Features:

  • Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
  • May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
  • Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
  • Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
  • Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
  • Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CT, or VT. Not available in CA.
  • "Goof Proof" application
  • No laps, runs or streaks
  • No back brushing
  • Apply in any temperature
  • Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CA, OR, CT, VT
Easy to use and looks great

I had a dock built at my house about six months ago. It was pressure treated lumber, but had never been stained or anything. I gave it six months to weather and dry. In doing research for what kind of stain to apply, this was highly recommended. The fact that it also seals the wood is a big plus. I've never painted or stained anything before, but it could not have been easier. I used a brush in the tight spots up against the cleats, but aside from that, I used a roller with an extended handle and used that to quickly apply it. It really is idiot proof (good for me!). It goes on very quick, and really soaks in. The wood I was applying it to was very thirsty - it was a little under 200 square feet, but it still took about 2.5 gallons. That was only one coat, but that's all that was needed. I imagine if you're staining wood that has been previously stained, it wouldn't require as much. I actually wasn't paying attention, and I got it wet about 9 hours after I applied it. I was worried it would leave a mark and I'd have to redo that area, but it had no affect at all and still looked great. I've attached before and after pictures. Note that I didn't stain the walkway, just the dock itself.

Excellent product, truly goof-proof, easy long term maintenance

This product is simply excellent. It is expensive. Expect to use more stain than the guide suggests. I used an airless sprayer and brush. The results were simply amazing. I think I spent three or four days trying to apply the stain. On all but the last days, despite a clear forecast, I got part-way through the job when it began raining. As a result, there were some spots that were speckled since the stain hadn't had opportunity to fully penetrate the wood. On the final day, the weather remained clear and I simply went over these spots with another coat and all was well and even. My deck, untreated cedar which was installed a year ago, had a solid coat of grime and UV wear that I cleaned using the product, Complete Wood Cleaner & Wood Brightener Kit for Wood Decks, Wood Fences, Wood Siding, and Log Cabins - EFC38 & Citralic Restoration Kit - Woodrich Brand. The stain is very thin but don't be fooled. It's designed to penetrate rather than coat the wood. You won't get a shiny verathane-like finish -- and don't mix anything like that with this product! Whenever a new coat -- or spot coats -- are warranted, just clean and reapply. In addition to being "goof proof" the second reason why I chose this product is that you don't need to strip previous coats of this product before applying the next coat. Whenever I had a question -- and I had a few -- a quick phone call to their 800 number got me in touch with their resident expert who provided sage and helpful advice. You could tell this is an American company through and through. Highest recommendation.

Excellent product with great coverage

I have used several different stain/sealers over the years, and this is the best I've used so far. My comparison is to Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck and Thompson's stain - both are much more expensive. Ready Seal went on easily and dried very evenly with no runs, heavy or thin spots to show. Now, granted, a lot of that has to do with application, but I used a cheap airless sprayer from Harbor Freight (also a great product for the money) and it did great. I would think a cheap garden sprayer would do just as well, although it would take longer and you'd have to carry the tank around. I HIGHLY recommend using a airless sprayer with a long hose. This stain is just a little thicker than water, so you'll want to use a small spray tip; I used a 0.15 and it worked fine, although there was some aerosolization. I recommend an old ball cap, a dust mask, nitrile gloves and some safety glasses - but that's just good protection for any home painting job. It was dry to the touch within 2 hours and lightened up just a little the next day. I've read other reviews that say it gets darker, but maybe that's related to the stain tone; the Natural Cedar does look very natural and really just adds a slight color tone to the natural wood. I applied this to my 6 year old cedar fence that had greyed. I pressure washed the fence, using only water, one Saturday and painted the next Saturday. It took me about 3 hours to stain 240 feet of 6' high fence, and that included setup and clean up. Regarding coverage, I used about 7 gallons to cover just over 1500 square feet, so about 200 feet per gallon, which is a little better than the 125' estimate. If you're fence is older, it will likely be drier and take more product. The stain cleaned up fairly easily, although you do need mineral spirits (or just about any other paint thinner) to clean your equipment well when done. I will definitely use this again in a few years (says 3-5 years for fences, so we'll see) and highly recommend it if your in the market for a stain.

