Top 11 Best Clear Cedar Finish For Outdoors

Cedarwood is a favorite for outdoor spaces, celebrated for its natural beauty and resistance to bacteria and fungus. But to truly protect cedar from the relentless sun, rain, and time, the right finish is essential.

With years of woodworking experience, I’ve tested and reviewed the top finishes, finding Seal-Once Marine Penetrating to be the ultimate defender.

This isn’t just a finish—it’s a shield that enhances and preserves cedar’s elegance.

Ready to give your cedar the protection it deserves? Read on to find the best clear cedar finish for outdoors.

Top Clear Cedar Outdoor Finishes

1. Seal-Once Marine – Penetrating – Best Overall
2. Cabot Australian Timber Oil – Best Bang for the Buck
3. Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor – Best Clear Clear Finish for Cedar Wood
4. Ready Seal 112 1-Gallon Cedar – Best Easy to Use Option
5. THOMPSONS WATERSEAL 21802 – Best Waterproof Finish
6. #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent – Best Semi Transparent Stain
7. Rust-Oleum 250231 Clear Varathane – Best Multipurpose Poly
8. RUST-OLEUM WATCO 67741 Exterior – Best UV Resistant
9. General Finishes Exterior Topcoat – Best for Durability
10. DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Exterior Wood S tain – Easy to Maintain Option
11. Howard CS0014 Citrus Shield Paste Wax – Best for Untreated Wood

Reviews of the Best Clear Cedar Finishes for Outdoor Applications-(Updated List)

1. Best Overall – Seal Once Marine Penetrating Wood Sealer

Seal-Once Marine Penetrating is my top choice for outdoor cedar finishes, and here’s why. It creates a UV-stable coating, protecting wood from harsh sun damage while keeping it looking fresh.

It’s also water-based and ultra-low in VOCs. This means it’s an eco-friendly choice—good for your wood and good for the planet.

Another standout feature? It doesn’t create a film. Instead, it lets cedar age naturally, highlighting the wood’s natural beauty.

And because it penetrates deep, right to the cellular level, it forms a durable, flexible, and breathable barrier. This keeps your wood strong and reduces the need for frequent reapplication, saving you time and money.

Cleanup’s a breeze, too—just soap and water. Plus, it’s safe around pets, plants, and people, giving you peace of mind. Now, it’s a bit pricier, but think of it as an investment.

You’re getting a product that boosts longevity and beauty for your wood while protecting the environment. For anyone who wants the best, it’s worth every penny.

What We Liked Most

UV-stable coating
Low VOC and eco-friendly
Deep penetration
Easy cleanup
User-friendly and safe

What Could Be Improved

Wood glue might not work well with this coating in place
It is on the pricier side compared to some competitors.

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2. Best Bang for the Buck– Cabot Australian Timber Oil

The best clear cedar finish should contain penetrating oils to give your outdoor fixtures a protective barrier against the elements. This is it if you need the best outdoor wood furniture sealer and other outdoor cedar that’s a bar above the rest.

Cabot Australian Timber Oil deserves recognition as the best budget option, ranking just below our first choice. While Seal-Once is the premium choice, Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil offers an excellent alternative, particularly if you want to protect your wood on a budget.

It stands out with its unique value proposition, offering superior wood stain that provides 3-way oil protection. This translates to deep penetration into dense, resin-rich woods, guaranteeing the ultimate protection and preserving natural beauty.

The rich, natural color cabot timber oil imparts to your wood is simply stunning, making it ideal for outdoor use. Not to mention, it’s highly durable, ensuring your wood surfaces remain protected even in the harshest conditions.

Compared to the previously reviewed Seal-Once, Cabot Australian Timber Oil is the more budget-friendly option.

While it may not offer the same eco-friendliness and advanced technology, it fills the gap by providing reliable wood protection with an affordable price tag.

What We Liked Most

3-Way Oil Protection
Deep Penetration
Rich Natural Color
High Durability

What Could Be Improved

May not offer the same advanced technology as some premium options.

