Best Redwood Sealer: Find Your Perfect Pick In 2023!

Best Redwood Sealer

For the longevity of the woodwork, sealers play a great role. Especially if you have a deck, fence, or some wooden structure outside your house. You should use sealers because woods are very vulnerable to weather.

Water, rain, UV ray, and moisture in the air are the culprits that reduce wood’s lifetime. Sealers create a separate layer on the top so that the wood cannot be affected directly. Redwood typically lasts more than 20 years. Applying sealers would greatly extend their lifetime.

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. After hours of research, we have made a list of the best redwood sealer. Let’s take a look.

Our selected top products for the best redwood sealer:

Product Image
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
Olympic Stain 80115 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 1 Gallon, Red Cedar
HOPE'S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Waterproof Natural Wood Finish and Sealer, 128 Fl Oz
TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer Stabilizer for Rot Repair and Restoration (Quart, Cold Weather)
Product Title
Ready Seal
Olympic Elite
Hope's Wood Finish
TotalBoat
Editor Rating
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
Prime Status
-
Product Image
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
Product Title
Ready Seal
Editor Rating
5/5
Prime Status
Product Image
Olympic Stain 80115 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 1 Gallon, Red Cedar
Product Title
Olympic Elite
Editor Rating
5/5
Prime Status
-
Product Image
HOPE'S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Waterproof Natural Wood Finish and Sealer, 128 Fl Oz
Product Title
Hope's Wood Finish
Editor Rating
5/5
Prime Status
Product Image
TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer Stabilizer for Rot Repair and Restoration (Quart, Cold Weather)
Product Title
TotalBoat
Editor Rating
5/5
Prime Status

Benefits of Sealing Redwood

Besides the quality, the color and shade of redwood provide a certain appeal. They are one of the best in terms of quality. But even the best things need maintenance.

Using sealer helps with two things. It increases longevity, and the wood can retain the real color. The sealer layer also minimizes the dust and other particles that tend to get stuck on the wood. So, you get to keep the wood’s royal color shade while also getting a long lifetime.

Another interesting read: How To Drill Into Stucco

Why Is Sealing Redwood Better Than Painting?

Though some might look at the painting as a viable option instead of sealing, it has some drawbacks. Here is why sealing would be a better option:

Painting hides the real color of the wood. It would be a shame to cover up such a majestic color of redwood. Some people like redwood solely for its color. Sealers come in transparent and semi-transparent varieties. So, you could keep the original colors.

Another thing is that painting traps moisture. The moisture affects the wood and speeds up the decaying rate. In contrast, the sealer makes a layer so that moisture could not get mixed up with the wood.

Accessories you may need:

Shur-Line 1791257 Deck Stain Pad with Groove Tool
Shur-Line 1791257 Deck Stain Pad with Groove Tool
Stains flat surfaces and between boards at the same time; Wrapped edge pad helps prevent ripping due to rough wood, screws, and nail heads
Sale
Chemical Resistant Gloves,Safety Work Cleaning Protective Heavy Duty Industrial Gloves,Natural Latex 12.2' Length Black 1 Pair Size M (Medium)
Chemical Resistant Gloves,Safety Work Cleaning Protective Heavy Duty Industrial Gloves,Natural Latex 12.2" Length Black 1 Pair Size M (Medium)
Material:Natural Latex,Size:M Length:12.2"(310mm),Width:3.7"(94mm),Standard:Q/HGSY34; Application:Chemical Processing,Household Cleaning,Car Washing,Machine Maintenance,etc.
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.; Requires no back brushing and will never leave runs, laps, or streaks.

Best redwood sealer: Our Honest Reviews

1. Best Overall: Ready Seal 520 Exterior

Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
7,169 Reviews
Ready Seal 520 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5 Gallon, Redwood - Packaging may vary
  • Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over...

We chose the Ready Seal 520 because it is a sealer and stain in one package. Having the qualities of sealer, it possesses some features of the stains too. This is the best exterior redwood sealer.

Another main benefit you will get from this item – is formulated to seal the wood against moisture. The sealer and stain combination within itself raises the quality of finish, saves time, and eliminates the extra cost.

