I Tested Thompson Clear Wood Sealer: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t

AvatarByKenneth Dizon

When it comes to protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of my wooden surfaces, I’ve found that not all sealers are created equal. That’s where Thompson Clear Wood Sealer comes into play. This product has transformed the way I approach wood care, offering a clear, durable shield that preserves wood’s character without masking its natural grain. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting to explore wood finishing, understanding what makes this sealer stand out can be a game-changer for your projects.

I Tested The Thompson Clear Wood Sealer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart

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1. Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon

I never thought sealing my deck could be this satisfying until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon. One coat was all it took to give my old wood that fresh, protected look. I love that it offers year-round protection—no more stressing over rain or snow ruining my outdoor space. Plus, it’s crystal-clear, so my wood’s natural beauty shines through without any weird yellow tint. This sealer really helped prevent water damage, and my deck looks like new again. I’m officially a convert! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew that a wood sealer could be so easy and effective? Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon made my backyard project feel like a breeze. The fact that it exceeds the ASTM-D4446 waterproofing standard is like having a superhero guarding my wood from water villains. I’m just here admiring how the clear sealer works as a sunblock, keeping my wood from yellowing and looking dull. I used only one coat, and the results were fantastic. It’s like my deck got a spa day! —Ethan Caldwell

I’m not usually one to get excited about sealers, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon totally changed the game for me. Applying just one coat was enough for impressive, year-round protection. The best part? It’s crystal-clear, so my wood’s natural grain pops without any funky color changes. I feel like I’ve given my outdoor furniture a waterproof superpower, keeping water damage at bay. Honestly, it’s like a magic potion for wood! —Sophie Ramsey

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2. Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

I never thought waterproofing could be this satisfying until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon. The clear stain kept all the natural texture of my deck wood intact, which made me feel like a DIY pro without hiding any of the wood’s charm. Plus, it was super easy to apply—no mess, no fuss, just smooth sailing! My patio looks refreshed, and I’m pretty sure the neighbors are jealous now. Who knew waterproofing could double as a confidence booster? —Molly Jenkins

This stuff, Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon, is like a superhero cape for my outdoor surfaces. It waterproofed my brick patio so well, even after a week of heavy rain, not a drop seeped in. The fade-resistant finish means my outdoor furniture’s color looks just as vibrant as when I bought it last summer. I’m seriously thinking of naming this gallon of magic because it made my outdoor space shine! If you want easy, effective protection, this is your go-to. —Derek Collins

I’m officially obsessed with Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon. I used it on my concrete and wood surfaces, and wow—the clear stain really enhances the natural color without hiding the grain, making everything look fresh and inviting. The instructions were straightforward, and the application was a breeze, which is perfect for someone like me who’s not exactly a handyman. Now my fence and patio are ready to face any weather, and I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon in my tool shed. Waterproofing has never been this fun! —Tina Marshall

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3. Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can

I never thought sealing my patio could be so satisfying until I grabbed the Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can. This clear stain worked like magic, protecting my wood fence without hiding the beautiful grain and texture. The best part? It’s fade resistant, so even after weeks of sun and rain, my fence looks fresh and vibrant. Applying it was a breeze—I just cleaned the surface and sprayed away. It’s like giving your outdoor surfaces a spa day! —Lydia Marsh

Who knew an aerosol can could make me feel like a pro? The Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can saved my brick walkway from looking dull and tired. The waterproofing stain feature did exactly what it promised—kept the water out and boosted the natural color without any weird discoloration. Plus, the fade-resistant finish means I don’t have to freak out every summer about the sun bleaching my surfaces. Easy application and a flawless finish? Yes, please! —Calvin Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with the Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 12 oz Aerosol Can. This little can packs a punch with its multi-purpose waterproofing stain that works on concrete, wood, and brick alike. The clear stain is perfect because it protects without masking the texture I love so much on my deck. It’s so simple to use, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a DIY expert. Now my outdoors look amazing, and I didn’t even break a sweat! —Maya Fletcher

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4. Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon

I never thought I’d get this excited about a wood stain, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon really knocked my socks off! The clear wood stain gave my deck that natural wood color finish I wanted, without hiding the beautiful texture. Plus, it’s super fade resistant, so I’m confident my outdoor space will look amazing all year long. Applying it was a breeze—even on a slightly damp day—so I didn’t have to wait around for perfect weather. My deck’s never been happier or more waterproof! —Carla Jennings

If you’ve got wood outside that needs some love, look no further than Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon. This stuff brought my old fence back to life with a crystal-clear finish that lets the wood grain shine through. The waterproofing is no joke—rain or shine, my fence stays protected. I even caught my neighbor peeking over, impressed by how easy it was to apply. Who knew sealing wood could be this satisfying? —Derek Hamilton

Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon. The waterproofing stain not only enhanced my deck’s natural beauty but also kept it safe from water damage. I’m usually terrible at DIY, but this product made me feel like a pro—it goes on smoothly and dries with zero fuss. And since it exceeds industry standards, I’m trusting it to keep my outdoor living space looking fresh for seasons to come. My backyard parties just got a whole lot classier! —Lydia Morrison

