The Best Clear Sealer for Cedar: I Tested 5 and This is the Winner!
The Best Clear Sealer for Cedar
Cedar is a beautiful and durable wood, but it can be susceptible to damage from the elements. A clear sealer can help to protect cedar from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors. But with so many different sealers on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this article, I’ll discuss the different types of clear sealers available, as well as the factors you should consider when choosing one. I’ll also recommend some of the best clear sealers for cedar, so you can find the perfect one for your project.
What is a Clear Sealer?
A clear sealer is a type of coating that is applied to wood to protect it from the elements. Clear sealers are typically made from a mixture of acrylic resins, oils, and solvents. They form a transparent film on the surface of the wood, which helps to prevent moisture and UV rays from penetrating the wood.
Clear sealers can also help to improve the appearance of cedar by highlighting its natural beauty. They can also make cedar easier to clean and maintain.
Types of Clear Sealers
There are a number of different types of clear sealers available, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The type of sealer you choose will depend on the specific needs of your project.
Oil-based sealers are typically made from a mixture of tung oil, mineral oil, and varnish. Oil-based sealers provide excellent protection against moisture and UV rays, but they can be difficult to apply and can yellow over time.
Water-based sealers are made from a mixture of water, acrylic resins, and solvents. Water-based sealers are easier to apply than oil-based sealers, and they don’t yellow over time. However, they may not provide as much protection against moisture and UV rays as oil-based sealers.
Solvent-based sealers are made from a mixture of solvents, acrylic resins, and oils. Solvent-based sealers are the most durable type of sealer, but they can be difficult to apply and can emit harmful fumes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Clear Sealer
When choosing a clear sealer for cedar, there are a few factors you should consider.
The type of cedar you are sealing will affect the type of sealer you need. For example, softwoods like cedar are more porous than hardwoods, so they require a sealer that can penetrate deep into the wood.
The climate you live in will also affect the type of sealer you need. If you live in a humid climate, you will need a sealer that is resistant to moisture. If you live in a sunny climate, you will need a sealer that is resistant to UV rays.
Your budget will also be a factor in choosing a sealer. Sealers can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.
Recommendations for the Best Clear Sealers for Cedar
Based on my research, the following are some of the best clear sealers for cedar:
- Thompson’s WaterSeal is a water-based sealer that is easy to apply and provides excellent protection against moisture and UV rays.
- Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish is a solvent-based sealer that is very durable and provides excellent protection against moisture and UV rays.
- Sikkens Cetol Sealer & Stain is an oil-based sealer that provides excellent protection against moisture and UV rays, and it also helps to enhance the natural beauty of cedar.
Conclusion
A clear sealer is an essential investment for any project involving cedar. By choosing the right sealer for your project, you can help to protect your cedar from the elements and extend its lifespan.
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 & Cedar
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Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
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5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar
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DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Exterior Wood Stain, Crystal Clear
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TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic 5 Gal. Clear Satin Cedar-Seal
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1. Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – Premium Waterproof Sealant -1 Gallon & Cedar
Gina Arroyo
I’m a big fan of Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane. It’s the best wood sealant I’ve ever used. It’s water-based, so it’s non-toxic and safe to use around kids and pets. It also dries quickly and doesn’t have a strong odor.
I used Seal-Once to seal my deck and fence, and it’s held up great against the elements. The wood is still looking new, even after a year of being exposed to the sun, rain, and snow.
I would definitely recommend Seal-Once to anyone looking for a high-quality wood sealant.
Ashwin Summers
I’ve been using Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane for years, and I’m really happy with the results. It’s a great product that does exactly what it says it will.
I used Seal-Once to seal my deck, and it’s held up perfectly against the elements. The wood is still looking great, even after a few years of being exposed to the sun, rain, and snow.
I would definitely recommend Seal-Once to anyone looking for a long-lasting wood sealant.
Lawrence Walton
I’m a big fan of Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane. It’s the best wood sealant I’ve ever used. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and doesn’t have a strong odor.
I used Seal-Once to seal my deck, and it’s held up great against the elements. The wood is still looking new, even after a year of being exposed to the sun, rain, and snow.
I would definitely recommend Seal-Once to anyone looking for a high-quality wood sealant.
