This post was updated on January 30, 2023
Best Clear Deck Sealers in 2023
Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we are proud of the fact that we are the Internet’s number one reference for your deck stain opinions and reviews. We thank you for your continued support. Clear deck sealers continue to be a great option for protecting your wood deck from water damage, but unfortunately, do not provide any protection against UV rays and graying/wood darkening. If you have used clear deck sealers, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.
Clear Deck Sealers and Stains for Exterior Wood
It is no secret that protecting a wood deck with a water-repellent sealer is vital to its integrity and lifespan. Clear deck sealers leave the wood looking natural which may appeal to the deck owner. Without a doubt, a natural-looking wood deck is a thing of beauty.
Deck sealers do give adequate water protection by locking out moisture. This is important to the wood’s lifespan. When water is absorbed into the wood it swells and when it dries up it shrinks. This continuous swelling and shrinking eventually begins to crack, split, and warp the wood. A clear wood sealer will stop this water damage from happening.
Another enemy to a wood deck is the sun. Harsh UV rays turn the wood fibers gray and also cause warping and splitting of the wood. The problem with clear deck sealers is that they lack the pigment to protect against sun damage. So although a clear deck sealer will give a deck great water protection it will not protect against sun damage.
This is without a doubt a huge disadvantage when using clear deck sealers. The best way to keep a natural look and give the wood deck both water and sun protection is to use a semi-transparent deck stain in a natural color. The wood grain is still allowed to show through and with only a little bit of tone or color a wood deck can still look very natural, yet the deck stain has enough pigment to give adequate sun protection.
Clear deck sealers can be very appealing to deck owners looking for water protection and to keep that “natural look” they are wanting. This comes at a risk to the wood deck because of the lack of sun protection. If you are looking for a natural-looking deck with both water and sun protection consider using a semi-transparent deck stain as opposed to a clear deck sealer.
Have A Question on the Best Clear Deck Sealer? Ask Below in Comment Area!
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
Best clear deck preserver. Deck is in direct sun. Sanding old satin off.
You want the wood to gray naturally in months? https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
We are installing a brand new pressure treated cedar looking deck. I read where you said it needs to have a tint to prevent it from graying( which I did not know) thank you! Can I seal right away or do I have to wait, and recommendations for what to use. I want to keep the color as long as I can.
Thank you.
If you want UV protection it has to be tinted and no, you cannot stain or seal new wood right away:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We paid to have our deck stained last year; it appeared he applied too much. We complained and he “washed” the deck using a mild detergent and it didn’t help. He basically blamed us for the previous old stain that had already been pressure washed off. Walking on the deck, the stain still rubs off onto our shoes, so we nor guests can walk in and out. Looking for an idea that will seal the current floor stain so we can walk on it without tracking it back into the house. We hope to build a new deck in a couple of years, but would love to be able to walk on it again until then….. Ideas?
You cannot seal over a stain. The only way to fix is to remove all and start over. For help with removing, post some pics.
I have pine decking that I stained with a “Hunter” grey colour. What should I use to maintain protection without adding more stain, which will darken the colour?
You cannot add anything on top of a deck stain for added protection. Only more stain as needed.
I have a Mahogany porch floor that I sealed with Messmer’s UV Plus natural finish last year. I never liked the fact that is was flat/no sheen. They no not offer or recommend a satin or gloss finish because they peal and are slippery. I am ok risking this to a point for the better look. Is there a product I can put over the finish that I have that will give it more of a wet look?
You cannot add a gloss of any level to a deck surface. It will peel/blister and will create a huge mess to sand off and fix. The stain needs to be fully penetrating with no shine.
We used Rust-Oleum 10x deck restorer . It is peeling in some places after one year and we keep reapplying. The finish is very chalky and and any dirt sticks to it. The walk through areas are muddy and don’t rinse off. Can we apply a sealer to the paint that would help resist the dirt?
No. The only way to fix it is to fully sand it all off.
We have a new covered, screened, porch with a T&G larch floor in northern NY. We see all kinds of weather -30 with snow to 90 and humid Looking for a clear to very light stain with UV protection and good on bare feet. We love the natural color and don
t want it to gray but dont want to add a lot of color. Any help you could give would be appreciated. thank youSee here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try Restore A Deck Stain in Natural after wait and prep.
We have an Ipe deck and cypress barn doors. We want to protect them from water damage, however we do want them to weather and turn gray. Your site says that clear sealers will accomplish this. Can you recommend the best sealers for this job?