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3. Best Clear Finish for Cedar Wood – Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane

Minwax Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane is among my top pick for a clear wood finish, indoors or out.

Here’s why: it offers both clarity and top-notch protection. This finish doesn’t just protect wood; it lets the natural beauty shine through with a crystal-clear coat.

So, your cedar stays looking great for years.

And here’s the best part—Minwax Helmsman handles all kinds of weather. From the scorching heat of summer to the freezing chill of winter, this spar urethane is up for the job. It keeps your wood protected, season after season.

This product’s versatility is a huge advantage. It contains particular UV inhibitors that minimize the aging and fading effects of the sun. It is the best stain for outdoor cedar furniture because it gives you a lot of flexibility.

The semi-gloss finish adds a touch of elegance to your woodwork, creating a beautiful, protective, and visually appealing aesthetic.

Minwax is renowned for producing quality wood finishes, and Helmsman is no exception. With this product, you can trust that you’re getting a reliable solution for preserving the life and beauty of your wood.

What We Liked Most

Exceptional clarity
Superior protective properties
Year-round weather resistance
Versatile with UV inhibitors

What Could Be Improved

It may leave a pale yellow tint
Peels over time; meaning it is not as durable

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4. Best Easy to Use Option – Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

If you’re looking for the easiest stain for outdoor wood, this product is exactly what you need. It’s simple and perfect for cedar decks and outdoor furniture.

No primer is needed—just use it straight from the can. Plus, no wet-lining or back-brushing is required. And there’s no need to thin it—the formula is ready to go, whether you’re using a sprayer, roller, or brush.

Now, keep in mind, it’s not for wood that’s already been stained. It needs to penetrate, so make sure surfaces are prepped. When you first apply it, the stain will look darker. Give it about two weeks, and it’ll reach its true color.

It’s more than a stain—it’s also a primer and sealer, which saves time and money. Just follow the instructions, and you’re all set for a beautiful finish.

What We Liked Most

Ease of use
Self-priming product
Durable 
It is mildew resistant

What Could Be Improved

Pricey but worth every penny

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5. Best Waterproof Option – Thompson Waterseal VOC Wood Protector

Thompson’s WaterSeal VOC Wood Protector is a highly effective wood treatment solution primarily renowned for its exceptional waterproofing properties.

Designed to shield your wood surfaces from the harshest weather conditions and moisture, this product offers unparalleled protection to help your wood maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic beauty for years to come.

Use it on cedar fences, outdoor cedar furniture, and other outdoor fixtures, and you will not be disappointed with the results. 

Before using this product, ensure the furniture surface is free of dirt, dust, grime, and anything else that can significantly affect the results. Allow the damp wood to dry for two days undisturbed.

If you require more than one can, combine the contents of all containers to get a uniform finish. Apply the paint with a sprayer, brush, roller, or painting pad.

Apply thin coats instead of one thick coat for maximum absorption. If you apply many thick coats, the paint might crack, rendering all your efforts fruitless. Also, it will delay the dry time, making your project take longer than expected.

Wipe away any excess finish before it completely dries, or distribute it to the untreated wood parts. We consider it one of the best clear stains for natural cedar because just one coat is enough to give you professional results.

What We Liked Most

It is waterproof
Ease of use
Simple water and soap clean-up
Just one coat is enough to get the desired effects

What Could Be Improved

It heavily relies on temperature to dry up quickly.

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6. Best Semi Transparent Stain – #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain for Decks

Deck Premium is a two-in-one semi-transparent stain, perfect for pressure-treated pine, redwood, cedar, and most softwoods. It keeps outdoor cedar looking fresh by protecting against fading and moisture, extending the life of your wood.

What’s great about this stain is that it highlights the wood’s natural beauty while being low in VOCs. That means no harsh odors, and it’s safe for pets, kids, and people. Cleanup? Super easy—just soap and water, no need for mineral spirits.