Deck looks awesome!

Awesome stain. I used it on my 2 year old pressure treated deck. It looks beautiful now. Easy to apply. No problems with spotting if you drip some stain. Very satisfied. I hope it lasts for years.

Very easy to apply

Just applied the dark walnut to my front porch. Very easy to apply, the wood seems to soak it right up. Took the full five gallons to do my front porch. Downpoured the day after application and it beaded right up and didnt damage stain. Color dries lighter than when applied. I used a roller to apply. If this stuff lasts a while it will be awesome, happy so far

Goes on well, no idea how long it will last!

Since I used almost 15 gallons of this, I think I can give a good review of how it works. First, a little about the deck itself. It is almost 800 Sq. ft. and old by deck standards. It ranges from 40 to about 35 years old and is all of the old pressure treatment, containing arsenic. The oldest section was constructed of standard (cheap) decking, but has stood up well. All the other was Sturdy Deck brand, full 1 1//2" thick, only rounded on one side, grooved underneath to prevent warping, straight grained, and quite expensive. I had last stained it probably 6 years ago with another product that did not work well. It didn't soak in well, and flaked after a year, yet would not come off completely. I let it set and power washed it to take off as much as I could. Finally, I let it go until this year and it all came off. At least all but a few sq ft. I only power washed it, and it looked great. The one spot that showed some rot I filled with grout and have to figure out how to stain it to match. The old wood was very thirsty, taking almost 15 gal for 800 sq ft. I used a pump sprayer and roller and brushed where necessary. I like that process, although the sprayer is useless below about 60 degrees. The stuff is like spraying honey when cold; brushing or rolling is necessary then. I will say it is just about goof proof. I did like wet on dry better than wet on wet, but really little difference. It came out very even. Spraying from two directions allows getting the edges well coated. The board ends really drink this stuff, and I have a lot of them. The finish is very flat as it soaks in very well. I like that. I would doubt it will have any tendency to flake off. It is a little drippy when it is hot, but that is why I am not a pro--not really that good with a brush. Lessons learned: The old pressure treatment lasted better than a couple railings we had to replace from a tree limb strike. Its a shame we can't get it any more. Old wood is thirsty, be prepared to buy more than advertised. Temperature does make a difference if you plan to spray. It soaks in very quickly, which is helpful. Color seems to stabilize in about a week, not two. Color (light oak) was as advertised. Clean up with mineral spirits is easy. Now, if this stuff lasts I will be very happy. I even suspect it can be gone over lightly in a year to prolong its life, but I don't know. So far, I am very happy with my selection. What I have written may or may not be applicable to new wood, or your deck for that matter.

Love the pecan color!

Love the pecan color. Rich and no red tones (which i didn't want). My husband and i are not great DIYers but had no trouble thanks to this stain! We stained our 2 year old deck (never stained before) in 80 degree and sunny weather without issue. Looks great!

Works Well, so far

Applied 2 coats to pressured treated deck. Goes on effortlessly with a brush or roller. Spilled drops and brush strokes blend together. Absorbs into wood. Dark Walnut color goes on darker and lightens some. Repels water well. Nothing here that is going to peel up and flake off like some products that claim to last for 5+ years but only hold up a year or two. This is my 1st experience buying a product from Amazon Used Products and though 5 gallon can arrived dented it was complete, unopened, and usable.

Buy it! You won't regret it! So easy!

I'm a 26 yr old female. I took a wood workshop in college and decided to craft my own duck coop. Let me tell you that this stuff is the BEST! I have worked with many stains and sealants in the past. This is perfect for low skilled people, like myself! No going back through and re-brushing, just amazing application. The only neutral to negative thing I have to say is that I didn't realise it takes a month to fully dry on new, untreated wood. Not the product's fault, so I still highly recommend this. I bought the Cedar color, but plan on getting the pecan, as well, for a deck. I've seen it at work, too. The first rain after my coop was finished, I stood outside and watched the water just roll off. Works well, looks great, easy to use, easy to clean up spills, not a lot of mess, and not even a harsh smell!

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