Does Thompson's Water Seal really work?

Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector is intended to protect wood, as the name would indicate, but our testing produced dismal results. It does a very poor job of preventing black mold and UV graying, two things that are very harmful to the wood.

How many years does Thompson 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.

What is better than Thompsons Water Seal?

Is one coat of Thompson's Water Seal enough?

One coat is enough, but if more color is desired, a second coat can be applied within two hours before the first coat has dried. With Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stains, you can clean your tools with soap and water.

Does Thompson water Seal protect wood?

Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stains are water-based products that have film-forming properties to protect the wood by repelling water. Each product has its own "feel" during application; however, each product provides protection from water damage and has a coating that resists mildew and UV damage.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Review, Does It Work?!

What is the best way to apply Thompson's Water Seal?

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. In the case of areas with heavy discoloration or dirt, apply a second coat, brush lightly with a broom and hose off.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Although a wood stain is more expensive than a sealer, it can last up to 5 times longer and looks more professional. So you certainly get your money's worth. Here at DeckMaster™, we recommend using wood stains for your deck and fence maintenance.

What if it rains after applying Thompson's Water Seal?

What happens if it rains after applying Thompson's water seal? A light shower will not significantly affect a deck with Thompson's waterseal, but a heavy downpour will likely cause the product to dry cloudy on the surface. In any case, the sealant will still work despite the rain.

Should I pressure wash my deck before sealing?

Pressure washing is the best way to prepare your deck for sealing. After you've pressure washed your deck, you'll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours.

Can Thompson Water Seal go over stain?

Yes, you can put Thompson water sealer over stained wood whether the stain is water or oil-based. But surface preparation is key. If the stain has completely dried and cured it's fine to apply sealer, but if there is still some moisture, applying the water seal over the stain might cause problems.

What is the longest lasting deck sealer?

Q. What is the longest-lasting deck sealer? An oil-based deck sealer, such as Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, will protect a deck for up to 5 years.

What is the best way to waterproof wood?

Is Thompson Water Seal better than Olympic Waterguard?

Thompson WaterSeal clear coat received a score of 12 out of 100 in Consumer Report's test of 28 clear decking finishes. Olympic Waterguard scored a 5 out of 100. You can expect WaterSeal to perform slightly better than Olympic Waterguard, so it is appropriate to say that WaterSeal is the superior product.

How often do you have to apply Thompson's Water Seal?

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.

What temperature do you apply Thompson's Water Seal?

Be sure that both surface and air temperatures are above 50°F during application and remain above 40°F for 48 hours after application. Do not apply product if rain is forecasted within 24 hours of application. Perform the splash test. Sprinkle water on various sections of surface to be sealed.

Can you ruin a deck by pressure washing?

One of the quickest ways to do damage to your deck is by blasting it with a high-pressure power washer. Using too much pressure can scar the wood, leaving unsightly marks. Damage to the wood that weakens it in spots could eventually lead to structural damage.

Do you need to seal deck after power washing?

If your deck is in a great condition and you're simply pressure washing it to remove dirt, dust or mold build up then there's no need to seal your deck after pressure washing. You would be using a gentle soap solution and giving your deck a scrub then pressure washing to remove the cleaning agent and dirts.

Can a pressure washer damage a deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

What happens if you don't seal your deck?

It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date. If you choose to revitalize the natural color of the wood, we recommend our two-step maintenance clean.

Which is better oil based or water based deck sealer?

Water-based stains require a little more time and effort than oils, but it pays off with significantly greater durability. Oil based stains are easy to apply and take less effort, but they will not last nearly as long as a water based stain.

Is it too late to seal my deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If you've just built a new deck, you're probably itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days' dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant.

How long does it take Thompson Water Seal to dry?

Drying. 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 Thompson's® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Wood Sealer – Clear.

Can you apply Thompson's water seal with a pump up sprayer?

Can you spray thompson's water seal? Yes, you can apply your Thompson's water seal using a standard pump garden sprayer and achieve the desired results.

What is the difference between water sealer and Waterproofer?

While concrete sealers and waterproofers perform similar functions, they do so in different ways. A concrete sealer forms protective layers over concrete surfaces while concrete waterproofers fill concrete gaps as a method of protection.

What is the best way to protect a wood deck?

The best preventative measure you can take to protect your wooden deck is to use wood sealant. Clear wood sealants are a great way to maintain the natural beauty and wood grain while still preventing damage from rot, mold, and other weathering.