Best Clear Deck Sealer for Wood Decks in 2024 4.5/5 (153)

This post was updated on April 30, 2024

Best Clear Deck Sealer for Wood Decks in 2024: Expert Reviewed

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.

Best Clear Deck Sealer for Wood Decks in 2024

Ready to find the best deck sealer for your patio? Take a closer look at our top picks for clear wood deck sealers, and leave any questions you might have in the comments below.

• Defy Extreme Clear: This clear deck stain is a favorite of ours. It’s also one of the best wood deck sealers on the market because its penetrating formula soaks deeply into wooden boards and leverages zinc oxide to protect against moisture, mold, mildew, pests, and UV damage.
• Armstrong-Clark Transparent Wood Stain: Armstrong-Clark’s clear deck stain defends against moisture and sunlight to keep your deck in tip-top shape all year. The penetrating sealant offers enhanced longevity and is well-suited to areas that receive heavy rain or snowfall.
• TWP 100 Series Clear Stain: TWP’s 100 Series Clear Stain goes on easily, requires minimal maintenance, and helps protect and preserve your wooden deck boards from moisture damage. The penetrating product absorbs deeply into your deck, sealing the wood pores and protecting the boards in even the coldest climates.
• TWP 1500 Series Clear Stain and Preservative: Another excellent TWP product, the 1500 Series Clear Stain and Preservative is an EPA-registered wood preservative that works hard to protect your deck from UV damage, mold, mildew, and moisture. At the same time, it slows drawing and minimizes the risk of cracking or warping, even in colder areas. 

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.

How to Choose the Right Clear Deck Sealer

Finding the best sealer for a deck isn’t always easy, especially if you want a clear product that will still protect your wooden boards. Consider the following questions when choosing your clear deck stain: 

• What type of deck do you have, and where is it located? The best clear deck sealer for you may depend on whether your deck sits poolside, near the ocean, or high in the mountains with lots of snow and rain.
• What kind of weather is your deck exposed to? The best product for your needs may vary depending on the weather your area experiences most frequently.
• What’s your budget? Prices can vary, but it’s critical to do your research and find the best deck seal for your needs rather than picking the least expensive option. You may spend slightly more upfront, but you could save on maintenance costs over time.

Application Tips for Clear Deck Sealers

Ready to start sealing your deck? Check out these tips before getting started for the best results. 

• Don’t stain a new deck right away. If your deck is brand new, wait at least 30 days before applying a stain or sealant. Otherwise, the boards won’t absorb the stain. 
• Make sure you know what type of product you’re using. Deck sealant, stain, and paint may all sound the same, but they’re actually three different products offering varying degrees of UV production, preservation, and pigmentation. 
• Take the time to prep your deck before staining it. Sweep your deck, repair any loose or damaged boards, and give the wooden surface a good scrub before applying stain to ensure the wood absorbs the product properly.
• Check the weather before applying stain. Finally, make sure you apply your stain on a dry, sunny day when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Damp weather, high temperatures, or lots of wind can negatively impact the application and may result in the need for recoating.

Longevity and Durability of Clear Sealers

Even the best deck sealer will need reapplication at some point. However, clear deck stains and sealant may require more frequent maintenance and recoating to keep your wooden boards safe and protected from UV, moisture, and pests.

As a general rule of thumb, plan to reapply a clear stain once a year.

Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Options

Looking for an eco-friendly, non-toxic clear deck stain? You’re in luck! There are several products available from trustworthy brands like ECOS. You may also consider natural oils, such as teak, linseed, or walnut oil, though these may require more frequent reapplication.

Clear Deck Sealer Performance in Various Climates

As mentioned above, the type of weather your area experiences can be a determining factor when selecting the best deck seal for your project. 

For instance, if you typically receive heavy rain and snowfall or live in an area with high humidity, the TWP 100 Series or TWP 1500 Series clear sealants may be the best bet for your deck. On the other hand, if you live in an arid, sunny region, the Defy Extreme Clear sealant may better protect your wooden deck boards.

Comparing Clear Deck Sealer Brands and Prices

The cost of clear deck sealant can vary widely. However, most of the products in this list cost between $50 and $60 for a 1-gallon container.

Ultimately, quality is the most important factor to consider. Plus, spending a bit more upfront on a quality product may save you more money and headaches down the road.

Common Issues with Clear Deck Sealers and How to Solve Them

Some of the most common issues with clear deck sealers include UV damage and wear and tear over time. Other problems may include moisture damage, discoloration, or even brush or roller streaks in the stain.

If you’re dealing with brush or roller streaks, you’ll likely see them fade over time. However, wear and tear, UV damage, and rot may require touch-ups or reapplication to prevent further damage.

FAQs About Clear Deck Sealers

Read on for more about clear deck sealers.

How often should I reapply a clear deck sealer?

As a general rule of thumb, plan to reapply a clear deck sealer once yearly to protect your deck boards. 

Can clear sealers be used on all types of wood?

Yes, you can typically use a clear sealer on all types of wood. Keep in mind you will need to remove any existing stain or sealer before applying a new coat.

What are the best conditions for applying a clear sealer?

For best results when applying a clear sealer, keep an eye out for two to three days of clear weather, dry with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do clear sealers impact the wood’s natural color and grain?

As their name suggests, clear sealers are transparent and allow the wood’s natural color and grain to show through without altering it. Instead, they simply help protect the deck boards from UV, moisture, and pest damage. 

What is the difference between water-based and oil-based clear sealers?

Oil-based sealers generally penetrate more deeply into wooden deck boards, resulting in enhanced protection and preservation. That said, water- or silicon-based sealers can also defend your deck against the elements, though they may require additional care and regular reapplication.

How should I prepare my deck before applying a clear sealer?

For best results, make sure your deck is clean, dry, and clear of any furniture or decor before applying a clear sealer. If needed, you may also use a scrub brush or pressure washer and deck cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and old stain or sealers. 

Are there clear sealers that also provide UV protection?

While clear sealers don’t offer as much UV protection as semi-transparent or solid stains, there are several products on the market that can help protect your wooden deck from UV damage.

Can I apply a clear sealer over an old stain or paint?

In most cases, you’ll need to remove old stain or paint before applying a clear sealer. If not, the old stain may show through the clear sealer and may even impact the sealant’s ability to penetrate into the wood. 

What are the safety precautions to take when applying a sealer?

When applying any type of stain or sealant, make sure you wear long pants and sleeves to avoid skin irritation from splatters, along with proper protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and a mask. Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes, too.

How to handle sealer runoff and spills during application

In most cases, you can handle small spills by blotting up the sealer and using soap and water to rinse off excess. If you’re facing a larger spill, you may need to use a deck stain cleaner to remove the unwanted sealant.

Have A Question on the Best Clear Deck Sealer? Ask Below in Comment Area!

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

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.

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