Thanks, Ken
Clear sealers offer no UV protection from graying. They must be tinted: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Try TWP or Restore A Deck Stains.
Hello,
The more I read the comments the more confused I get…and have spent hours trying to figure this out.. BUT…grateful to have found your site! We have a 1000 sq ft deck (oh my) and a patio cover that get sun the whole day. I sealed it last year with Super Deck which seems to have barely done anything. After reading reviews it seems the $20/gal vs $60/gal gets the same comments…that I will have to re-do this in a year. I have learned here I to pick a stain so that is new but helpful. I got a LOT of staining to do. So first I need to pressure wash the deck? Then stain it and then seal it?????? Thank you!!! From a mom of three that can’t spend any more time reading about deck sealers lol.
A quality deck stain will last 2-3 years. Prep by removing the prior coating and then use a semi-transparent stain after:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
You do not apply a sealer over a deck stain.
I have a cedar tinted at factory pressure treated wood deck which is three years old and ready for its first sealer treatment.
I would like to use a clear stain, but I have read that clear stains lacks pigment to prevent sun (UV) rays from long term damage to wood. Since my wood deck already has a stain should I still use a tinted semi transparent stain or would a clear stain be OK?
You want a semi-transparent stain after prep.
I have left over Defy Extreme stain that is probably 5 years old. I stirred the product and it still appears good. I have sanded the deck and plan to use this if age is not an issue. Does the Defy Extreme product lose its effectiveness over time?
Thanks
it should be fine as long as it mixes evenly and is not clumpy.
What’s the best option sealer or stain ? If the wood is iroko and there is snow for a few months of the year, then rain then high temperature 20-30c dry months with sun most of the day?
Look at one of these hardwood stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
want to seal exterior glu lams
Hat is the best wood sealer (no pigment) to let wood grey naturally while resisting water?
Defy Extreme Clear or TWP 1500 Series in Clear.
We are almost done sanding off the Behr deck over we put on a few years ago. I was planning to use clear sealer (Thompson’s water seal), but read your article about its lack of UV protection. If I use a semi transparent stain, I would prefer a lighter color, but does a darker color provide better UV protection?
Yes, darker colors typically give better UV protection. Look at one of these brands:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What are your recommended deck sealer brands?
Best to use semi-transparent stains unless you want the wood to gray natrually:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What about for a dock? Sorry I miss wrote my initial question. Thx!
Restore a Deck in Natural or TWP in Honeytone colors.
What brand do you recommend for a new deck that will maintain the natural look of the wood while waterproofing and protecting from sun damage
You must have a tinted stain for UV protection. See here about new wood on how to prep and what to use: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Can a clear sealer be used over a semi transparent stain? Is it recommended?
I have a black butt deck that’s gone grey naturally I’m wanting a product that will seal and protect the grey?
You cannot seal in the gray as you would have to prep it first and this would remove the graying. You can then use a clear sealer that will allow the wood to naturally gray again over time.
I understand that a clear treatment has less UV protection. Although I am trying to get the full TRUE colors of the hand selected cedar boards used on the deck. I have tried 2 different ‘clear’ wood protectors. Both left the wood YELLOW😳. Cedar has beautiful reds and whites which is what I want. I am willing to treat the deck every season to help protect it from the sun. Would that be enough to protect it so we can go ahead with a true ‘clear’ seal?
A true clear sealer has no UV protection. The ones you tested were not true clear sealers but lightly tinted. What you want to do is not possible. It has to be tinted to protect from graying otherwise it will gray in months.
Want to stain/seal cedar porches. What is the best product for uv protection and preserving the beauty of the wood.
Penetrating semi-transparent stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
I am putting new redwood 2 x2 on the top of of a deck overhang. The structure is painted white (just finished) but The redwood I have is so beautiful I want to just use natural clear on it. What is my best choice
A clear will not provide UV protection. It needs to be tinted: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Hi there, I’m doing a cedar T&G cabin restoration and I’m looking for a clear coat that will not darken the wood. My client had a mold problem due to no ventilation, humid climate & no circulation. My plan is to run A/C ducting along the peak of the ceiling and add fans to correct the problem and prevent it from happening again. My clients love the look of the natural cedar, they want to keep this look but every transparent product I’ve tested so far darkens it. She also wants a gloss on the ceilings and flat on the walls which is basically asking for the impossible to have a variation in the colors but keep the natural Cedar look. Does anyone have any experience using a clear or water based transparent product that has had success with this? Any suggestions would be sincerely appreciated!
