10 Best Deck Stain And Sealers 2025 in the United States

The Ready Seal 512 is an oil-based exterior wood stain and sealer that offers a natural cedar finish. One of its major strengths is its user-friendly application process. It requires no primer and can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush, making it versatile. There’s no need for back brushing, and it doesn’t leave streaks or laps, ensuring a smooth finish. The self-blending feature allows it to be applied in any temperature, which is quite practical. This stain also provides UV protection, helping to preserve the wood’s appearance over time.

The Ready Seal 512 cannot be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration. Additionally, while it offers UV resistance, there is no specific mention of mildew and mold resistance, which could be a concern in damp or humid environments. The product is relatively heavy, weighing 1 pound, and comes in a large 5-gallon pail, which might be more than needed for smaller projects.

For those looking for a straightforward application and effective UV protection, this product is a solid choice, but consider the limitations regarding surface compatibility and possible mildew concerns.

Ready Seal 525 Exterior Stain and Sealer is an oil-based product designed to protect and beautify wood surfaces like decks. It combines stain and sealer in one, so you won't need a primer before applying. The stain starts very dark but settles into its true color over about two weeks, giving your wood a rich Dark Walnut finish with a matte look. This product provides good UV protection and resists mildew and mold, which helps keep your deck looking fresh even in harsh weather.

It's durable, thanks to its oil base, and is meant for outdoor use to extend the life of your wood. One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to apply: you can use a sprayer, roller, or brush without worrying about runs, streaks, or back brushing. Plus, it can be applied in any temperature and doesn't need thinning, making it very user-friendly, even for beginners. However, it should not be used over previously painted or freshly stained wood since sealed surfaces don't absorb it well. Also, since it is oil-based, clean-up requires solvents rather than water.

The large 5-gallon size is ideal if you have a big deck, but it might be too much for smaller projects. This stain and sealer is a solid choice if you want a straightforward way to protect your wood deck with good mildew and UV resistance and a nice finish without complicated prep or application steps.