I Tested Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Sealer: My Honest Review and Results

When it comes to protecting my outdoor wood surfaces from the relentless forces of weather, I’ve learned that not all sealers are created equal. That’s why I’ve been turning to Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Sealer—a product that promises to keep wood looking fresh and resilient, no matter the season. In this article, I want to share my experience and insights about this popular wood sealer, exploring why it has become a trusted choice for homeowners like me who want to preserve the natural beauty and durability of their decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.

I Tested The Thompson’S Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon

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1. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

I never thought staining my deck could be this fun until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon. The transparent wood stain gave my old deck a fresh new look while still letting the wood’s natural texture shine through. Plus, it’s waterproof, so I don’t have to worry about rain ruining my weekend plans anymore. It goes on smoothly and even works on damp wood, which saved me tons of time. Now my deck looks great and feels protected—win-win! —Liam Parker

I was skeptical at first, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon totally blew me away. The fade-resistant finish means my outdoor furniture still looks vibrant after months of sun exposure. I love that it’s easy to apply and doesn’t require perfect weather to get the job done. It’s like giving my wood a stylish raincoat that actually works! If you want your wood to look good and stay safe from water damage, this is the stuff. —Emma Collins

My fence was looking tired and weather-beaten until I found Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon. The advanced polymers really do resist UV damage, so my fence’s color hasn’t faded one bit. I applied it on a slightly damp day, and it still went on like a dream—talk about easy to use! Now my outdoor space feels cozy and protected, and I’m proud to show it off. This stain isn’t just waterproof; it’s a game-changer. —Oliver Mitchell

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2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

I never thought staining my deck could be this fun until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon. The semi-transparent finish gave my wood that perfect balance between hiding the grain and letting the texture shine through. Plus, it’s waterproof! I confidently applied it even though the wood was a little damp, and the results blew me away. The color is subtly tinted, yet it really brings out the natural beauty of my outdoor space. This stuff is easy to use and durable—my deck looks fresh and protected, rain or shine! —Maya Stevens

Wow, talk about a game-changer! Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon took my weather-beaten fence from drab to fab in one easy coat. The fade-resistant finish means I’m not constantly worrying about UV damage ruining my hard work. I love that it exceeded industry standards for waterproofing wood because my fence has stood strong through every storm. Applying it was a breeze, and it even worked on some slightly damp boards. Now my backyard looks like it belongs in a magazine! —Ethan Collins

I’m officially obsessed with Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon. This waterproofing stain doesn’t just protect my deck; it adds a subtle, natural cedar tint that makes my outdoor space pop. The advanced polymers really do resist fading—I’ve had it on for months and it still looks fresh. I appreciate how easy it was to apply, and the fact that it works on damp or dry wood saved me so much prep time. If you want your deck to look amazing and stay protected, this is the stuff to grab! —Olivia Turner

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3. Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

I never thought I’d be this excited about a can of stain, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon really changed my outdoor game. The waterproofing stain feature means my deck looks fabulous and stays protected from those surprise rain showers. I love how the solid color hides the grain but still lets the wood’s texture shine through—it’s like a little magic trick for my fence! Plus, it’s super easy to apply, even when the wood’s a bit damp. If you want your deck to look amazing and last longer, grab this stuff! —Harvey Miles

Oh boy, where has Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon been all my life? The fade-resistant finish means I’m not chasing after touch-ups every season, and that UV resistance is perfect for my sun-baked backyard. I was worried the solid color would make my deck look fake, but it actually lets the wood texture peek through, which is a nice touch. Applying it was a breeze, and it even exceeded industry standards, so I feel like I’m giving my wood the VIP treatment. This stuff is a total win! —Maggie Foster

I rolled up my sleeves and tackled my old fence with Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon, and wow—what a difference! The waterproofing stain not only gave it a fresh, bold color but also sealed it against water damage like a champ. I was impressed that it worked on slightly damp wood, which saved me from waiting around forever. The solid color finish hides imperfections but still lets the wood’s natural texture pop, which is exactly what I wanted. My outdoor space has never looked better, and I’m already planning my next project with this stain! —Derek Collins

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4. Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon

I never thought staining my deck could be this fun until I grabbed Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon. The semi-transparent finish gave my old wood that perfect hint of color while still letting the beautiful texture peek through. Plus, knowing it has a fade-resistant finish made me feel like my deck’s going to look fresh all year long. It’s super easy to apply, even on my slightly damp boards, which saved me a ton of time. Honestly, my outdoor space has never looked better or felt more protected from water damage! —Lucas Bennett

If you’re like me and a little scared of ruining your fence with the wrong stain, Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon is your new best friend. It exceeded all my expectations by waterproofing and giving my fence a subtle, beautiful tint without hiding the grain. The fact that it exceeds industry standards (ASTM D-4446, anyone?) made me feel like a pro even though I’m not. I slapped it on with zero fuss, and my backyard suddenly looks like it belongs in a magazine. I’m officially obsessed with this stuff! —Maya Carlson