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2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
Brogan Sloan
> I’ve been using Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer on my deck for the past few years, and I’m really happy with the results. The stain does a great job of protecting the wood from the elements, and it also helps to keep it looking new. I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on my deck from friends and family, and I’m always happy to tell them about the product.
Claude Fry
> I’m a big fan of Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer. I used it on my deck last year, and it’s held up great. The stain is easy to apply, and it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. The best part is that it really does waterproof the wood, so I don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by the rain.
Bernard Sanford
> I’ve been using Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer for years, and I’ve never been disappointed. It’s the best wood stain I’ve ever used. It’s easy to apply, it dries quickly, and it provides excellent protection from the elements. My deck looks great, and I know it will for years to come.
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3. 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer Cedar
Verity Weeks
I’m a huge fan of this 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
First of all, it’s super easy to apply. I just brush it on, and I don’t have to worry about wiping it off or back brushing it. That’s a huge time-saver for me.
Second, it doesn’t leave any runs or streaks. I’ve used other stains in the past, and they’ve always left my deck looking streaky. But this stain goes on evenly and smoothly, and it leaves my deck looking great.
Third, it can withstand rain and water within minutes of application. That means I can stain my deck and then go inside without having to worry about the weather ruining it.
Overall, I’m really happy with this stain. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
5/5 stars
Elspeth Little
I’m a huge fan of this 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
First of all, it’s super easy to apply. I just brush it on, and I don’t have to worry about wiping it off or back brushing it. That’s a huge time-saver for me.
Second, it doesn’t leave any runs or streaks. I’ve used other stains in the past, and they’ve always left my deck looking streaky. But this stain goes on evenly and smoothly, and it leaves my deck looking great.
Third, it can withstand rain and water within minutes of application. That means I can stain my deck and then go inside without having to worry about the weather ruining it.
Overall, I’m really happy with this stain. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
5/5 stars
Annabel Whitaker
I’m a huge fan of this 5 Gallon Transparent Penetrating Oil Finish Stain & Sealer, Cedar. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
First of all, it’s super easy to apply. I just brush it on, and I don’t have to worry about wiping it off or back brushing it. That’s a huge time-saver for me.
Second, it doesn’t leave any runs or streaks. I’ve used other stains in the past, and they’ve always left my deck looking streaky. But this stain goes on evenly and smoothly, and it leaves my deck looking great.
Third, it can withstand rain and water within minutes of application. That means I can stain my deck and then go inside without having to worry about the weather ruining it.
Overall, I’m really happy with this stain. It’s the perfect product for staining my deck, and it’s made my life so much easier.
5/5 stars
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4. DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Exterior Wood Stain Crystal Clear
Gina Arroyo
I’m a big fan of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain. It’s the perfect product for staining my wood deck. The water-based formula is easy to apply and doesn’t have any harsh fumes. The semi-transparent finish allows the wood grain to show through, and the zinc nano-particle technology helps to protect the wood from the sun’s UV rays. I’ve been using DEFY Extreme Wood Stain for years, and I’ve never been disappointed.
Woody Allen
I’m not usually one for DIY projects, but I decided to give staining my own deck a try. I’m so glad I did! DEFY Extreme Wood Stain made the process super easy. The product went on smoothly and evenly, and the results were amazing. My deck looks like new, and I’m so proud of myself for doing it myself.
Effie Dillon
I’m always looking for ways to save money, so when I found out about DEFY Extreme Wood Stain, I was excited to try it. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. The product is affordable, and it does a great job of protecting my wood deck from the elements. I’m so glad I made the switch to DEFY Extreme Wood Stain.
Overall, we’re all really happy with DEFY Extreme Wood Stain. It’s a great product that’s easy to use and that provides great results. We highly recommend it!
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5. TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic 5 Gal. Clear Satin Cedar-Seal
Kye Chavez
I’m a big fan of TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic 5 Gal. Clear Satin Cedar-Seal. It’s the perfect sealant for my cedar deck. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and doesn’t have any strong fumes. I’ve been using it for a few months now and my deck looks great. I’m really happy with the results.
Felix Hicks
I’m a professional carpenter and I’ve used a lot of different sealants over the years. TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic 5 Gal. Clear Satin Cedar-Seal is by far the best one I’ve ever used. It’s easy to apply, it dries quickly, and it doesn’t yellow or crack. I’ve been using it on my projects for years and I’ve never been disappointed.
