Are sealers good for wooden decks? Do you really need to apply them for the longevity of your wooden stuff? Well, it depends on the type of wood you have. If we talk about cedar and redwood, they don’t need sealers, as they are rot-resistant. Though there’s no harm in applying sealer on them; still, why waste money and time when these type of woods are perfect the way they are.
Moving on the other woods, they can definitely get benefits from sealing. This is because it not only increases their lives but also enhances the looks. UV protection sealers keep the wood looking natural by preventing them from turning grey or dark. Moreover, it also acts as shield against wetting and drying in changing seasons. This keeps the wood from degrading. To be in harmony with the environment and keep it safe, eco-friendly sealer should be used. With these go green sealers, you can get the ideal look without creating ecological disturbances on the surroundings.
Generally, there are 3 types of sealants that can be used on wooden deck. These are:
- Clear
- Semi-transparent
- Solid color staining
Talking about the clear finish, it allows the wood to gray naturally; whereas, others preserve the natural look. Semi-transparent is effective against UV rays and imparts color. Last but not the least, solid color offers the best protection against UV rays; however, it takes away the natural beauty by changing the color.
Before the application, it is important to clean the deck because dirt gets sealed with the wood if it is not prepared ahead of time irrespective of the type of sealer one use. For the best results, penetrating sealer should be used as it reduces the chances of crack and splinter. These are probably the best products that are durable and reliable.
Last but not the least; sealing is done best soon after the deck is constructed. After this, reapply the sealant every year to five years, depending on the climate.
Originally Published on: https://hempshieldblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/11/does-your-wooden-surface-really-need-sealing/