Thompson's Water Seal 21802 VOC Wood Protector, 1.2-Gallon, Clear

After destroying many desk surfaces over the years with minor coffee, water and tea sloshes (or just moisture rings) I decided to invest a little extra in my corner desk purchase by getting this waterproofing wood seal. As per the directions, I applied it to the cleaned and dried surface of the desk, fairly easy to get a nice even layer, and let it sit to cure before lightly buffing the surface. I worried it might be too waxy/thin; it looked like I’d removed it once it was dry but I tested a bit if water spillage and it beaded, not penetrating the surface at all. I’ve run my nails and the usual mugs over the surface and it has made good on protecting the surface. It doesn’t feel weird to touch or stick to clothes or fabrics either. I imagine it probably has more longevity for indoor use, not being exposed to elements or used as an indoor coffee slip and slide game so I probably won’t need more than the single application for the life of the desk. However, I keep it handy for any and every furniture sealing project around the house because I’m very happy with the result. It works on laminate/cheaper furniture as well, not just wood. I’ll suggest always doing a patch test before risking anything you’re not personally familiar with. Some people’s DIY dreams are another’s DIY nightmare.

Since I just recently applied this product (to some stained cedar wood in my 3-season porch), it's too early to know what it's long-term durability will be. But I like the fact that it's thicker than I imagined; and not a thin, watery substance like some polyurethane products I've used in the past. I also like that, when dry, it has a semi-gloss to gloss finish, and not a matte finish.

Excellent product. Great protection from the elements

I used this product on my deck on my Lake Pier.I rolled it on with ease.It mentioned on the label the product woukd bead up water when wet.It works great!Very satisfied with this product.

I bought a teak table with a "weathered finish" that peeled off over its first winter as I (stupidly) left it uncovered. Too big and too late to return it I sanded the top with a palm sander (about $35) and applied a single coat of Thomson's water seal. I'm not particularly handy but the process was very easy and I could not be happier with the result.I decided to post real pictures of the evolution so people can get an idea of the level of color change on teak. I think it makes it look richer but as you can see from the pictures it WILL change the color slightly from raw sanded wood despite being "clear". Something not apparent from the pictures is that the finish "feels" good to the touch. Partly depending on sanding I suppose but the wood is not tacky in either heat or rain, in fact its silky smooth even two months after application. I often use a squeegee to peal the rainwater off and leave it dry since water collects on the top with nowhere else to go.Pictures (** Somehow the order of the pictures got mixed up after submission - it should be easy enough to figure out)(1) Original, peeling, teak table top(2) Closeup of annoying damage(3) After sanding with a palm sander(4) After applying Thomson's (Apr 4)(5) Mostly dry to the touch (Apr 8)(6) Closeup of water beading after rain (Apr 9)(7) Finished product after many rains, use, and baking in the sun for two months (Jun 22)Comments:(1) The container is hard to open - I had to use a hammer and large nail to pierce the metal sealed spout that sits below the plastic screw cap. This is the only thing that is ridiculous (and confusing) about this product(2) I did it when the air temperature was slightly below the manufacturer's minimum recommendation. As a result it took 5 days to completely absorb. Temperature REALLY does matter(3) Inevitable drips will mark the floor surface below so cover up, and return in 30 minutes to wipe away slow-moving drips(4) The paintbrush can be stuck in a ziplock and re-used without cleaning as it does not dry(5) This container will cover a LOT. It doesn't take much to apply the single coat necessary(6) My understanding is the effect of Thomson's does wear off in time and will likely need to be re-done next year although I will be covering it for the winter

We applied it right before the rain started . We live on the ocean and it’s been working great , rain not soaking in wood . We just squigge the water off top when it’s really raining hard here .

when I purchased was less expensive than what is now needed. easy to apply (need a soft applicator). with right tools.

Perfect for our natural wood deck, requires recovering every 2 yrs