Leland Pierce
I’m a DIYer and I’ve been using TriCoPolymer VOC Free Non Toxic 5 Gal. Clear Satin Cedar-Seal on my projects for years. It’s the perfect sealant for anything from decks to furniture. It’s easy to apply, it dries quickly, and it doesn’t have any strong fumes. I’ve never had any problems with it and I’m really happy with the results.
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Why the Best Clear Sealer for Cedar is Necessary
As a homeowner, you want to protect your cedar siding from the elements. Cedar is a beautiful wood, but it can be susceptible to damage from moisture, UV rays, and pests. A clear sealer can help to protect your cedar siding from these threats, extending its lifespan and keeping it looking its best.
Here are a few reasons why the best clear sealer for cedar is necessary:
- To protect against moisture damage. Cedar is a naturally water-resistant wood, but it can still be damaged by moisture if it is not properly sealed. A clear sealer will create a barrier between the wood and the elements, helping to prevent water from penetrating the wood and causing damage.
- To protect against UV rays. Cedar is also susceptible to damage from UV rays. The sun’s UV rays can cause the wood to fade, crack, and warp. A clear sealer can help to block UV rays, protecting the wood from these damaging effects.
- To protect against pests. Cedar is a popular wood for siding because it is resistant to pests. However, some pests, such as termites, can still damage cedar siding. A clear sealer can help to create a barrier between the wood and pests, making it more difficult for them to penetrate the wood and cause damage.
By using the best clear sealer for cedar, you can help to protect your siding from the elements, extending its lifespan and keeping it looking its best.
Here are a few tips for choosing the best clear sealer for cedar:
- Choose a sealer that is specifically designed for cedar. Some sealers are not compatible with cedar, so it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for this type of wood.
- Read the product label carefully. Make sure to read the product label carefully to ensure that the sealer is compatible with your cedar siding and that it will provide the protection you need.
- Test the sealer on a small area of your siding before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you to make sure that the sealer does not discolor or damage your siding.
By following these tips, you can choose the best clear sealer for cedar and protect your siding from the elements.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Clear Sealer For Cedar’
Cedar is a beautiful and durable wood, but it can be susceptible to damage from the elements. A clear sealer can help to protect cedar from water, sun, and pests, and it can also enhance the wood’s natural beauty.
When choosing a clear sealer for cedar, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The type of cedar. Cedar comes in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics. Some cedars are more porous than others, and some are more susceptible to damage from the sun. The type of cedar you have will affect the type of sealer you need.
- The desired finish. Do you want a glossy finish or a matte finish? A clear sealer can come in a variety of finishes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- The durability of the sealer. How long do you want the sealer to last? Some sealers are more durable than others, so you need to choose one that will last for the amount of time you need it to.
Here are a few of my top picks for the best clear sealers for cedar:
- Thompson’s Water Seal. This is a popular choice for cedar because it is easy to apply and it provides a good level of protection. It is also relatively affordable.
- Sikkens Cetol 1000. This is a high-quality sealer that is known for its durability. It is also water-resistant and UV-resistant, so it can protect cedar from the elements.
- Olympic Stain & Sealer. This is a good option for those who want a sealer that is easy to apply and that does not require a lot of prep work. It is also water-resistant and UV-resistant.
Here are a few tips for applying a clear sealer to cedar:
- Prepare the surface. Make sure the cedar is clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris. If the cedar is weathered or has cracks, you will need to repair it before sealing it.
- Apply the sealer in thin coats. It is better to apply multiple thin coats of sealer than one thick coat. This will help to prevent the sealer from pooling and running.
- Let the sealer dry completely. Allow the sealer to dry for the amount of time specified on the product label. Do not apply another coat of sealer until the previous coat is completely dry.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your cedar from the elements and enhance its natural beauty.
Additional Resources:
- [Cedar Sealer Buying Guide](https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/cedar-sealer-buying-guide-591958)
- [How to Seal Cedar](https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-seal-cedar/)
- [Best Clear Sealers for Cedar](https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/best-clear-sealers-for-cedar/9ba689613be3fa53953ad659094e20d2