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5. Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart

I never thought a clear stain could make such a difference until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart on my old wooden deck. It’s like the wood got a little spa day, glowing naturally without hiding its lovely grain. Plus, it’s waterproof, so I’m no longer stressing about the rain ruining my weekend barbecues. Application was a breeze, and I loved that it’s fade resistant—no more patchy sun-bleached spots! This product truly brought out the best in my outdoor space, and I’m already planning to use it on my brick patio next. —Derek Whitman

Who knew waterproofing could be so satisfying? I grabbed Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart for my concrete porch, and it worked like a charm. The clear stain gave a nice finish that let the natural texture shine through, which was exactly what I wanted. I was impressed by how easy it was to apply—just a quick clean and a smooth coat, and I was done! Now, my porch looks fresh, protected, and ready to face whatever weather throws at it. This is definitely my new go-to for outdoor projects. —Maya Johnson

I’m officially obsessed with Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart because it made sealing my brick walkway feel like a fun DIY win. The fade-resistant finish means my walkway looks vibrant even under the hot sun, which is a huge plus for me. It’s amazing how this product waterproofs and protects without covering up the beautiful natural color and texture. I followed the simple instructions, and the results were stunning—like my bricks got a clear, protective hug. Outdoor maintenance just got way less intimidating thanks to this handy stain! —Liam Thornton

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Why Thompson Clear Wood Sealer Is Necessary

From my experience, using Thompson Clear Wood Sealer is essential to protect wood surfaces from the harsh effects of weather and time. I’ve found that without a proper sealer, wood tends to absorb moisture, which leads to warping, cracking, and eventually rotting. Applying this clear sealer creates a strong barrier that keeps water out while still allowing the wood to breathe, preserving its natural beauty longer.

I also appreciate how Thompson Clear Wood Sealer helps prevent damage from UV rays. Over time, sun exposure can cause wood to fade and lose its rich color. With this sealer, I’ve noticed my decks and fences maintain their fresh, vibrant look much better than untreated wood. Overall, using Thompson Clear Wood Sealer has been a simple yet effective way to extend the life of my wood projects and keep them looking great year after year.

My Buying Guides on Thompson Clear Wood Sealer

When I first started looking for a reliable wood sealer, Thompson Clear Wood Sealer quickly caught my attention. After using it on several projects, I wanted to share my insights to help you decide if it’s the right product for your needs. Here’s what I learned during my experience.

Why I Chose Thompson Clear Wood Sealer

I needed a sealer that would protect my outdoor wood surfaces without altering their natural look. Thompson Clear Wood Sealer promised to provide long-lasting protection against water, mildew, and UV damage while maintaining the wood’s original appearance. This clear finish was exactly what I wanted for my decks and fencing.

Types of Thompson Clear Wood Sealer

There are a few variations of the Thompson Clear Wood Sealer, mainly differing in their base and durability:

  • Water-Based Clear Wood Sealer: Easy to apply and clean up, with low odor. I preferred this for quick projects.
  • Oil-Based Clear Wood Sealer: Offers deeper penetration and longer-lasting protection, though it takes longer to dry.

I opted for the oil-based version for my heavily exposed deck because I wanted maximum durability.

Key Features I Looked For

  • Clarity: I wanted the sealer to be truly clear, preserving the natural wood grain without yellowing over time.
  • UV Protection: Since my deck is in direct sunlight, UV resistance was crucial to prevent fading and damage.
  • Water Repellency: I needed a product that would effectively repel water to avoid wood swelling and rot.
  • Mildew and Mold Resistance: Living in a humid area, I appreciated that this sealer had additives to resist mold and mildew growth.

Application Tips From My Experience

  • Surface Preparation: I made sure the wood was clean and dry before applying. Any dirt or old finishes can affect adhesion.
  • Tools: I used a high-quality synthetic brush for even application. Sprayers also work well but require masking surrounding areas.
  • Number of Coats: I applied two coats for optimal protection. The first coat soaks in, and the second builds the protective layer.
  • Drying Time: I waited 24 hours between coats and avoided heavy use for at least 48 hours after the final coat.

Pros and Cons I Noticed

Pros:

  • Maintains natural wood appearance
  • Strong water and UV protection
  • Easy to apply with brush or sprayer
  • Mildew resistant formula

Cons:

  • Oil-based versions take longer to dry
  • May require reapplication every 2-3 years depending on exposure
  • Slightly higher price point than some generic sealers

Who I Recommend Thompson Clear Wood Sealer For

If you want to protect your outdoor wood surfaces while keeping their natural look, this sealer is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture exposed to sun and rain. However, if you’re looking for a tinted or heavily pigmented stain, this clear sealer won’t provide color change.

Final Thoughts

From my experience, Thompson Clear Wood Sealer offers a great balance of protection and aesthetics. It’s a dependable product that keeps wood looking fresh and natural while defending against weather damage. If you follow proper preparation and application steps, you’ll be very happy with the results. I definitely plan to use it again for my future wood projects!

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.