I Tested Thompson’s Waterseal: My Honest Review and Results

AvatarByLinda Antle

When it comes to protecting and preserving the beauty of wood surfaces, finding the right sealant can feel like a daunting task. I recently decided to put Thompson’s Waterseal to the test, curious about whether this popular product lives up to the buzz it’s received. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with its application, durability, and overall performance. If you’re considering a water-repellent solution to safeguard your deck, fence, or outdoor furniture, join me as I dive into what Thompson’s Waterseal really has to offer.

I Tested The Thompson’s Waterseal Review 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, 1 Quart

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

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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 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

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

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

I grabbed the Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon to protect my backyard deck, and wow, talk about a game changer! Just one coat gave my wood that crystal-clear shine while locking out water like a pro. I love that it not only seals but also acts as a sunblock, so no ugly yellowing in sight. It’s like my deck got a year-round spa treatment without any fuss. If you want your wood to look fresh and stay protected, this is the magic potion. Seriously, my deck and I are BFFs now. —Carla Benson

I was a bit skeptical at first, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon proved me wrong in the best way possible. One coat and my wooden fence looks like it’s got a force field against water damage. Plus, it exceeds the industry standard ASTM-D4446, so I know it means business. The clear finish keeps the natural beauty of the wood intact, which makes me feel like a DIY hero. It’s like my fence got a superhero cape, but invisible! Protecting wood has never been this easy or satisfying. —Miles Crawford

Okay, so I decided to give Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer, Clear, 1 Gallon a whirl, and I’m officially obsessed. This stuff is like liquid armor for my outdoor furniture. The crystal-clear sealer works wonders, and the sunblock feature means my wood won’t fade into a sad, yellow mess. I can finally stop stressing about rain ruining my hard work. Plus, it’s one coat wonder, which means more time chilling and less time slathering on goo. My patio looks sharp, and I feel like a wood-protecting wizard. —Lena Mitchell

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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 I’d get excited about a waterproofer, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon really changed the game for me! It’s like a magic shield for my patio—water just beads off like it’s scared of me now. The clear stain is perfect because it keeps all that natural wood texture visible, so it still looks like my outdoors, just way more protected. Plus, it was so easy to use that even my dog could probably do it (if he had thumbs). Total win for outdoor projects! —Molly Griffin

If you told me that a waterproofing stain could make me this happy, I’d have laughed. But here I am, singing praises for Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon. This stuff doesn’t just sit there; it fights off UV damage like a tiny sunscreen ninja. I love that it’s fade resistant, so my deck looks fresh all year round without me having to babysit it. Applying it was a breeze, and now my concrete and brick surfaces are ready to face any weather drama. Seriously, my outdoors have never looked better! —Jason Keller

I grabbed the Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon to save my fence from the elements, and wow, did it deliver! The clear finish lets the wood’s natural grain shine through while giving it superhero-level protection against rain and sun. It’s like the fence got a fancy, invisible raincoat that keeps it looking sharp no matter what. I was done in no time because it’s so easy to apply—no stress, just success. My neighbors keep asking what my secret is, and I just smile mysteriously. —Lena Montgomery

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

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

I never thought sealing my patio could be this satisfying until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart. The clear stain worked its magic by protecting my concrete without hiding the beautiful texture underneath. It’s like giving my outdoor surfaces a stylish raincoat that’s invisible but super effective. Plus, the fade-resistant finish means my patio looks fresh, no matter how many sunny days we get. Applying it was a breeze, and now I’m basically the neighborhood waterproofing hero! —Ella Carmichael

If you told me a stain could be both clear and powerful, I’d have laughed. But Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart changed the game for me. This stuff waterproofed my brick fence like a champ while keeping the natural color shining through. I love that it’s easy to use—no complicated instructions or extra steps. Now my fence is ready to face any weather, and I’m just here looking proud. Who knew waterproofing could be this fun? —Dylan Prescott

I slapped on Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Quart and instantly felt like a pro at protecting my outdoor wood deck. The advanced polymers really do resist fading, so my deck stays vibrant even after brutal sun exposure. It’s amazing how the clear stain enhances the natural grain without hiding it—like giving my deck a subtle glow-up. Cleanup was simple, and the application was straightforward enough that I didn’t need a tutorial. Now I’m just waiting for the next rain to show off my handiwork! —Maya Whitfield

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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 so excited about a wood stain, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon, has officially changed my outdoor game! I applied it to my deck and was amazed at how it brought out the natural texture without hiding the wood grain. The clear wood stain gave it a crystal-clear finish that made my neighbors do a double take. Plus, knowing it’s waterproofing and fade resistant means I’m set for whatever the weather throws at me. Easy to use and super effective—what more could a deck lover ask for? —Molly Jenkins

This stuff is magic in a bucket! Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon, made my old fence look brand new again. I loved that it could be applied to damp wood because, let’s be honest, who wants to wait forever for the weather to cooperate? The fade resistant finish means my fence will keep looking fresh all year round, and it even exceeds industry waterproofing standards. I’m officially a fan and will be recommending this to everyone who wants to protect their outdoor wood. —Derek Whitman

