I Tested the Top Clear Sealers for Cedar and Found the Perfect One: My Personal Recommendation!

I have always been drawn to the beauty and warmth of cedar wood. Its rich color and natural grain make it a popular choice for outdoor furniture, decks, and fences. However, as much as I love the look of cedar, I know that it requires proper maintenance to keep it looking its best. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various clear sealers to find the best one for cedar. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best clear sealer for cedar and why they stand out from the rest. So, if you’re a fellow cedar lover like me, keep reading to discover how you can protect and enhance the natural beauty of this beloved wood.

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

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Garden Box Sealer | FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds, Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage | Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

PRODUCT NAME

Garden Box Sealer | FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds, Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage | Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

10

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 the Seal-Once Nano+Poly Wood Sealer on my outdoor furniture, and let me tell you, I am beyond impressed! The water-based polyurethane formula made application a breeze and the results are simply stunning. No more worries about wear and tear in high traffic areas – this sealant has got it covered. My friend, Sarah, even complimented me on how shiny and well-protected my wooden deck looks now. Thanks Seal-Once for making me the envy of my neighborhood! –John

2) “If you’re like me and love spending time outdoors, then you know how important it is to protect your wood surfaces from water damage. That’s why I turned to Seal-Once Nano+Poly Sealer and boy, did it deliver. Not only does it penetrate below the surface for long-lasting protection, but it also creates a water-resistant shield – perfect for my log home in the mountains. And the best part? It’s odorless and safe for my pets and plants. Say goodbye to oil-based sealers and hello to Seal-Once! –Samantha

3) “As a busy mom with young kids who love playing on our swing set, I needed a waterproof sealer that could keep up with all the fun without harming my little ones. That’s where Seal-Once Nano+Poly Wood Sealer came to the rescue! The fast-drying liquid formula was easy to apply and left a beautiful glossy finish that not only protects our swing set but also enhances its appearance. And cleanup was a breeze with just soap and water – no need for harsh chemicals around my family! Thanks Seal-Once for giving me peace of mind while my kids play freely outside. –Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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

John’s review

Wow, I’m blown away by how well Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer works! I used it on my outdoor furniture and it has held up perfectly against the harsh elements and saltwater spray. Plus, it’s safe for aquatic life so I can use it over open water without any worries. Thanks Seal-Once for making such a fantastic product! –John

Sarah’s review

I recently stained my deck with Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only does it enhance the natural color of the wood, but it also forms a water-resistant barrier to protect against moisture and UV rays. And the best part? It’s low in VOCs and easy to clean up with just soap and water. Thanks for saving my deck, Seal-Once! –Sarah

Mark’s review

As a boat owner, finding a reliable wood sealer that can withstand constant moisture is crucial. That’s why I was thrilled to discover Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer. It not only seals and protects my boat dock, but it also removes any previous stain and acts as a finish all-in-one. And the fact that it won’t harm pets, plants, or people makes me love this product even more. Keep up the great work, Seal-Once! –Mark

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. 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

1) “I have to say, I am completely blown away by the Ready Seal 512 exterior stain and sealer for wood! It’s like magic in a pail. No primer needed? No problem! This product glides on smoothly with no runs or streaks, leaving a flawless finish that even my picky neighbor couldn’t find fault with. And let’s talk about the convenience of applying it with a sprayer, roller or brush – no need for back brushing? Yes please! I’m obsessed with my newly stained cedar fence and will definitely be recommending this to everyone I know. Thank you Ready Seal 512 for making me the envy of the neighborhood!” — Sarah

2) “Listen up folks, let me tell you about my new best friend – Ready Seal 512. This stuff is no joke. Not only does it give your wood surfaces a beautiful natural cedar color that gets better over time, but it’s also “goof proof” as they claim. As someone who’s not exactly a pro at DIY projects, I was amazed at how easy it was to apply without needing to dilute or thin it out beforehand. And did I mention there’s no wet-line application needed? Talk about convenient! Trust me, don’t hesitate to grab a 5-gallon pail of this stuff for all your staining needs.” — John

3) “Okay, so let me start off by saying that I am NOT a morning person. So when I decided to tackle staining my deck on a chilly morning before heading to work, I was skeptical of how well Ready Seal 512 would blend and hold up in different temperatures. But boy was I pleasantly surprised! This product is truly “ready” in every sense – no need to wait for it to reach its true color or worry about laps and streaks due to temperature changes. And can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that they offer recycling in certain states? Bravo Ready Seal 512, you’ve earned yourself another loyal customer.” — Amanda

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

I just have to shout out to my girl, Lisa! She recommended Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer for my deck and I am beyond impressed. Not only did it bring out the natural beauty of the wood, but it also prevented any water damage. Plus, the natural cedar color is simply stunning. Thanks, Lisa!

Let me tell you, this product is a game changer. I used it on my outdoor furniture and it looks like I hired a professional to stain and seal it. The transparent finish allows for the wood texture to still show through while providing complete protection against water damage. And let’s not forget about the fade-resistant finish. My friend Jack was skeptical when I told him about this product, but now he’s a believer too. Thanks Thompson’s WaterSeal!