A Tip: Using a brush or pad is okay. But for the best result, use a sprayer.

Ready Seal 520 Exterior does not need any primer or thinner; there is no need for back brushing. You won’t require any wet-line applications. It can be applied at any temperature.

This sealer is semi-transparent. It allows the texture and grain to remain visible while enhancing beauty. Due to its unique formula, the sealer penetrates deep into the wood. As a result, it provides better protection from mold, moisture, mildew, and damaging UV rays.

The chance of getting a scratch is very low. Because it penetrates the wood rather than creating a coat over it, you probably won’t see any scratch on the surface for regular usage.

This product meets the VOC level requirement in all of the US. VOC or Volatile Organic Compounds are chemicals that become gas at room temperature. Those gas particles cause irritation, headache, nausea, etc. But you won’t have to worry about that because the requirement is already met.

Pros

  • Lasts longer
  • Great at repelling water
  • Low VOC level

Cons

  • High price
  • Color fades in the first few weeks

Who should buy it?

If you are looking for the best redwood stain and sealer, and budget is not an issue, this would serve you the best. The quality of service justifies the price. Click here to check what users say about the best outdoor redwood sealer.

2. Best Budget: Olympic Stain 80115 Elite Woodland Oil Stain

Olympic Stain 80115 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 1 Gallon, Red Cedar
180 Reviews
Olympic Stain 80115 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 1 Gallon, Red Cedar
  • One Coat Protection Wood Stain - Complete one coat protection allows you to cover the surface in just one coat.

This is a budget-friendly sealer with great features like all-weather application, fade resistance, etc. These are the top reasons we picked it.

However, the best benefit of this product is its affordable price. It provides the best service considering the price you will have to pay for this.

A Tip: Solid color will need two coats.

This product not only has a low price but also comes with many variants. They come in clear, transparent, semi-transparent, and solid colors. Unless you have a color preference, solid color is the best for durability, fade protection, and waterproofing. On the other hand, clear one scores lowest on those matrices, but it has high wood grain visibility.

You can apply it even when it is too cold or hot. So, the timing won’t be a headache. It also has advanced sunblock UV technology. This feature makes it fade-resistant and saves the wood from UV rays.

It is very efficient. With 1 gallon, you could cover approximately 250-300 sq feet of area. So, you will be saving money here too. You will need to apply it once every year. Because in most cases, the coats only last about a year.

Pros

  • Low price
  • Great features
  • Comes in variants

Cons

  • Coat color does not always match
  • Sometimes does not last longer

Who should buy it?

If you are looking for affordable and quality sealant, you have found it. To learn more, visit this page.

3. Best for Furniture: HOPE’S Tung Oil Furniture Sealer

Sale
HOPE'S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Waterproof Natural Wood Finish and Sealer, 128 Fl Oz
340 Reviews
HOPE'S 100% Pure Tung Oil, Waterproof Natural Wood Finish and Sealer, 128 Fl Oz
  • Easy to Use - Tung oil is a natural oil recognized by craftsmen to offer the ultimate hand-rubbed finish for all fine woods; just wipe on and...

Most of the sealants are made to beat the tough exposures that fences, decks face. Furniture is often ignored. We chose this because it is specially made for furniture.

The main ingredient is Tung oil. This oil penetrates deep into the fiber of the wood and becomes a part of it. It protects the wood from alcohol, moisture, and everyday wear and tear.

A Tip: Dilute the solution in a 2:1 ratio for best penetration in the wood and better durability

Unlike other sealers, it goes deep into wood fiber and becomes a part of it. So, no layer forms on the surface. It protects the wood from moisture and alcohol from within. It not only makes the wood shiny but also makes it more durable.

You will need to use a solvent like citrus, turpentine, etc. Which means you are in control of heavy or light textures. The Tung oil reacts with oxygen very slowly. For this reason, it will last for a long time before you will need to apply it again.

You use it for the wooden utensil too. It has approval from the FDA. That means you can apply this on the surfaces where you keep your food. You won’t have to worry about the health implications.

