Only one coat of Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Sealer is necessary. A second coat can be added if more color is desired.
A second coat is not necessary, but it can ensure maximum protection for the entire surface of your decking boards. Should I apply Thompson's water seal with a pump sprayer? Yes.
Yes: Applying too much Thompson's WaterSeal clear waterproofer will significantly increase the time it takes to dry, and it may not dry properly.
ONE OR TWO COATS? Ready Seal is intended to be a two-coat application, and the representation of tones above and on the Ready Seal website is indicative of two coats of Ready Seal.
Water Seal can only be used on bare and uncoated brick, stone or concrete. How long will Water Seal last? 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.
Thompson's Water Seal has been reformulated to last longer than standard waterproofers. It is long lasting, even under heavy moisture conditions, and is not destroyed by ultraviolet light.
Many sealers only require one coat per application which is ideal, however, this can still be an issue if they are a film forming product and build layers on top of the wood which will eventually start separating from the wood (much like the description above with thick water based stains.)
Once applied, it can withstand rain within minutes and will be completely dried within 48-72 hours, depending on temperature.
Ready Seal has an average spread rate with a heavy spraying application at about 100-125 sq. ft per gallon.
Thompson's WaterSeal includes a complete line of deck sealers and stains for protecting deck wood from moisture and sunlight. 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.
This is a review of Thompson's Water Seal transparent and semi-transparent wood sealer, a water-based waterproofing product for exterior wood. Overall I do not recommend Thompson's Water Seal to my customers. There are many water-based products available that last longer and provide much better protection.
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 Thompsons® WaterSeal® Clear Wood Sealer.
What is the best way to apply Thompson's® WaterSeal® cleaners? The fastest way to apply is with a pump-up sprayer (using a coarse setting), but you can also apply with a brush or a roller. You should apply liberally.
Allow 45 days drying time before applying latex paint over Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer. Allow a minimum of 3 days drying time before applying oil-based paint over Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer. Length of protection will vary depending on environment.
Ready Seal's life expectancy is 1-3 yrs on horizontal surfaces, and 3-5 years on vertical surfaces. Horizontal surfaces are subject to higher exposure levels of sunlight, weather and foot traffic, therefore longevity is shorter than vertical surfaces.
Natural Cedar, Redwood and Mahogany are popular Ready Seal stain colors with red undertones that bring out the natural beauty of each plank.
Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away.
Shady or sheltered areas may require a longer drying time. Allow at least 2 hours between coats on residen- tial driveways so as to minimize pickup or tracking. All manufacturers recommend 24 hours between coats or before opening to traffic. Methods of application: Apply sealer with a brush in the trimming areas.
Over coating
If too much sealer is applied, it cannot be absorbed into the wood. Wood is a fiber, and just like any other fiber it is capable of absorbing only so much. If you wet a sponge, and keep wetting it, eventually it will become oversaturated and the water will just pool on top until you squeeze it out.
Two coats offer a thicker, more resilient barrier against the elements, enhancing the overall durability of your property's asphalt. This additional layer of protection can significantly extend the lifespan of the sealcoat, simplifying long-term upkeep.
Only one coat of Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Sealer is necessary. A second coat can be added if more color is desired.
Short Lifespan
Some users have reported that Thompson's WaterSeal products don't provide as long-lasting protection as they would like. While the company claims that their products provide up to 5 years of protection, many users have found that the protection begins to degrade after just 1-2 years.
Repeat Annually. It is generally recommended to seal your deck every year or two. Harsh winters or extremely hot summers can cause the sealant to wear away.