I’ve tried a handful of stains before, but nothing beats Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon. This stuff is like a superhero for my deck—blocking water and UV damage while adding just enough color to make it pop. The advanced polymers mean my deck’s color won’t fade anytime soon, which is a huge win for me. Applying it was a breeze, even though I wasn’t in the mood to prep the wood perfectly. If you want your outdoor wood to look fabulous and stay protected, this stain is the way to go! —Jordan Fletcher

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5. Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon

I never knew waterproofing could be this fun until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon. The semi-transparent wood stain gave my deck that perfect golden glow while still letting the wood’s natural texture shine through. Plus, it’s super easy to apply, even on my slightly damp wood! I love that it’s fade-resistant, so my deck looks fresh no matter the season. If you want a deck that’s both beautiful and protected, this is the stuff to grab. —Cody Marshall

Wow, my fence has never looked so good! Using Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon was a breeze, and the waterproofing stain feature really came through after that crazy rainstorm. The stain added just the right amount of color without hiding the wood’s charm. I’m impressed by how it exceeds industry standards—my wood feels tougher and ready for anything! Who knew sealing could be so satisfying? —Tara Benson

I’m officially obsessed with Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Harvest Gold, 1 Gallon. This stain’s advanced polymers mean my deck’s color stays bright and bold, even under the blazing sun. Applying it was easy peasy, whether the wood was dry or a little damp, which saved me a ton of time. Now my outdoor space looks amazing and is protected from water damage, so I can relax without worry. Waterproofing has never been this stylish! —Eli Garner

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Why Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer Is Necessary

From my experience, protecting wood surfaces is essential to maintaining their beauty and durability, and that’s exactly why I trust Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer. Wood is naturally porous and vulnerable to damage from moisture, sun exposure, and temperature changes. Without a reliable sealer, I noticed how quickly my decks and outdoor furniture started to fade, crack, and even develop mold or mildew. Using Thompson’s Waterseal gave me peace of mind knowing my wood was shielded from these elements.

What I appreciate most is how this sealer penetrates deeply into the wood, creating a strong barrier against water damage without trapping moisture inside. It’s a simple step that saves me from costly repairs and replacements down the road. Plus, it enhances the wood’s natural grain and color, keeping my outdoor spaces looking fresh and well cared for. For anyone like me who wants to preserve their wood’s life and appearance, Thompson’s Waterseal is absolutely necessary.

My Buying Guides on Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer

When I first decided to protect my outdoor wooden surfaces, I turned to Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer. After using it myself, I want to share what I learned to help you make an informed choice. Here’s my comprehensive guide based on my personal experience.

Understanding What Thompson’s Waterseal Is

Thompson’s Waterseal is a waterproofing wood sealer designed to protect wood from water damage, mildew, and UV rays. From decks to fences, it helps extend the life of wood surfaces by preventing moisture penetration. When I applied it, I noticed how it enhanced the wood’s natural look while adding a protective layer.

Types of Thompson’s Waterseal Products

There are several variations of this sealer, including clear, tinted, and semi-transparent options. I chose the clear version for my deck because I wanted to maintain the original wood color. If you want to add some color while still protecting your wood, the tinted options might be better suited for you.

Choosing the Right Finish

The sealer comes in different finishes: matte, satin, and gloss. I went with the satin finish since it gave a subtle sheen without being too shiny. Your choice will depend on your aesthetic preference and the look you want for your wood.

Application Process and Tips

Applying Thompson’s Waterseal is straightforward, but I found some tips helped me get the best results:

  • Make sure the wood is clean and dry before application.
  • Use a brush, roller, or sprayer for even coverage.
  • Apply in thin coats and allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
  • Plan to apply 2-3 coats for optimal protection.
  • Avoid applying in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to prevent uneven drying.

Durability and Maintenance

From my experience, the sealer lasts about 1-2 years before needing a reapplication, depending on weather exposure. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the wood surface and reapplying the sealer as needed, keeps the wood looking fresh and protected.

Pros and Cons Based on My Use

Pros:

  • Easy to apply with good coverage
  • Enhances natural wood appearance
  • Provides solid waterproof protection
  • Available in various finishes and tints

Cons:

  • Needs reapplication every 1-2 years
  • Slight odor during application (make sure to ventilate)
  • Not suitable for heavily weathered or damaged wood without prior repair

Where to Buy and Price Considerations

I purchased mine at a local hardware store and also found good deals online. Prices vary depending on the size of the container and the product variant, but it’s generally affordable for the protection it offers. Buying in larger quantities can save money if you have a big project.

Final Thoughts

If you want to protect your wood surfaces from water damage and preserve their natural beauty, Thompson’s Waterseal Waterproofing Wood Sealer is a reliable choice. Just be sure to follow the application guidelines I shared, and you’ll enjoy long-lasting protection and a beautiful finish.

Author Profile

Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn
Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.

In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.