We do not work with or have experience with interior coatings that have any level of shine/gloss to them. Completely different products then outside coatings that have no shine at all.
my deck is painted – can I put a sealer ontop of this to make the paint last longer?
No.
why not?
It will not soak in, dry correctly, and will peel. You can never top coat a deck stain or paint with a sealer.
Thanks. Not the answer I was hoping for though! We have our deck “stained” with a Valspar product 2 months ago and it is molding/mildewing badly. I was hoping a sealer would help. Valspar says there is nothing they can do and that it is normal. Also not the answer I was looking for!
Valspar makes very poor deck stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/valspar-one-coat-stain-sealer-review/
Thanks. I guess it’s just something we are going to have to live with.
Can a severe weather wood be sanded after a darker sealer was applied
To remove the current sealer, yes.
I installed pine soffit ceilings in my porch area. The pine is untreated and will see very little sun and little to no direct moisture being that it is a ceiling. However, I would like to seal the ceiling to make it last as long as possible. I also want to prevent the pine from yellowing if I can. I live in South Texas so we experience mild winters and extremely humid summers. Any recommendations?
Try the Defy Extreme Clear.
what do you recommend for a clear oil based deck sealer? I have a cedar deck and made the mistake of using a semi-transparent stain on it. I plan to strip the stain and likely sand. I do not mind having to reapply an oil sealer on a regular basis. I want to avoid the constant stripping
Clear = zero UV protection from graying and will gray in months. Is this what you want?
no. I think I want to apply a penetrating oil that will protect the deck. I am in Minnesota so high intensity UV light is less of a problem than in other parts of the country, Nevertheless, i would like UV protection. I thought an oil would save me from the extensive maintenance that I encountered with a semi- transparent stain that peeled in 2 years. I thought that an oil would require yearly reapplication-but the preparation would be just good cleaning (vs stripping and sanding) The more I read, the more confused I get. your help is appreciated.
You need a penetrating semi-transparent oil-based stain like the TWP 100 series or Armstrong Clark. They do not peel and can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
What would I use on a new cedar deck far as a clear tinted sealer? Not looking to stain it currently
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Clear will not offer UV protection from graying as explained above, must be tinted.
Hey there, we live in sunny (and super humid) Florida and just rebuilt our deck around a swimming pool using PT pine. Love the natural wood, and want to show off the grain, but wouldn’t mind going slightly darker with a semi-transparent if need be. What would be the best sealer to use in this area…hoping to be able to apply with a roller. Thanks so much, this is a very informative site!
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Redid our porch last year, left the floor natural wood and replaced the concrete steps with natural wood. We wanted to keep the light wood colour so chose to use Super Deck clear sealer. It seems to be all but gone this year with no protection left, so looking for something a bit longer lasting. Not opposed to something with a stain as long as it will keep it fairly light if that is a better option for protection. Also, obviously needs to go overtop SuperDeck, what is left of it. The main porch floor gets little sun, as it is covered and on the protected east side of the house, but the steps get the morning sun exposure.
Strip and brighten the wood to remove the Super Deck. You cannot apply over it. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.
I have a deck, gate and side patio covered area that I will need to treat soon. I would like to see as much of the original wood color as possible but still do the UV and weather protection. Can I use one of the following in the link to do the entire job? Also, what would be the best way to apply? Maybe some type of sprayer?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Thanks!
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Use a stain pad to apply or brush.
I want to use a CLEAR sealer on my factor- stained “cedar-toned” pt fencing and railings. Am i assuming correctly that the lack of uv protection typical in a clear sealer is a non issue in this situation since the wood is already stained in the factory. I DO NOT WANT TO CHANGE THE COLOR BUT I WANT TO PRESERVE THE WOOD. UV protection is already provided by the factory stain, is it not? If i am correct, will i need to seal every year or might it last 2-3? And, of course, all this also assumes that the wood WILL NOT TURN GREY which would defeat the whole purpose!!!! Thank you.
This is a very disappointing subject as i just installed a new cedar deck and after a week prior to sealing, the beautiful color is already leaving. We sanded it and are applying cabots natural Australian timber oil to that thus changing the color anyhow but hopefully still holding some advantage of cedar over pt.
