look great for a long time.
What We Like:
- It provides excellent waterproofing, keeping your wood safe from rain and moisture.
- The transparent stain adds a lovely Natural Cedar color that enhances the wood’s natural texture.
- The color stays vibrant and doesn’t fade easily, even in bright sunlight.
- It’s simple to apply, whether your wood is a little damp or completely dry.
- This product meets high standards for keeping wood waterproof.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it allows texture to show, it does cover up the wood grain, so if you want to see every detail of the grain, this might not be the perfect choice.
- Thorough surface cleaning is needed before application for the best results, which takes extra time.
This Thompson’s WaterSeal product offers strong protection and a beautiful finish. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to care for their outdoor wood.
5. Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer
Rating: 9.0/10
Transform your outdoor spaces with the Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer. This all-in-one product offers a beautiful Woodland Cedar finish and powerful protection for your decks and fences. It’s ready to go right out of the can, making your DIY projects simpler.
What We Like:
- It’s a ready-to-use, all-in-one stain and sealer.
- It makes your decks and fences waterproof.
- It dries quickly in just 24 hours.
- It has SUNBLOCK UV defense to stop fading.
- The SCUFF GUARD Technology keeps surfaces looking good.
- It lasts up to 3 years on decks and 4 years on fences and siding.
- It cleans up easily with soap and water.
- It works on many outdoor wood surfaces like decks, fences, and furniture.
What Could Be Improved:
- The coverage can vary a bit depending on the wood.
- Some users might prefer a wider range of color options beyond semi-transparent.
This stain and sealer is a smart choice for anyone wanting to protect and beautify their outdoor wood. It provides long-lasting protection and a great look with minimal effort.
Choosing the Best Sealer for Your Cedar Posts
Cedar posts are a beautiful and durable choice for many outdoor projects, from fences to pergolas. But to keep them looking great and lasting even longer, you need to protect them with a good sealer. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
Why Seal Cedar Posts?
Cedar naturally resists rot and insects. However, sealing adds an extra layer of protection. It keeps out moisture, which can cause the wood to swell and shrink. It also prevents UV rays from the sun from fading the wood’s color. A good sealer makes your cedar posts look better and last much longer.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a sealer, keep these important features in mind:
- Water Repellency: The sealer should make water bead up and roll off the wood. This is the most important job of a sealer.
- UV Protection: Look for sealers that block the sun’s harmful rays. This stops the cedar from turning gray.
- Mold and Mildew Resistance: Some sealers have ingredients that stop mold and mildew from growing. This keeps your posts looking clean.
- Penetration: A good sealer soaks into the wood, not just sits on top. This offers deeper protection.
- Ease of Application: You want a sealer that’s easy to brush, roll, or spray on.
- Durability: How long will the protection last? Some sealers need reapplication every year, while others can last for several years.
Important Materials
Sealers are made from different things. Understanding these can help you choose:
- Oil-Based Sealers: These soak deep into the wood. They often have a natural look and feel. They are great at repelling water.
- Water-Based Sealers: These are easier to clean up. They dry faster and usually have less odor. Some newer water-based formulas are just as effective as oil-based ones.
- Acrylic Sealers: These form a protective layer on the surface of the wood. They are good for UV protection and can be very durable.
- Silicone Sealers: These are very good at repelling water. They create a barrier that moisture can’t get through.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a sealer can be affected by several things:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Sealers with more active ingredients that offer protection (like UV blockers and mildewcides) are usually better.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have a track record of making good products.
- Application Method: Applying the sealer correctly is crucial. Too thin a coat won’t protect well. Too thick a coat might not dry properly.
- Environmental Conditions: Applying sealer in extreme heat or cold can affect how well it works. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for temperature.
- Wood Preparation: Clean, dry wood will accept sealer much better than dirty or wet wood.
User Experience and Use Cases
Most people find that applying a sealer is a straightforward process. You usually need to clean the posts first. Then, you apply one or two coats with a brush or roller.
- Fences: Sealing cedar fence posts makes them last much longer, especially the parts that go into the ground.
- Decking and Railings: If you have cedar decking or railings, sealing protects them from weather and foot traffic.
- Pergolas and Arbors: These structures are exposed to the elements. Sealing keeps them looking beautiful for years.
- Garden Beds: Cedar is a popular choice for raised garden beds. Sealing helps the wood resist moisture from the soil.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Sealer for Cedar Posts
Q: What is the main purpose of sealing cedar posts?
A: The main purpose is to protect the cedar from moisture, UV rays, and mildew. This helps the posts last longer and look better.
Q: How often should I seal my cedar posts?
A: This depends on the sealer and the climate. Many sealers need reapplication every 1-3 years.
Q: Can I use any type of sealer on cedar posts?
A: It’s best to use a sealer specifically designed for wood, especially cedar. Some sealers can damage the wood or not protect it properly.
Q: Do I need to prepare the cedar posts before sealing?
A: Yes, you should clean the posts thoroughly. Make sure they are completely dry before applying any sealer.
Q: Will sealing change the color of my cedar posts?
A: Some sealers can slightly darken the wood or enhance its natural color. Others are clear. Check the product label.
Q: Can I seal cedar posts that are already in the ground?
A: Yes, you can seal posts that are already installed. However, it’s easier to get good coverage when they are not in the ground.
Q: Are oil-based or water-based sealers better for cedar?
A: Both can be effective. Oil-based sealers penetrate deeply. Water-based sealers are easier to clean up and dry faster.
Q: How do I know if my cedar posts need to be resealed?
A: If water no longer beads up on the surface and soaks into the wood, it’s time to reseal.
Q: Can I paint over a cedar sealer?
A: Some sealers are designed to be painted over. Always check the product instructions before painting.
Q: Where can I buy sealer for cedar posts?
A: You can find them at hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.