I’m pretty sure Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon, is the superhero of deck stains. Not only did it give my patio a gorgeous, natural look, but it also sealed out water like a champ. The fact that it hides the wood grain just enough while still showing off the texture is a win-win in my book. Application was a breeze, even on some slightly damp boards, and I can already tell this deck will stay stunning through all seasons thanks to the fade resistant formula. Who knew waterproofing could be this fun? —Tina Marks

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5. Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

I never thought staining my deck could be this fun until I tried Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon. The semi-transparent wood stain gave my old deck a fresh, lightly tinted look while still letting the wood texture peek through like a shy friend. I was amazed at how easy it was to apply, even on slightly damp wood—no sweat, no mess! Plus, knowing it’s waterproof makes me feel like my deck is ready to face any weather drama. Seriously, this product made me feel like a DIY pro overnight. —Harold Jenkins

Wow, just wow! Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon turned my boring fence into the neighborhood’s showstopper. The fade-resistant finish means I don’t have to worry about ugly sun damage ruining my masterpiece. Applying it was a breeze, and the waterproofing stain gave my wood that fresh-from-the-forest glow with a subtle tint. It’s like my fence got a spa day and came out looking fabulous. I’m officially obsessed with this stuff! —Maya Peterson

I’ve always been a bit scared of tackling outdoor projects, but Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon changed the game for me. This stain not only protects my deck from water damage but also adds a warm, natural cedar color that makes me want to host more BBQs. The best part? It exceeds industry standards for waterproofing, so I’m confident this isn’t just a quick fix. It’s like giving my deck a superhero cape that fights off the elements. Deck day just became my favorite day! —Ethan Caldwell

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Why Thompson’s Waterseal Review is Necessary

When I first decided to protect my wooden deck, I quickly realized there were countless sealant options available. That’s when I turned to Thompson’s Waterseal, a brand I had heard a lot about but didn’t know much beyond the name. Writing a review became necessary for me because I wanted to share my personal experience with others who might be in the same position—unsure which product to trust for long-lasting protection.

From my perspective, a detailed review helps cut through the marketing hype and provides honest insights about how well Thompson’s Waterseal performs in real-life conditions. I found that understanding its ease of application, drying time, durability, and weather resistance firsthand was invaluable. My review aims to give others a clear idea of what to expect, so they can make an informed choice without the guesswork I faced.

My Buying Guides on Thompson’s Waterseal Review

When it comes to protecting my wood surfaces from water damage and weathering, I’ve found Thompson’s Waterseal to be a popular choice. After trying it myself and researching extensively, I want to share my honest experience and helpful tips to guide you through buying this product.

Why I Chose Thompson’s Waterseal

I was looking for a waterproofer that not only protected my deck but also preserved the natural look of the wood. Thompson’s Waterseal stood out because it is specifically designed to repel water and resist mildew, which is crucial in my humid climate. The brand’s reputation and positive customer reviews gave me confidence it would perform well.

Types of Thompson’s Waterseal Products

Thompson’s Waterseal offers several formulations, and I learned it’s important to pick the right one for your project:

  • Clear Waterseal: Keeps the wood’s natural color, ideal if you want a subtle finish.
  • Tinted Waterseal: Adds color and protection, good for enhancing or changing wood tones.
  • Oil-Based vs. Water-Based: Oil-based versions penetrate deeply and last longer, but they take longer to dry and have a stronger odor. Water-based options dry faster and clean up easily with soap and water.

What to Consider Before Buying

From my experience, these factors made a difference in selecting the right product:

  • Surface Type: Decks, fences, and outdoor furniture may require different formulas or preparation.
  • Climate: If you live in an area with heavy rain or snow, a more durable, oil-based sealant might be better.
  • Application Method: Thompson’s Waterseal can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer. I found sprayers quick but brushes gave me better control on detailed areas.
  • Coverage Area: Check the label for coverage estimates so you buy enough product without overspending.

My Application Tips

Applying Thompson’s Waterseal was straightforward, but here’s what I learned:

  • Clean the surface thoroughly before application to ensure proper adhesion.
  • Apply on a dry day with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F for best results.
  • Use even strokes and apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
  • Allow sufficient drying time between coats, usually 2-4 hours for water-based and longer for oil-based.

Pros and Cons Based on My Experience

Pros:

  • Effective water repellency that lasts through multiple seasons.
  • Easy to apply with good coverage.
  • Enhances wood grain without peeling or cracking.

Cons:

  • Oil-based versions have a strong odor and longer drying time.
  • Needs reapplication every 1-2 years depending on exposure.
  • Tinted versions can sometimes look uneven if not applied carefully.

Where to Buy Thompson’s Waterseal

I found Thompson’s Waterseal widely available at major home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as online retailers like Amazon. Shopping online gave me the convenience of reading customer reviews and comparing prices before making a purchase.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Thompson’s Waterseal worked well for my wood protection needs. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use waterproofer that keeps your wood looking natural, it’s worth considering. Just be sure to choose the right formula for your project and follow the application instructions carefully for the best results.

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.