Pros

  • Gives a shiny vibe
  • Leaves great scent
  • Has a long life

Cons

  • Takes a long time dry
  • Not safe around pets. They think of it as food

Who should buy it?

This item is great for things that won’t have face rough exposure. If you need a sealer for furniture, this is the best sealer for redwood furniture. To learn more, check out this page.

4. Best anti-rotting: TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer

TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer Stabilizer for Rot Repair and Restoration (Quart, Cold Weather)
1,312 Reviews
TotalBoat Clear Penetrating Epoxy Wood Sealer Stabilizer for Rot Repair and Restoration (Quart, Cold Weather)
  • WOOD HARDENER FOR ROTTED WOOD: two-part epoxy system seals, hardens, preserves, and protects all types of wood by stopping rot. Makes finishes...

We placed it on our list because it is a great product to use for rot prevention.

It has marine-grade epoxy resin that helps to restore the rotten wood. Not only would you be able to restore the wood but also prevent further rotting.

A Tip: Mix with acetone for more penetrating power.

This product comes in two variants. They are traditional and cold weather. The traditional is suitable for 65-90F temperatures. And, as the name suggests, the cold weather formula should be used when the temperature is around 40-65.

The main ingredient of this sealer is two-part epoxy resin. It seals, hardens, and protects the wood from rotting. There is no harsh fume or VOC. So, they won’t affect your health in any way.

Its low viscosity makes with suitable for not only redwood but also other types. Another great thing is that it can be hot-coated even without sanding between coats.

This TotalBoat Epoxy seals the wood to prevent and repair the damage. It can be thinned as per requirement. You can also mix it with thickening or filler agents.

Pros

  • Low odor
  • Reinforces wood
  • No VOC

Cons

  • Applying the procedure is tricky
  • Takes a lot of time to dry up

Who should buy it?

In case you have a wooden structure getting rot, especially a wooden boat, then this one is a must-try sealer. To learn more about this sealant, click here.

5. Best for Deck: KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior

No products found.

It has made a place on our list because of its consistent and leveled finish and adhesion. These two things matter most when sealing a deck.

It has one of the best adhesion ratings. It can stick on almost any surface. Due to the great adhesion, it performs great on both interior and exterior elements.

A Tip: Apply this sealer before applying paint. The paint will last for a long time.

This unit uses a water-based formula to seal the surfaces. It also shows great adhesion to almost all kinds of surfaces. For this reason, you will get a smooth and uniform finish – something every deck owner would love to have.

This product will fill all the small imperfections and seal the porous surfaces. It also offers great protection from mildew and mold. This product has multi-application. You could use it on plaster, woodwork, paneling masonry and etc.

It also has great coverage. You could seal 300-400 sq feet per gallon. So, covering a large area like a deck or fence won’t be much of a problem. It is the best sealer for redwood fences too beside the decks.

Pros

  • Great coverage
  • Very thick
  • Hides scratches

Cons

  • Need at least two coats
  • Might need ventilation for odor

Who should buy it?

If you have got a large deck to cover, it will get you covered. This is the best redwood deck sealer. Check out user reactions to assess its performance.

What to Consider Before Buying Best Redwood Sealer? (The Buying Guide)

You will find many sealers on the market. They all are not equal in the term of quality. Some are made with redwood in mind; some are not. Here are the things you should look for to pick the best sealer.

Wood type

There are three types of redwood available. They are Dawn redwood, giant sequoia, and coast redwood. Though you can use a sealer on any of them, it is better to know the type.

Because there will always be something for you to micromanage to get the best performance from the sealer. Like three different species have different wood structures, textures, and colors. You will be able to pick the better sealer if you know as much as you can about the wood you are using.

Work-piece

You could be working on a fence, deck, or furniture. Keep in mind that different work-pieces will get different exposure. If you make a fence, it will constantly be battling with the weather. The deck will have to face all kinds of weather. In case you are working on furniture, that thing might not have to experience weather outside at all.

So, depending on the level of exposure, you will have to choose a different type of sealer. Some sealers are produced for furniture. Applying that one to the fence will be expensive and might not yield a good result. For this reason, it is better to pick sealer considering the exposure the work-piece will face.

