Is Thompson Water Seal good for decks

Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Protector is a super-durable clear wood sealer. It prevents water damage while maintaining the natural color of the wood. It’s our top choice for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture that has a natural wood finish.

How long does Thompson's Water Seal last on a deck?

If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years. This is dependent on conditions such as orientation of the wall and local climate.

What is the best water seal for wood decks?

Thompson’s Water Seal. …
Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer. …
DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer. …
Anchorseal 2. …
Roxil Wood Protection Cream. …
Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer. …
Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood. …
Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer.

What is the best product to seal a deck?

BEST OVERALL: SEAL-ONCE MARINE Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain.
BEST BUDGET: Rust-Oleum 9441 Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based.
BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s WaterSeal Wood Protector.
BEST WITH UV PROTECTION: DEFY Crystal Clear Composite Deck Waterproofing.

Is Thompson's Water Seal a good stain?

Whether you’re staining a deck, fence or furniture, our products provide the best wood stains available in a range of opacities and colors. All our waterproofing wood stains prevent water damage, while the coating resists mildew and UV damage.

Can you use Thompson Water Seal on pressure treated wood?

Some, like Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Wood Protector, recommend waiting 30 days before application on new pressure treated lumber. Other products, like Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Stain, can be applied immediately to new pressure treated lumber.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. … Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

How much area does a gallon of Thompson's Water Seal cover?

MaterialApproximate Coverage (sq. ft./gal.)Wood: Rough Sawn100Wood: Smooth Finish200Plywood150Wood Shingles100

How long do you wait to waterproof a deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.

How long will a pressure treated deck last?

It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

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What is the best treatment for pressure treated wood deck?

For fully exposed decks, a water-repellent sealer or a penetrating semi-transparent stain may provide the best finishing solution, even on wood that has been pressure treated with preservatives.

Is Thompson better than Olympic?

Thompson WaterSeal clear coat received a score of 12 out of 100 in Consumer Report’s test of 28 clear decking finishes. Olympic Waterguard scored a 5 out of 100. You can expect WaterSeal to perform slightly better than Olympic Waterguard, so it is appropriate to say that WaterSeal is the superior product.

Can you apply Thompson's Water Seal to wet wood?

Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Stains can be applied to damp wood, so you only have to wait about two hours to begin applying stain. Some of our other products require that the wood dry for 48 hours before applying a deck coating.

How often should you seal your deck?

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

Should I sand or power wash my deck?

Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.

How long should you wait to water seal pressure treated wood?

Let it dry. Most deck sealers for PT lumber require 24 to 48 hours of drying time, so make sure there’s no rain in the forecast.

Should I seal my pressure treated deck?

Although the wood is resistant to rot and insect attacks because of the pressure treatment, it can warp, split and develop mildew if not protected from the effects of water. …

When should I apply Thompson's water Seal?

Applying a sealer and/or stain typically is recommended every one to three years, depending on the finishing product, deck use, weather conditions, and sun exposure. All Thompson’s WaterSeal products are DIY-friendly, and most need only a single application on a clean, dry deck.

How long does it take for Thompson Water Seal to dry?

Allow at least 48 hours to dry; however drying time will vary depending on the substrate, temperature, and humidity. Allow minimum of 30 days drying time before applying oil based paint over Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Wood Protector – Clear.

Can you spray on Thompson Water Seal?

Can You Apply Water Seal with Sprayer? Answer: The Thompson Water Seal manufacturer recommends that you use the stain with a plastic sprayer. While you can still apply the sealer with a paintbrush, a good sprayer is will be more efficient.

What time of year should I seal my deck?

The general rule of thumb is that, if a deck is installed after August, you wait to seal it until the spring. You’ll know when your deck is completely dry because it will actually change in color from a greenish hue to one that is closer to beige, and the boards will have more space between them.

How much does it cost to seal a deck?

Cost to Seal a Deck Sealing a deck costs $895 or typically between $551 and $1,277. You’ll pay $0.75 to $4 per square foot for both materials and labor. Labor alone makes up 50% to 75% of the total price. Cost factors include regional worker rates, complexity, size, prep needs and accessibility.

Do I need to seal the underside of my deck?

The underside of decks, by its very nature, never sees direct sunlight, so stain under a deck is not necessary. … Having said that, no sun can cause mold and mildew to build up on the underside of decks.

Does Thompson Water Seal peel?

– As far as we can tell, Thompson’s® WaterSeal® does not prevent UV graying at all. This is a huge disappointment as preventing UV graying is the number one reason to stain your exterior wood and decking. – Thompson’s® WaterSeal® penetrates deep into the wood. There was no peeling or wearing.

What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you’ve chosen and how well you keep up with wood’s rigorous maintenance schedule.

Why is my wood deck cracking?

Constant exposure to moisture and heat causes wood deck boards to crack, and small or hairline cracks are an unavoidable consequence of your deck’s aging process. The wood gets wet, soaks up the water, expands and then drys out, contracting and shrinking, causing cracks in the surface of the wood.

Is treated wood better than cedar?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

Is it better to stain or paint pressure-treated wood?

For similar reasons, wet lumber can hinder how well paint adheres to the wood, but the added problem of the preservatives in pressure-treated wood makes it difficult for the paint to bond; this is why it’s advisable to stain pressure-treated wood instead of paint, as painting requires additional preparation.

How do I protect my treated wood deck?

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION If you’re looking to maintain the original color of pressure-treated wood longer, you will need to not only clean your deck periodically, but also apply a water-repellent finish with an ultraviolet stabilizer. The stabilizer will not prevent eventual discoloration, but will slow the process.

Can you apply Thompson's Water Seal with a rag?

You should clean your wood’s surface before applying Thompson’s water seal. This will prevent the paint pad from getting clogged when using it. So, you must take the time and clean the surface before doing so. Dampen the rag or the microfiber.