Wooden pieces create a comfortable aesthetic in your home and are also durable for outdoor use. However, without proper care, these pieces may crack. Using the wrong wood sealing products may aggravate the problem with your furniture.
Let our veteran woodworkers help you expand your knowledge and choose the best sealer for outdoor wood furniture.
Reviews of the Top Sealers for Outdoor Wooden Furniture
1. Thompsons Waterseal 21801 Wood Protect VOC
The Thompsons Waterseal 21801 is a trusted brand. This transparent oil-based polyurethane provides excellent protection to your outdoor furniture and restores the inherent beauty of wood.
Its formula has advanced polymers that help protect the wood from damage for an extended period and protect wood from fading. While it requires reapplication after every two years, you’re guaranteed that it will safeguard your furniture for a period.
Furthermore, the Thompson Waterseal GI Wood Protect creates a semi-transparent finish. It is also one of the best outdoor wood sealers for its selection of different wood species colors.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- UV, mold, and mildew resistant
- Available in various colors
- Thick consistency
What We Don't Like
- May not always be available online
- Removal from the surface can take time
2. Ready Seal 512 5-Gallons Pail Natural Cedar Extension Stain and Sealer for Wood
The Ready 512 Sealer for Wood is an example of an outdoor sealer that does not need any primer. It may be applied using a sprayer, brush, or roller. It also does not require diluting or thinning the product with warm water before application.
Ready Seal produces a dark shade when the first coat is applied. This product can seal wood and help protect your outdoor furniture from moisture, humidity, UV rays, and mold.
It can effectively seal exterior wood stain. However, it will not work well on surfaces with sealers already applied. Ready Seal also requires time before it settles in its accurate color.
What We Like
- Does not require a primer
- No runs or streaks
- Opaque enough to seal stains
What We Don't Like
- Out of stock often
- Take about two weeks before revealing its true color
3. Rain Guard Pro Micro-Seal
The Rain Guard Pro Micro-Seal are formulated to keep the rain out. It is also formulated to penetrate deep into the surface.
It is a budget-friendly water-based wood sealer made up of silane/siloxane water repellent, preventing water damage. This product is safe for indoor and outdoor use.
You can apply it to all surfaces. It can be used to seal untreated wood, weathered wood, bare wood, or dry wood. Furthermore, it does not leave any residue on the surface post application. It dries clear and enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
What We Like
- Strong and durable
- Easy maintenance with soap and water
- Can withstand the elements
What We Don't Like
- Multiple coats are necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
- Has to be mixed before application.
4. STAR BRITE Premium Golden Teak Oil
This Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil is one of the top-performing oil-based wood sealers available on the market and can be applied to a variety of fine woods.
It requires thorough cleaning and drying before application. Simply make sure to work with the direction of the wood grain, and the application will only be a breeze.
It is effective in resisting UV and protects outdoor wood furniture from splintering, warping, weathering, and fading. This sealer is also great at offering wood protection from harsh environments such as salt water. It dries easily, and the resulting coat is a warm natural color.
What We Like
- Contains tung oil polymers for long-lasting protection.
- Best outdoor wood sealer against harsh environments
- Creates a natural and elegant color
What We Don't Like
- Be mindful when working with it since it dries quickly
- A tad expensive
5. Minwax Water-Based Helmsman Spar Urethane
The Minwax Water-based Helmsman Spar Urethane is one of many exterior wood sealers designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as rain and UV rays.
This sealer for outdoor wood furniture provides a shield against moisture and dries quickly. However, it does not work well with sealed wood. Thus, it is necessary to remove pre-existing stains before applying this product.
It is best to use sponges or nylon broses for application to yield the best results. Make sure to mix the product thoroughly before and during application. After applying the first coat, wait at least 2 hours before applying the next.
What We Like
- Easy application
- Dries up quickly
- Non-toxic
What We Don't Like
- Need to prepare the surface first
- Need to be reapplied if the color changes
6. Seal Once Marine
Seal Once Marine is a water-based formula that creates a water-resistant barrier that effectively protects the wood from water damage. This coat also preserves the wood’s color.
This wood sealant is considered the best sealer for outdoor wood furniture for modified wood, boat docks, and wood deck. However, one downside is that its application cannot be conducted under sunlight.
Seal once the marine wood sealer for outdoor wood furniture is formulated to contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This formulation makes it a good eco-friendly option. Furthermore, it has a clear tone but also comes with various wood tones.
What We Like
- Safe formula
- Comes in different colors
- Easy application on different surfaces
What We Don't Like
- Cannot be applied under direct sunlight
- Expensive
7. Waterlox Original Sealer
The Waterlox Original Sealer can easily be applied on various surfaces. As one of the exterior penetrating wood sealers, it is easily absorbed by the wood deep within its surfaces.
This creates a barrier that protects the outdoor wood from water exposure, mildew, and harmful UV rays. This exterior wood sealer produces a clear and polished finish after several applications. Furthermore, it can be applied over most stains.
The Waterlox Original sealer is made from advanced tung oil polymers. This allows the sealer to dry down to a hard finish completely. This product is non-toxic when cured.
What We Like
- Easy application
- Easily penetrates wood
- Waterproofs the surface
- Excellent coverage
What We Don't Like
- Requires light buffing
- Toxic unless fully cured
8. Anchor Seal 2 Hybrid Log
Anchor Seal is a combinator of water and wax, making it an excellent sealer. It is popularly known to protect wood against end grain checking.
After two to three coat applications, you will never have to worry about your wood splintering. It is considered a green wood sealer since it can be applied on a fresh cut made to the wood.
It is also environment-friendly. This product is made up of plant-based polymer and wax mixture. This mixture helps check and splitting of logs and lumber from happening. It is budget-friendly and is the best wood sealer for freshly cut lumber.
What We Like
- Effectively seals the wood and end grain checking
- Environment friendly
- Does not require touch-ups
What We Don't Like
- Dries slowly
- Not suitable for big projects
What is a Wood Sealer and Why Should You Use It?
All wood is susceptible to rot, staining, and damage, and a wood sealer can protect them further from damage as a result of wear and tear. Applying a wood sealer can give your wooden pieces some shine and add color.
A wood sealer effectively protects wooden surfaces whether they are placed indoors or outdoors.
Sealer for Outdoor Wood Furniture Buyer’s Guide
Kind of Sealers
There are three types of wood sealers for outdoor use on the market today. They can be differentiated based on their formula and transparency. Available sealers include clear, opaque, and semi-transparent.
Clear
A clear outdoor wood sealer or a clear finish can brighten up wood and other related surfaces. Most clear sealers are formulated to ensure that surfaces do not turn yellow in time.
Furthermore, clear sealers are long-lasting and resistant to moisture and several household chemicals.
Opaque
An opaque finish results in a high quality and low maintenance acrylic wood finish. Furthermore, the resulting satin finish is water repellent, and the wood is protected against UV rays.
Semi-Transparent
The application of a semi-transparent sealer adds a faint color to the wood’s surface. This semitransparent appearance allows its natural wood grain to appear. However, these tints tend to fade over time which calls for a reapplication once every two or three years.
How Big The Project Is
The project size determines the amount of sealer used. This assessment of various wood projects before undertaking them will most definitely save time and money. Taking simple measurements of your outdoor furniture can go a long way.
Drying Period
Determining the drying period of your chosen sealant helps you plot a schedule of your project timeline. Most of the wood stains will set in a few hours after application.
On the other hand, latex wood sealers completely dry for approximately 2-3 weeks. Planning these activities will help you save time and reduce errors.