Make sure that surfaces are dry and free of mildew, leaves and debris before waterproofing, staining or sealing. The ideal outdoor temperature to apply most protective coatings is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure that both surface and air temperature are above 50˚F during application and for 48 hours after application. Do not apply product if rain is forecasted within 24 hours of application.
50-90F or 10-32C is generally the optimal temp range for most stain/sealer products. Too cold and it won't penetrate as it should. Also, you want to do it while the deck wood is dry so it will absorb well. Keep an eye on the forecast and you might catch the right conditions.
On new pressure treated lumber, please allow 30 days before applying Thompson's WaterSeal Wood Sealers. Always perform the splash test before sealing wood. If water absorbs within 5 seconds after you've sprinkled it on the surface, the wood is porous and considered ready to be sealed.
This sealant dries immediately after installation. Thompson's water seal does not dry when the coat is still vulnerable and gets wet. To avoid that from happening, when you're done applying it, make sure there is no rain coming and try to avoid spilling liquids on it.
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.
Give the sealer at least 4 to 8 hours of drying time before rain is expected. Don't drive on your newly-sealed interlocked driveway for 24 to 48 hours after applying the seal. Give your sealed driveway or interlocking walkway at least 6 hours to dry before walking on it.
Only one coat of Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Sealer is necessary. A second coat can be added if more color is desired.
Yes: Applying too much Thompson's WaterSeal clear waterproofer will significantly increase the time it takes to dry, and it may not dry properly.
If the temperature drops below that 50 degree mark at night, your stain may not cure properly.
Do apply a sealant once per year to keep your deck looking like new and protect the wood. Don't take shortcuts when sealing your deck.
2. Don't seal a deck below 50 degrees. You don't want to begin the sealing process until you can safely guarantee the temperature will remain above 50 degrees for at least 48 hours.
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.
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.
If you want to remove solid stains, you'll need to use Thompson's® WaterSeal® Maximum Strength Deck Stripper. This fast-acting formula will also take off difficult to remove transparent and semi-transparent deck stains, and clear waterproofers, while cleaning stains from dirt, mildew, algae and fungus.
When it comes to choosing the best sealer for your wood projects, WOOD-TECH™ acrylic good wood sealer from Nationwide Protective Coatings is a top contender. Its superior protection, ease of application, and eco-friendly formulation make it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Waterproofing Tips
The ideal outdoor temperature to apply most protective coatings is between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid working in direct sunlight or when temperatures are above 95 F as excessive heat may cause the product to dry before it is absorbed.
You can use a pressure washer or a garden hose to clean the surface. If the surface is dirty or has mildew, you can use a Thompson Water Seal cleaner to clean it. Apply the water seal. You can apply Thompson Water Seal with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
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.
Rain after sealing a driveway can cause serious issues. If it rains before the sealer has fully cured, the water can wash away the newly applied layer, leaving patches of unprotected asphalt.
Thompson's® WaterSeal® Wood Sealers 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.
We highly recommend you wait to apply driveway sealer until after the temperature consistently reaches 50 degrees. Otherwise, the sealer won't adhere to the surface of your asphalt driveway and will quickly wear off. Driveways that have been sealed in cold weather are more prone to fading, cracking, and potholing.