Main ingredient

You will see mainly two types of main ingredients for sealer. Those will be oil-based or epoxy-based. Though both works in the same way. There is plenty of difference. Both have different longevity, adhesion, and composition. They are made different because they have different applications.

Oil-based ones are better for furniture. They put a delicate layer and give the wood a glossy color. If put on the outside, the performance may deteriorate. Because these are not made for heavy exposures. On the other hand, epoxy-based sealers can handle all kinds of exposures. But they wouldn’t feel good on the furniture surface. So, pick accordingly.

Amount

This factor is often forgotten. Sealers come in many forms and packs. There are quarts, 1 gallon, 5-gallon packs. The lowest amount you could get is a quart. So, the price of the same thing varies depending on the amount. Buying more will save you some bucks per unit.

Like, you wouldn’t need a 5-gallon pack if you want to seal a chair. On the other hand, buying many in small forms does not make sense. So, get an estimate and buy the amount you need. The standard is to apply 2 gallons per 500 sq feet of area. 1 gallon would roughly cover 250-400 sq feet of area.

Goof proof

This could be a new term for you. Goof proof means ease of use. If something is easy for everyone to use, that is called goof-proof.

For comparisons, applying stains need technical expertise. You will have to call for professional services. On the other hand, most sealers don’t require any expertise. Anyone will apply if they follow the right procedure. Look for goof-proof sealers if you want to save money and apply them yourself.

Health Hazards

Sometimes, these products have VOC or harsh fumes in them. The term VOC translates into Volatile Organic Compound. They turn into gas when put at room temperature. The harsh fumes and VOC are both health hazards. Those gas particles cause nausea, headache, irritation, etc.

So, check before buying, and take all the necessary precautions when using a sealer with those chemicals.

Applications

Applications of sealers are not limited only to woods. Some allow them to apply them on iron, plaster, mason work, even on paints. So if you have one of these prospects, you should look thoroughly at applications. If you can use the same item in different places, that would be very convenient.

Because buying other sealers separately would drive the cost up.

Best Time to Seal the Redwood Deck

After your wooden work is done, you should apply the sealer. It is standard practice to wait for 9 to 11 months. In this way, the woods get plenty of time to open the pores and settle down.

So, when you apply sealers, more would get into the wood. There also remains the risk of moisture getting hold. But the optimal resting period should be 25 to 30 weeks. Maximum pores will be open by then, and moisture interference will be low.

Another thing to keep in mind that always make sure it is a sunny day. Fog and rain tend to interfere with sealing. Also, the heat of the sun plays a significant role in the sealer to set optimally.

Applying Sealer on Redwood

Applying sealers is not difficult. You could call services or apply them yourself. You could save a few bucks if you do it yourself. Here is how you should apply sealers.

  • At first, do a pressure wash. Use a minimum of 1500 psi. Then wait for the wood to dry out completely.
  • Get proper eye protection. Eyes could get severe damage if somehow sealers get into them. Also, wear gloves, long sleeves.
  • Now it turns to use cleaner. Use chemical cleaners if the piece is really damaged. Otherwise, use regular cleaners.
  • Now get the brush or pad. Using them apply sealer on the woodwork. Apply carefully so that no bits go missing. For the best result, use a sprayer.
  • Apply the second coating after the proper interval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should the moisture content of wood be when sealing?

12% or less.

How much area can be covered per gallon?

250-400 sq feet.

Does VOC affect health?

If precautions are not taken properly, yes.

Does sealer kill plants and grass?

Heavy spray will kill plants and grass.

Should I use a pressure washer when cleaning the deck?

Yes, this is recommended.

When is the best time to apply sealer?

Spring and fall. When applying, avoid direct contact with sealer and sunlight.

Verdict

After the last nail has been placed, redwoods are prone to all kinds of wear and tear. The deck and fence or other exteriors often face harsh exposures to the environment. As a result, their expected lifetime gets reduced. To extend their lifetime, the Best redwood sealer should be used.

Related Reading

You can pick any from our review without any hesitation. They are well proven in categories and performance.