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In This Article Back to Top Project OverviewThompson'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. All Thompson's WaterSeal products are DIY-friendly, and most need only a single application on a clean, dry deck. You can apply some products with a garden sprayer or paint roller, but for classic deck stain, a paint pad on an extension pole is best.
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Finishing your deck starts with choosing a sealer or stain/sealer. Generally speaking, a sealer does not color the wood and is designed primarily for protection against moisture, while a stain/sealer includes pigment that helps protect against the damaging effects of sunlight (UV degradation) in addition to sealing out moisture. There are three basic categories of sealers or stains: clear sealer, semi-transparent stain, and solid stain. Keep in mind that all deck stains are also sealers.
Clear sealer offers very little UV protection but retains the natural color of the wood. It is not recommended where decks are subject to significant sun exposure. It also must be reapplied more often than most stains, typically every 2 to 3 years, depending on sun exposure. Semi-transparent stain adds some color to the wood and offers a moderate amount of UV protection. It is the most common type of deck finish because it strikes the best balance between UV protection and a natural wood look. Solid stain is similar to paint, as it hides the wood's grain almost completely. The tradeoff is that solid stain offers the best UV protection.
There are a few rules to keep in mind when applying a deck sealer or stain:
It's also a good idea to wait for a calm day (little or no wind) to finish your deck, especially if you plan to use a garden sprayer. Stain is best applied when the deck surface is not in direct sunlight.
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Spray plants, grass, and other vegetation below or near the deck with water. Cover the plants with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect them from the deck cleaner. Also cover windows, walls, or other surfaces directly below the deck to protect them from dripping sealer or stain.
Sweep the deck thoroughly to remove all loose dirt and debris. Shake or stir a deck cleaner product, such as Thompson's 3 in 1 Wood Cleaner, as directed by the manufacturer. Pour the cleaner into a garden sprayer.
Spray a small section of deck railing and balusters with deck cleaner, using the garden sprayer. Plan to clean small areas at a time so that you can scrub and rinse all of the wood before the deck cleaner dries. Do not let cleaner dry on the wood. Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or as directed. Scrub the railing and balusters with a stiff, synthetic-bristle scrub brush to remove dirt and discoloration. Immediately spray the area with clean water, using a garden hose and sprayer. Repeat to clean the rest the of the railing.
Clean the deck boards, using the same techniques used for the railings, cleaning about 10 to 15 square feet at a time. Scrub the boards with a long-handled synthetic-bristle deck brush. Work backwards from one far corner of the deck, finishing at a door or stairs, so you can exit the deck without walking over the cleaned areas. Let the deck dry for at least 48 hours. If you covered grass or other plants, remove their protective covers while the deck dries, to prevent killing the plants.
Inspect the entire deck for loose or raised nails or screws, and drive the fasteners below the surface of the wood with a hammer and nail set or a drill. Also remove splinters or other potential hazards, using a sharp utility knife or sandpaper. Wipe away all sanding dust thoroughly. You can perform this step while the deck is drying after cleaning.
Apply sealer or stain to the deck railings, following the product directions; application methods vary slightly by product. A paint pad works well for the broad faces of railing and the balusters, while a paintbrush is best for corners and tight spots. You can also apply a sealer or stain with a garden sprayer. Apply an even coating of sealer or stain to all surfaces, working in small areas and maintaining a wet edge (do not let the sealer or stain dry before moving to the next area). After completing each area, inspect the finish for drips or pooling, and redistribute or wipe up all excess with your application tool or a clean rag.
Apply sealer or stain to the deck boards, using the same techniques used on the railings and your choice of applicator: paint pad, paint roller, paintbrush, or garden sprayer. Apply the finish to 10 to 15 square feet of boards at a time, then wipe up any excess with a rag or your applicator. Work from the far corner of the deck to an exit point. It's usually best to cover a few boards at a time, working down their entire length, then working on the next few boards in the opposite direction. Let the sealer or stain dry for 24 to 48 hours (or as directed), depending on the product and conditions, before using the deck.
Deck sealers and stains may contain solvents that can cause rags to spontaneously combust. Dispose of soiled rags in a sealed, water- and detergent-filled container or through another safe disposal method. Oily rags left in direct sunlight can catch fire.
Thompson's WaterSeal products typically need only one application, but you can apply a second coat of stain to darken the wood, if desired. However, you must wait for the first coat to dry (typically about 2 hours) and apply the second coat within 4 hours of applying the first coat.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refinishing your deck every one to three years, as needed. Deck wood stays in much better shape if it is regularly maintained. Letting it go for an extra year or two usually results in permanent damage that shortens the life of the wood.
Should I stain or seal my deck first?Deck stains are stain-sealer combinations, so in most cases you won’t need to apply an additional sealer. If you want extra protection after staining—or you just want to seal the wood without staining—you can apply a clear sealer.
How long does Thompson’s WaterSeal last?Each product has its own recommendations for how often it should be reapplied. In general, it’s recommended to refinish a deck every one to three years. This can vary based on how much sun the deck gets, how dark of a stain it has, and other factors.
What is the drying time for Thompson’s WaterSeal?Check your individual product for its recommended dry time. In general, a minimum 48-hour drying time is recommended for most deck stains and sealers.
Article SourcesThe Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
