Welcome to the technical section of our website. This site contains valuable information on wood sealers in general, as well as, frequently asked questions.

Wood Sealers 101

There are four basic categories of wood sealers.  Clear sealers, transparent sealers, semi-transparent sealers and solid color sealers.  The primary difference between the categories is the amount of opacity the sealer provides.  The amount of opacity along with the technology employed in the formulation will determine the durability of a sealer.  For example, assume a clear sealer and a semi-transparent sealer is made using the same technology.  The semi-transparent sealer will last longer than the clear because it provides the substrate with more opacity, thus, offering better UV protection. 

Clear Sealers

Clear sealers offer nothing but water repellency.  The sun attacks & deteriorates wood.  In order to retard this, UV protection must be present.  A clear sealer will not stop the UV rays from attacking the wood.  There is no technology available that allows a clear sealer to protect wood from graying and deterioration from UV rays for an extended period of time.  It is best to think of a clear sealer simply as a water repellant that must be applied regularly.  Six to twelve months of performance is all one should expect.  In addition, a clear will not stop the wood from turning gray due to exposure.

Transparent Sealers

Transparent sealers employ trans oxide pigments to generate UV protection.  Transparent sealers have a color tone to them, typically a shade of yellow or red, however, they are completely transparent in appearance.  After application of a transparent sealer, the natural grain of the wood is completely visible.  Transparent sealers offer a combination of water repellency and UV protection while maintaining the natural appearance of the wood.  Since most end users want to maintain the original look of the wood, the transparent sealer becomes a better option than the clear sealer. 

Semi-Transparent Sealers

Semi-transparent sealers employ yet another type of pigmentation system which generates more UV protection than transparent sealers and provides a larger selection of color choices.  While the color choices are greater and the long term durability is increased due to more UV protection, semi-transparent sealers will typically alter the original appearance of the wood and mask some of the wood grain.  In addition,  maintenance coats over the years will continue to add opacity to the wood eventually producing a solid appearance.  Semi-transparent sealers are typically used to alter the original color of the wood to achieve a specific look.  For example, weathered gray is a typical semi-transparent color which simulates weathered wood and masks the natural appearance of the wood.

Solid Sealers

Solid color wood sealers offer full opacity completely hiding the appearance of the substrate.  Solid sealers provide the greatest amount of UV protection and are the longest lasting of the sealers.  While long term durability is increased with a solid sealer, the natural appearance of the wood is completely covered.  Solid sealers are available in hundreds of standard colors and custom ordered colors.  The end look is similar to a painted surface.