Can Water Seal be used on wood? Applying Water Seal will not damage wood, but the level of waterproofing protection will vary depending on the type of wood being treated. For best results, we would recommend a dedicated preserver to protect exterior timber from rot.
To treat untreated wood for outdoor use, you need to apply the treatment. This treatment contains chemicals that can make the wood shrug off insects and harsh weather. The best option you have to treat wood for outdoor use is pine tar. It's a popular option as it can provide a stain-like finish.
Use an outdoor-rated finish like polyurethane, epoxy, lacquer, or varnish. Make a natural oil finish with one part tung or linseed oil, one part mineral spirits, and one part polyurethane. Use a stain sealant combo that gives your wood some color and a durable finish all in one.
Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction.
How Long Does Thompson's WaterSeal Last? Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector claims to last for up to 4 years when applied correctly.
The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry about 30 days before applying stain or sealer.
Choose the right sealant.
If you want to change the color of your deck, you can use a combination stain and sealant. However, you shouldn't attempt to seal pressure-treated wood that's already been stained. For pressure treated decks, we recommend Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX.
Pressure-treated wood contains preservatives to prevent rot and insect damage, but it remains vulnerable to the sun, wind, moisture and dirt. Learning how to stain pressure-treated wood can extend the life and improve its appearance.
While a safe time to wait to seal a pressure-treated deck is 2 to 6 months, the amount of time you wait should also depend on your materials and goal. For example, if you're wondering when to seal a new cedar deck, you may want to do it sooner than 2 months.
How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood 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.
SEAL-ONCE products can be used on wood, concrete or masonry. This includes hardwood, softwood, pressure-treated wood, exotic wood, wood siding, log homes, cedar shakes and wood decking.
Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.
Untreated Wood
Left in their natural, unfinished state, most woods deteriorate quickly when exposed to outdoor environments. However, there are several species that have naturally occurring chemicals that help them shrug off harsh weather and insects.
Pressure treated wood can crack and split from water exposure and this will allow fungi to get into the cracks and create wood rot. If you have a pressure treated deck this can be a harder problem to avoid. The best way to protect from pressure-treated wood rot is to apply a deck preservative.
What's the Different Between a Sealer and a Waterproofer? Sealers and waterproofers perform similar functions, but they differ slightly in how they work. A wood or concrete sealer will protect the surface. Waterproofers are more durable than sealants because they penetrate the surface, filling in leaks or gaps.
Without waiting for the wood to dry, stain and sealant would not penetrate the wood properly, diminishing its ability to protect the wood from weather damage.
Know When To Stain
Due to the nature of the pressure-treating process, where water forces chemical preservatives into the wood, it can take up to several weeks for the lumber to dry out. If the lumber is kiln-dried, it can be painted or stained immediately; if not, you may have to wait a little longer.
Step 2: Wash Away Dirt and Debris
Once you've finished sweeping, use a hose or pressure washer to remove any remaining dirt and debris. Hold the hose or pressure washer nozzle at least 6-12 inches away from the surface of the wood to avoid damaging it. If you're using a pressure washer, start with the lowest setting.
Don't seal a deck below 50 degrees.
A 65 degree day might easily become a 40 degree night, and your seal will be ruined. The warmth helps it to dry out faster and seal more effectively.
The Only Permanent Wood and Concrete Sealer
PermaSeal® will restore and keep your deck protected for 25 years after just ONE treatment.
Answer: The manufacturer of Thompson Water Seal recommended that you use their product with a plastic sprayer with a brass wand, such as our Chapin Premier sprayer. There are no concerns about it eroding any of the seals inside of it.