QA

Question: How To Apply Water Seal To Deck

What is the best way to apply Thompson’s Water Seal?

The fastest way to apply is with a pump-up sprayer (using a coarse setting), but you can also apply with a brush or a roller. You should apply liberally. In the case of areas with heavy discoloration or dirt, apply a second coat, brush lightly with a broom and hose off.

What is the best way to apply sealer to a deck?

Apply the deck sealer with a natural bristle brush. A roller is faster, but brushing helps force the sealer into open pores and grain. Make sure to get the sealer into joints where two boards butt together. Apply the deck sealer to three or four boards at once, working their entire length.

How do I prepare my deck for Thompson’s Water Seal?

Steps to Take Pour the sealer into a deck. Dip the paint pad into the seal. Bring the seal onto the tray area. Start at one corner and work from one end to another. Apply the sealer parallel to the deck boards. Now allow the deck to thoroughly dry. Thompson water seal dry time takes about 24 hours to dry thoroughly.

Can you apply Thompson’s Water Seal with a pump up sprayer?

To apply Thompson’s water seal with a sprayer, you can use a garden sprayer with a hose or a pump sprayer. However, the manufacturer of Thompson’s water seal recommends that their product be used with a plastic sprayer and a brass wand.

How many coats of Thompson Water Seal do I need?

One coat is enough, but if more color is desired, a second coat can be applied within two hours before the first coat has dried. With Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Stains, you can clean your tools with soap and water.

Can you put Thompson Water Seal on treated wood?

Wolman RainCoat, made by one of the big names in pressure-treating, is a widely sold water repellent that is a good choice for use on pressure-treated wood, although it can also be used on other types of wood. The directions for some, such as Thompson’s Water Seal, specify pressure-treated wood as a suitable use.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

How often should you water seal a deck?

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.

How soon can you put Thompson Water Seal on 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.

Does Thompson Water Seal make deck slippery?

If not using a semi-transparent stain product, my preference is still for clear, oil based sealer penetrants but some prefer things like Thompson’s Water Seal. Note that it contains liquid wax though which can make it slippery when wet and impossible to do anything with for a season or two until the wax wears off.

What temperature do you apply Thompson’s Water Seal?

Be sure that both surface and air temperatures are above 50°F during application and remain above 40°F for 48 hours after application. Do not apply product if rain is forecasted within 24 hours of application.

Can Thompsons Water Seal be thinned?

The old-timer came up with a similar formula in 3 parts linseed oil, 2 parts Thompson’s Water Seal cut with 1 part paint thinner. The paint thinner acts as a penetrating agent, making the mixture thin enough so that the active ingredients penetrate the wood.

Can you use too much Thompson Water Seal?

Thompson Water Seal is an infinitely useful product, except of course when it won’t dry. Excess moisture in the air and using too much of the product can keep Thompson Water Seal from drying.

How long does Thompson Water Seal last?

Water Seal can only be used on bare and uncoated brick, stone or concrete. How long will Water Seal last? If applied correctly, Water Seal will last up to 4 years.

How long does it take for Thompson Water Seal to dry?

Allow at least 48 hours to dry; however drying time will vary depending on the substrate, temperature, and humidity. Allow minimum of 30 days drying time before applying oil based paint over Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Wood Protector – Clear.

How long should you wait to water seal pressure treated wood?

Let it dry. Most deck sealers for PT lumber require 24 to 48 hours of drying time, so make sure there’s no rain in the forecast.

Can I stain my pressure treated deck right away?

It’s important to wait until your pressure-treated wood is completely dry before applying stain, as the chemicals used to treat the wood often leave additional moisture behind. Drying times range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on such factors as weather and climate.

Should I water seal my deck?

A: It’s really up to you. Just staining the deck will give you the color you want, although in high-traffic areas the stain could wear away quickly. The advantage of this, they say, is the sealer provides additional protection against water and weather damage, while the stain helps reduce fading from UV rays.

How long do you wait to waterproof a deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.

Can you put stain over water sealer?

Follow the directions, You must wait at least 30-45 days (I recommend 6-12 months) before applying another product. The waterproofing nature of Thompson’s precludes using a water based product as a stain or paint. DO NOT USE A WATER BASED STAIN.

Can you seal an old deck?

Depending on the desired look, you can spruce up a worn-out deck with a new stain or paint-based protective seal. You also need a clear weather forecast, as a paint-based sealant coating requires 48 hours to dry before being exposed to rain or extreme humidity.

What will seal a water leak?

You apply epoxy directly onto the leaking pipe, like you would with caulk or plumber’s putty. The epoxy will temporarily form a seal over the leak. Clamps and wraps are even simpler; you just affix or wrap them around the leak, and they hold in the water until you can get the pipe replaced.

How do you seal wood with water?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.