How long does clear deck sealer last?

A clear sealer will usually need to be applied every year; a semi-transparent one, every two to three years. “How often you should reapply depends on your climate,” says de Paz.

Is there a clear coat for decks?

Deck sealer is typically a transparent coat that seeps deep into the wood and forms a clear film on the surface while maintaining the wood’s natural finish. By penetrating the wood, the sealer creates a protective layer that helps minimize water infiltration and lock out moisture.

What is the difference between deck stain and sealer?

A sealer goes on clear or transparent to show the grain and the natural wood color. It prevents water from being absorbed and causing rot. Whereas a stain will do much the same as a sealer but also has a pigment added that blocks UV rays that can dry out the wood, causing it to crack or check, and gray.

How often should you seal your deck?

every three years
When Should I Reseal My Deck? You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.

Should I use transparent or semi-transparent deck stain?

Transparency, or opacity, determines how much wood grain you want to see after your deck is stained. For newer wood, go with clear, transparent or semi-transparent stains — that way some grain still shows through. Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts.

How long does Cabot Clear wood Protector last?

Reapply every 1–3 years depending on exposure. Use caution when standing or walking on surfaces still wet after the application of Cabot® Clear Wood Protector, as the surface may by slippery.

Do you need to apply a sealer after staining a deck?

Applying a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain will cause more problems than it is worth. If you want a clear finish then you can strip off any old stain and start fresh with bare wood. Then you can apply a clear sealer if that is the look you are going for.

Is sealing a deck necessary?

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.