Should I use Thompson water seal on pressure treated wood?

Some, like Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Wood Protector, recommend waiting 30 days before application on new pressure treated lumber. Other products, like Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stain, can be applied immediately to new pressure treated lumber.

What is the best sealer for pressure treated wood?

Will Thompson Water Seal protect untreated wood?

Yes. Although pressure-treated lumber is pre-treated with chemicals, preventing insect damage, it is NOT waterproofed. In fact, the chemical treatment actually causes the lumber to dry out quicker and absorb more water than untreated lumber. When wood absorbs water, it swells; as the wood dries it shrinks.

Can you put water sealer on treated lumber?

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. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

How long do you have to wait to seal pressure treated wood?

The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it's dry enough to seal.

Caring for Pressure Treated Lumber Decks | Thompson's WaterSeal

What happens if you don't seal pressure treated wood?

This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes. Protection from UV rays is also necessary for insurance against fading, discoloration, and warping.

Do you need to seal cut ends of pressure treated wood?

IN-GROUND APPLICATION. Whilst treating or sealing any cut ends is important with any Treated Lumber product, maintaining a sealed end is most important when applicating Pressure Treated lumber in-ground, such as Fence Posts and Landscaping / Retaining Wall.

How do you waterproof treated wood?

When Should I seal my pressure treated deck?

When water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it's time to seal or stain it. It's important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. Splash some water on the deck boards. If it beads up, the wood isn't quite ready to be sealed.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from turning gray?

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION

If you're looking to maintain the original color of pressure-treated wood longer, you will need to not only clean your deck periodically, but also apply a water-repellent finish with an ultraviolet stabilizer. The stabilizer will not prevent eventual discoloration, but will slow the process.

What's better than Thompson's water seal?

How long does Thompson's water seal last?

Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofer Plus Clear Wood Protector claims to last for up to 4 years when applied correctly. In our experience, it held up well but no longer repelled water after 6-12 months. Is Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproof?

When should I apply Thompson's water seal?

Once wood surface has been cleaned, wait 3 hours before applying Thompson's ^® WaterSeal ^® Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer.

Is it better to stain or paint pressure treated wood?

Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection

Applying stain to pressure-treated wood offers an additional level of protection that homeowners don't want to be without. Stain offers another layer of much-needed protection from insects and decay, as well as from mold and mildew.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. A stain will protect the wood and provides a more uniform tint or color to the wood to complement surrounding structures.

How long should you wait to stain a new pressure treated deck?

Pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry for at least six months before stain or any wood treatment is applied. A good test is to pour water on the boards. If it beads up, it's still too wet. If the water soaks in, it's ready for stain.

What is the best wood sealer for decks?

How do you coat pressure treated wood?

Allow the wood to dry completely and otherwise prepare the same ways you would when staining. To help the paint adhere, use a bristle brush to coat the surface with a primer designed for exterior use on pressure treated wood. Using a brush, apply at least two coats of latex paint to see best results.

Can I leave pressure treated wood outside?

Pressure-treated wood should be used for all outdoor projects, assuming you're using a type of wood that is not naturally repellant to insects and rot.

Should you sand pressure treated wood?

All wood, except manufactured products like composite wood — even pressure-treated lumber — need to be sanded and stained. If you want it to last, you have to put in the time and some elbow grease.

Can you leave pressure treated wood unstained?

The good news is that treated lumber is generally more than ready to hold up against wind, rain, sun, and snow for quite a while before wearing down, and many home owners do choose to leave the wood untreated for one reason or another.

Do decks need to be sealed?

A backyard deck can be the perfect platform for good times, but a wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

Why is my Thompson Water Seal sticky?

If the weather is too cold, your Thompson water seal layer will just stay there and not dry as it should. Ideally, the sealant will dry best in temperatures above 50°F. If the thermometer units dip below this level during or soon after application, the deck may stay sticky for longer than 24 hours.