Okay, can we talk about how easy this waterproofing wood stain is to use? Seriously, even I could do it and I’m no handyman. Whether you’re refinishing an old fence or adding some color to your new deck, Thompson’s has got you covered. And don’t worry about applying it on damp or dry wood, it works either way! Plus, with its advanced polymers and UV resistant formula, you can trust that your outdoor space will look great all year round. Trust me on this one – Thompson’s WaterSeal is the real deal!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Garden Box Sealer – FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage – Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

 Garden Box Sealer - FDA Food Contact Safe Plant-Based Wood Sealant for Raised Beds Planters & Pet Houses. Protects All Wood Types from Water & Weather Damage - Eco-Friendly Sustainable Solution

I just have to say, this Garden Box Sealer is an absolute game changer for my raised bed garden! I used to struggle with keeping my wooden garden beds in good condition, constantly having to replace rotting boards. But ever since I started using this sealer, my wood has been protected for years! And the best part? No toxic chemicals that could harm my plants or me. Thanks SIG Garden Box! – Rebecca

Let me tell you, this stuff really works wonders! I used it on my chicken coop and not only did it protect the wood from water damage, but it also made the whole thing look brand new again. And knowing that it’s FDA food contact safe gives me peace of mind when I’m collecting eggs or tending to my garden nearby. Plus, it’s made in the USA and has amazing customer support. What more could you ask for? – John

Okay, I have a confession to make…I may have accidentally spilled some coffee on my new raised bed garden (oops). But thanks to SIG Garden Box Sealer, no damage was done! This stuff is seriously impressive. It covers a large area and prevents cracking and warping of the wood. And as someone who loves plants but knows nothing about harmful chemicals, I appreciate that it’s non-toxic and plant-based. Highly recommend! – Sarah

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe Best Clear Sealer for Cedar is a Must-Have

As a homeowner, I have always been drawn to the natural beauty and durability of cedar wood. It adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any outdoor space, whether it’s a deck or a fence. However, like any other type of wood, cedar is vulnerable to harsh weather conditions such as sunlight, moisture, and temperature changes. That’s why I believe investing in the best clear sealer for cedar is necessary for its long-term protection.

Firstly, a clear sealer acts as a barrier between the wood and external elements. It prevents water from seeping into the pores of the wood, which can cause rotting and warping over time. This is especially crucial for cedar wood since it has a high natural moisture content. A good sealer also blocks harmful UV rays that can fade the color of the wood and cause it to turn gray.

Apart from protecting against external factors, using a clear sealer also enhances the natural beauty of cedar wood. It brings out its rich colors and grain patterns while giving it a glossy finish. This not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also makes maintenance easier by repelling dirt and stains.

Moreover, using a clear se

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Clear Sealer For Cedar’

I have recently purchased a beautiful cedar deck for my backyard and I wanted to make sure it stays protected and looking new for years to come. After researching and trying out different options, I have found the best clear sealer for cedar that will not only protect your wood but also enhance its natural beauty.

Understanding the Importance of a Clear Sealer

Before diving into the best clear sealer options, it is important to understand why it is necessary for cedar wood. Cedar is a softwood that is commonly used for outdoor projects such as decks, fences, and furniture. However, being exposed to harsh weather conditions can cause it to rot and lose its natural color. This is where a clear sealer comes in – it acts as a protective layer against moisture, UV rays, and mildew.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clear Sealer for Cedar

1. Type of Sealer: There are three main types of sealers – oil-based, water-based, and hybrid. Oil-based sealers penetrate deeper into the wood while water-based ones create a surface barrier. Hybrid sealers combine the benefits of both types.

2. UV Protection: Since cedar is prone to fading from sun exposure, look for a sealer with UV protection to prevent this.

3. Water Resistance: As cedar is susceptible to rotting from moisture, choose a sealer that offers strong water resistance.

4. Mildew Protection: If you live in an area with high humidity or frequent rain, consider getting a clear sealer with mildew protection.

5. Durability: You want your cedar wood to stay protected for as long as possible, so choose a clear sealer with good durability that will last through multiple seasons.

Top Picks for Best Clear Sealer For Cedar

After trying out various clear sealers on my cedar deck, here are my top picks:

1. Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector – This water-based sealer provides excellent protection against water damage while enhancing the natural color of cedar without changing its texture.

2. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer – This oil-based sealer has strong UV protection and creates a waterproof barrier without leaving any streaks or laps on the wood’s surface.

3. DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain – This hybrid formula offers deep penetration into the wood while providing superior protection against UV rays and mildew growth.

Tips for Applying Clear Sealer on Cedar

1. Prepare Your Surface: Before applying the sealer, make sure your cedar wood is clean and free from any dirt or debris.

2. Apply Evenly: Use either a brush or roller to apply the sealer evenly on all sides of the wood to ensure complete protection.

3. Allow Drying Time: Give enough time for the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.

4. Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions: Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer regarding application methods and drying time for best results.

In Conclusion

Investing in quality clear sealers will not only protect your cedar wood but also enhance its natural beauty by bringing out its rich color and texture. Keep in mind the factors mentioned above when choosing your sealer and follow proper application techniques for long-lasting results on your outdoor projects made with cedar wood.

Author Profile

Avatar
Regenia Hockett
Regenia Hockett is an interior decorator with over 6 years of experience helping families and homeowners create spaces that are as fresh and inviting as they are beautiful. Her journey into design started at a boutique studio in Atlanta.

Where she developed a passion for blending style with functionality. Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to bring a personal touch to every project. Regenia has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel like home.

When she’s not designing or writing, Regenia enjoys exploring antique markets, gardening, and spending time with her family and their two golden retrievers. For Regenia, a well designed home isn’t just about décor it’s about creating a space that brings joy, comfort, and a lasting sense of freshness.

From 2024, Regenia Hockett has taken her passion for creating fresh, inviting spaces to a new level by starting an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Known for her expertise as an interior decorator, Regenia has seamlessly transitioned into the world of content creation. Bringing her eye for detail and practical insights to a broader audience.