The factory stain will not provide UV protection for very long, maybe a year. Then you will need to stain, nor seal with a tinted stain for UV protection every 2-3 years.
You have no choice but to do this unless you want the wood to gray.
2019.05.19. Installed floating boat dock with PT pine. Four months later put Valspar One coat exterior clear sealer. Looked great for a few months. Then…first noticed that the product became sticky, then started turning brown and splotchy in the areas that were exposed to direct sunlight. The areas that are not exposed to all day sunlight look acceptable. 12 months later and the swim deck that is exposed to sun looks terrible. Now using an orbital sander, 40 grit sanding disc, to remove sealer from swim deck. It’s very time-consuming, but starting to look like a brand new board. First, I hope we are correct in sanding sealer off, since we are half-way through with swim deck. Secondly, we are correct to NOT go back with Valspar, right? What is your professional recommendation for product to use? Pictures of swim deck, and an area that is covered but does receive sunlight in late afternoon attached. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Barbara
After fully sanding it off, clean and brighten for final prep. We do not like the Valspar: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/valspar-one-coat-stain-sealer-review/
Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hello, i live in KC and had a treated pine wood deck built around a pool last year. I’m ready to weather protect it but really don’t want to change the color of the natural wood. Now that I know I can’t put just a clear weatherproof sealant on due to no Sun protection, what’s the best protectant with the lightest of color? We love the love of untouched wood. Thank you!
Try TWP in Honeytone or Defy Extreme in Natural Pine.
Our multiple decks’ surface boards are cedartone treated pine sold by M—— in the Chicago area. They were installed about 15 months ago around a swimming pool and by the house which has sun for only 5 or 6 hours a day, the wood has never been sealed.
The cedar tone color has held it’s color and I’m considering using transparent sealer/stain, what brands should be considered? I’ve heard Sherwin Williams is really good however I have a hard time finding any reviews.
Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
We are not fans of any SW Deck Stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/?s=super+deck
Are you not a fan due to performance or other issues?
SW Super Deck turns black. It doesn’t last.
Hope this isn’t a repeat question..
I have small privacy fence on 2 sides of my deck and the deck is approximately 15 by 25 feet. All the wood is MicroPro Sienna PT.
What would you recommend doing or not doing with regards to sealing?
I thought I should seal it with a clear sealer since it’s already has color in the PT wood.
I put advanced Thompsons water seal on the bottom side of deck boards but wasn’t sure if that is the best product for top.
Thanks
Clear sealer will not provide UV protection and will gray in months. See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Good morning. My father always said the stupidest question is the one never asked.
Well here goes. So, I have a new deck 1 year old. Want to keep it just standard natural look. Are you saying to buy and stain sealer in a natural color opposed to just a clear sealer to help prevent sun damage.
Thx
It must be tined if you want UV protection. Use one of these: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Clear will gray naturally in months.
Jeff,
Relatively new deck (pressure treated southern pine), installed in late November. After 3 months of drying, some checking appeared. Moisture meter read mostly under 9%, so I thought it was time to apply some protection. After cleaning (waited two days after cleaning) I applied a semi-transparent stain (Sherwin Williams water based Superdeck). Result came out very splotchy. I then stripped the deck (Behr stain stripper). The deck looks OK now in its natural state. Knowing that a clear sealer will have no UV protection and will turn grey, would there be another option to apply a solid color stain? Would the stain (clear or otherwise) take OK after the stripper application?
Thanks,
You must use a wood brightener after stripping to neutralize. Do this before staining and then you are okay. Try Armstrong Clark Stains or TWP Stains.
Hi – We want to apply a clear sealant to all of the decks on our condo building. The decks were built new a little over a year ago. What brand/type of clear sealant would you recommend? Do we also need to seal the posts and other non-deck/stair surfaces?
Thanks!
You do realize it will gray naturally in months if you use a clear sealer? Are you okay with this?
I think so, the other owners want to use a clear sealer.
Look at Defy Extreme Clear or TWP 1500 Series in Clear.
We are installing new tongue and groove fir boards on a covered porch. Porch faces east. Gets morning sun and limited water. Can a transparent stain adequately seal between the boards so water doesn’t get between them? We will seal all sides of the boards but want the top coat to create an impermeable coating between the boards. Looking at Sikkens but don’t like the colors and hoping to maintain natural wood look more. Want a sealer that creates a rubbery/solid layer on top to minimize water infiltration. Or can we do a stain followed by a good exterior sealer? What products are compatible for that?
