What is the Best Sealer for Cypress Wood in 2023?

Cypress is softwood that is collected from needle-leaved trees. This durable and stable wood is used for building and heavy construction. But does the cypress need to be sealed? 

Cypress woods are resistant to water and rot. But applying a sealant will protect the top layer from various spillages. It will rejuvenate and protect the wood.

What is the best sealer for cypress? A lot of options are available. But choosing the right one is the key. I will guide you to select a reliable sealant for cypress woods and how to apply it. 

Should You Seal Cypress Wood? 

Cypress wood might be water-resistant. You won’t have to worry about warping and bowing issues. However, they are not watertight. 

Their pores might be smaller than others. But, if these tiny pores remain unsealed, moisture will get inside them. 

Applying a compatible sealer is essential to protect the surface in the long run.

If you want to use this wood for outdoor furniture projects, use a good-quality sealer to protect the wood from UV rays and block out moisture.

This will help sustain the natural beauty of the cypress wood for a long time. 

3 Best Sealer for Cypress that Promise Unmatched Wood Protection?

A lot of sealing options are available. But not all of them are compatible to use on cypress wood.

Oil-based, semi-transparent sealers are the best choice for cypress wood. This type of sealer can penetrate and bond with the wood fibers. 

They can rejuvenate and protect the wood. Plus, the effective formula of an oil-based sealer can restore the richness of cypress grain.

This top-grade wood sealing material can prevent cypress wood from drying out while allowing the wood breathes appropriately. 

Due to its natural oil content, water-based sealers are less likely to adhere well to cypress wood.

You may feel like you need clarification about choosing a particular oil-based sealer. The followings are some top choices from some reputed brands.

Aleene’s 26412 Spray Gloss Finish

This top-rated product can deliver a protective, clear finish to your cypress wood.

Aleene’s Acrylic Sealer comes in a liquid or aerosol form to effortlessly and evenly apply on the wood surface. 

The product takes around 15-20 minutes to dry thoroughly. The glossy finish will protect the wooden element from deteriorating.

Also, you will appreciate the elegant and refreshing transformation once the sealer has dried properly.

The cypress sealer doesn’t contain CFCS ingredients. This will significantly reduce emissions of air pollutants. 

Storm Stain Protector

Do you want to sustain the natural beauty of your cypress wood grain for a long time? 

Storm Stain Protector is a perfect choice to add dramatic solid color stains. It can provide higher waterproofing and UV protection.

The product is available in 6 six colors. You can apply a single coat for a transparent result. But the second coat will make it a bit darker. 

It comes with a ready-to-use and consistent formula. But make sure to mix the sealant thoroughly before applying it. 

Make sure to wait 24-36 hours to touch, handle, or recoat the wood surface after applying the sealer.

Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer

Do you want to protect your cypress wood water, saltwater spray, and other harmful elements? 

If so, this option can be a perfect choice. The unit comes with a liquid formula with a very low VOC.

Seal-Once Marine Sealer can add a water-resistant shield around wood fibers to sustain the natural color of the cypress wood. You won’t see any peeling-off issues. 

Cleaning the wood surface with soap and water won’t be a problem at all. 

The wood sealer takes around 24-48 hours to become fully dry. However, temperature and humidity will affect the drying time. 

Make sure to apply the sealer correctly and evenly. Otherwise, its thick formula may leave tiny granules or bubbles on the wood once it dries. 

How To Seal Cypress Wood Step-by-step?

Sealing cypress wood will keep the top surface protected from moisture, dirt, and other harmful substances. 

When providing optimal protection to cypress wood, knowing to apply a sealer is the key. 

A wrong approach may ruin the natural appearance of your beautiful cypress wood. The followings are the steps you want to follow to stain cypress wood perfectly.

Step: 01— Sanding The Wood 

The first important task is sanding the cypress wood properly. 

Your cypress wood may have some rough edges, scratches, and imperfections.

Sanding the wood will open up the pores of the wood. It will help the wood absorb the seal better.

But you can’t over-sand the wood. Otherwise, it will cause an uneven and distorted sort of look. 

Initially, you can use 80-120 grit sandpaper and finish the job with 220 grit.

Step: 02— Cleaning the wood surface

Use a dry cloth to remove dust particles from the wood surface. It should have a smooth, finished exterior.

Some sanding dust might be hard to clear away with a dry cloth. Grab another fabric. 

Add a small amount of mineral spirits to make it moderately damp. 

Now, use the damp cloth to wipe away sparingly all the dirt and residue from the wood surface.

Alternatively, you can use a tack cloth to remove sanding dust and loose particles from your cypress wood.

Step: 03— Applying The Sealer 

Once you prepare the wood surface perfectly, apply a thin layer of sealer. You shouldn’t add a thicker layer initially, as it can lead to over-sealing. 

Wear all essential protective equipment, especially gloves and a mask. 

Use an intact brush or roller to apply the sealer on the wood surface. 

Maintain a consistent forward and backward motion to apply the sealer evenly.

Don’t miss out on any corners and edges of the cypress wood. Take a little time to apply the stain on hard-to-reach areas. 

Step: 04— Drying Out The Sealer 

After applying the sealant appropriately, wait for at least 24 hours. 

It can depend on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Go through the product packaging to learn about the ideal drying period. 

Once the seal is dried thoroughly, inspect the result. The cypress wood should have a smooth and natural appearance.

All the small pores of the cypress wood must be closed completely to ensure a long-lasting appearance. 

If you need to apply another layer of sealer, go for it. But don’t apply too thick a layer. 

It is better to apply several thin layers and a single thick layer. Otherwise, it will create bubbles, affecting the paint of the wood. 

How to Remove Incorrectly Applied Seal From Cypress Wood?

Have you applied too much sealant at a time on your cypress wood? Or, the application pattern might only be consistent in some areas. 

In such a case, it is better to remove the old sealant and re-apply it quickly. Here are the steps to follow to remove adhesive from cypress wood. 

Step: 01) Apply WD-40 evenly in all affected areas to remove the cypress wood sealer and save yourself from a bit of elbow grease.

Step: 02) Let it sit for a few minutes. It will help break down the sealant and make it softer.

Step: 03) Grab a soft and clean fabric. Wipe away all the sealant residues from the wood surface.

Step: 04) If there is any residue still on the wood surface, wash the area with a mixture of lukewarm water and mild soap.  

Step: 05) Take the help of a soft sponge to wipe away all dirt and dust from the sealer. Ensure a consistent and uniform motion to agitate and loosen the dirt.

Step: 06) Let the entire area dry appropriately before applying the sealant. If you still notice any sealant substances, get rid of them.

FAQ’s

Verdict 

When achieving a perfect painting finish on a cypress wood surface, you want to seal the wood surface properly to close its tiny pores. 

Otherwise, the paint won’t be as long-lasting as you want. Plus, the wood surface may look a little bit odd. It will lack a natural appearance. 

I have already mentioned what is the best sealer for cypress and how to apply sealant on cypress wood. Let me know if you need any further help regarding this topic.