Ready Seal Stain Review
- Looks good initially
- Penetrated the wood easily
- One of the more inexpensive stains (Under $35)
- No lap marks
Manufacturer Description: ReadySeal wood stain and sealer contains all the essential elements of a quality coating for exterior wood projects. Ease of application was in mind throughout the formulation of ReadySeal to ensure all consumers a hassle-free application, saving time for the contractor and promising a Goof-Proof process for homeowners.
Ready Seal 112 1-Gallon Can Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- 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.
Stain looked good after initial application. Ready Seal has good penetration and applies easily. The product has a very strong odor, would not recommend if the user is sensitive to smells. After 14 months of weathering the product has completely weathered away. The test board has darkened significantly and small black spots of what appear to be mold have shown up. Bottom line: although this was one of the cheaper stains on the market, unless you want to redo your deck every year, stay away from Ready Seal. 
- Looks good initially
- Penetrated the wood easily
- One of the more inexpensive stains (Under $35)
- No lap marks
- Doesn't last more than a year
- Strong odor
- Mold growth present
- Boards turned very dark
Ready Seal is very easy to apply and that is the only good quality that it has. The stain does not dry and tracks on carpet and rubs off on clothes. Lost all color in 9-12 months. Very poor UV resistance as it was gone in less than a year.
Is a second coat needed so soon just being nearly 3 months of staining?
Ken, on the initial application, 2 coats were applied. The weathering photos show how it ended up 14 months later.
Been using for 30 years with atleast 3 years of color lasting with many 5 years on board on board cedar. All is in 12% or less total moisture when applying and good coverage.
Bought pecan semi-transparent–put on fence 2 yrs ago-took( 4-5 gallon cans at $180 ea) –thought it looked faded and dried out so put on another coat. I had some left over and it went on fine ,had to buy 2 more and its a completely different color,I thought it would fade as it always goes on darker-but now I have half my fence that is way darker,like walnut dark,looks ridiculous.