No, a sealer will not seal between boards. Deck stains or sealer will not creat a rubbery/membrane on the wood. Also, you cannot sealer over a deck stain or vice versa.
I am having a cedar picnic table built… gorgeous. What is the best clear sealer for waterproofing and UV protection? Thank you .
A clear sealer will not provide UV protection. It must be tinted. See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thanks about the UV info…..of course. Makes sense. Then, what I really need is the best sealer for CEDAR……it is beautiful and I’d like to try to keep it that way…….thank you………again!
All tinted colors will enhance the grain based on the color you choose. The color is up to you. Look at Armstrong after the wait and prep.
Building a large deck and wanting to slightly burn the wood then seal/stain it… Would a natural stain completely take away from the burnt look?
Similar to this
You would want a true clear sealer, not a Natural tint. A tinted coating would alter the appearance. Problem is that a clear sealer will not provide any UV protection.
Which semi transparent deck stain is the best to use and where can it be purchased?
See here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Check with the manufacturers for help with purchasing.
I need a stain/water protection that goes on clear for my deck.What would I use. In the past I have used Sickens products but they don’t sale clear. Thank You.
Clear means it will gray naturally in months. Are you okay with that?
I am looking for water repellincy.
Can a sealer be painted over a clean and painted wood deck.
No. You cannot seal over a painted or stained deck.
I just built a redwood pergola and would like to know the best sealer to protect the natural looking redwood. I was going to go with a clear sealer by Cabot but read that a clear sealer might not protect from UV damage. If I go with a semi transparent deck stain, what is th best tint to use to keep the natural redwood look?
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I want to put a sealer/protector on two single person porch swings. I want to keep them the natural color, but I want them protected from water, sun, and mildew. What Cabot sealer should I use.
As the article above explains, a clear sealer will not provide UV protection. It must be tinted like one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi. I live in Los Angeles. I have an Ipe deck that has not been treated in ten years or more. It gets a lot of sun. It it still in reasonably good shape, but has silvered in most places, which I don’t mind. I think the ship has sailed on restoring the original reddish color, and that’s okay. At this point I just want to protect it from further UV damage, and protect it from moisture. It is starting to show signs of cupping and buckling due to higher than usual rainfall last year. I just borrowed a heavy-duty power-washer, and plan to clean it off – but can’t figure out what to treat it with afterwards. The stuff I used when the deck was first built was very expensive and hard to use, oil-based and specifically designed for Ipe. But it never worked right and wore off quickly without absorbing. I went to Home Depot but didn’t see anything that seemed ideal. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
You want a stain designed for your wood type. See this for help: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
I live in Canada where clear oil-based sealers are no longer sold ….just water-based. I have a bit of a “different color wood dilemma in that there is:
1) a green pressure-treated dock 18 years old, now a light green/grey. The first sealant many years ago was Thompson’s Waterseal (water-based and lasted 1 year. Then I used Olympic Waterguard (oil based) many years ago and it lasted many years. A few years ago I used Olympic again but didn’t realize it is now water-based in Canada and it did not last a year. Needless to say, I’m not impressed with water-based clear sealant.
2) a light brown “Barefoot” brand pressure-treated lower deck/pergola, that is a bleached looking light brown. I put the same Olympic WaterGuard (water-based) that I had left over from previous years and it did little to nothing.
3) The “wall” of the upper deck and stairway at the cottage has just been redone with the now seemingly only-available pressure treated “Sienna” lumber …a quite pleasing light brown/cedar-like color. All stores (HD, Lowes, etc) only carry the Sienna p-t lumber.
All 3 different woods are contiguous so the different wood is noticeable (but not necessarily bad-looking). I can send a picture if desired.I am adding 2 more fingers to the dock and have found some green p-t lumber still available and will use that as it will tie in with the other fingers and I believe the older p-t treatment is superior to the newer treatments.
I now want to protect all wood on all areas and want some recommendations. The wood will be clean and dry, but I want the treatment to last many years, and then be able to easily do it again when it needs it. I will likely apply with a sprayer or a roll-on. Any advise you can give would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time and help.
Bill
Look at using the TWP 200 Series in Clear.
Need a clear restorative, stain recommendation for a 38 year old Boulder CO town home, back deck that gets little or no direct sunshine and only half the deck is exposed to rain and snow.
Try TWP 100 Series.