One big time-saver: you don’t have to wait for the wood to dry completely before staining. It works even on damp wood. And, for the best results, apply it with a quality brush. That way, it gets into all the small cracks and crannies.

Since it’s semi-transparent, you’ll still see the wood grain shine through. And with five colors to choose from, it’s easy to find a match for any project.

What We Liked Most

Non-toxic
It works even on dump wood
Easy to work with a roller or a brush 
It offers an excellent uniform finish
It dries up pretty fast

What Could Be Improved

It is specially formulated for softwoods

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7. Best Multipurpose Poly – Rust-Oleum Brands 250231 Clear Varathane

Cleaning up after using oil-based poly is not a joke, and maybe you’ve had a fair share of dramas. If you need a clear water-based polyurethane that exceeds your expectations in performance, Rust-Oleum Brands 250231 Clear Varathane is your product.

You’ll be pleased with how easy it is to apply and clean up without creating messes. It goes on a bit thinner than the oil-based polyurethane with a paintbrush.

The results you get will pleasantly surprise you. It outperforms ordinary polys as it won’t yellow or crack when you use it outdoors. It has a foamy texture but dries clear.

You need to apply to three goats to get the results you deserve. Prepare the surfaces you are working on thoroughly before using this finish. This product is water-based.

It contains low volatile organic compounds; therefore, we consider it pet safe. It also poses no danger to the user and the environment. It takes a reasonable time to dry, letting you finish your paint project earlier than expected.

When used, it produces no upsetting odors, and you will not inhale paint smell for weeks or months after use. For professional results, keenly follow the instructions on the can.

What We Liked Most

Very simple to use
Odorless
Dries fast
Long-lasting results

What Could Be Improved

It’s not that clear
Multiple applications to get desired results.

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8. Best UV Resistant – RUST-OLEUM WATCO 67741 Exterior Wood Finish

Here is your product if you are looking for a clear cedar finish that hardens inside the wood and not on the wood surface to safeguard the wood from inside. 

This deep-penetrating oil formula penetrates the cells of the wood fibers providing superior protection, therefore, extending the life span of your wood.

There will be no deformation or swelling as the weather conditions changes. On top of that, it makes the wood resist moisture damage.

Additionally, the product shields the cedar surfaces from the fading effects of UV rays. It is a high-quality mildew-resistant formula, so it prevents the growth of this mildew which causes the wood to rot. Please be sure not to use this product on previously painted surfaces.

Apply on a dry day when the temperature range is between 50 degrees Fahrenheit and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface preparation determines the results you get.

For best results, you need to go the extra mile and remove all the contaminants from the wood’s surface. For smooth surfaces, sand the areas.

Be keen to stir the contents to mix them properly.

What We Liked Most

Gorgeous colors
Durable
Clear instructions
You can use it on different exterior surfaces

What Could Be Improved

You’ve to work under specific weather conditions

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9. Best for Durability – General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Topcoat

There’s something special about buying from a trusted brand. A brand with a reputation to protect delivers quality products and dependable customer service.

For years, General Finishes has been a go-to for high-quality paints and finishes. This one, in particular, is ideal for outdoor cedar—whether it’s for fences, patio furniture, siding, or doors.

What makes this finish stand out? It’s a urethane-acrylic blend, so it offers the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s got a UV absorber to guard against sun damage and mildewicide to protect against mold and mildew. It’s designed to keep your wood looking great.

We also love that this finish is tintable, has a low VOC content, and won’t change the wood’s natural color. Cleanup is simple, too—just soap and water. And for the best results, apply two to four coats. Each coat dries within hours and cures in five days.

You can apply it with a roller, brush, foam brush, or pad applicator. And with several sheen options, you’ll easily find a look that complements your decor.

What We Liked Most

Highly durable
Availability in different colors
Dries quickly
Low VOCs

What Could Be Improved

You may need to apply multiple coats

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10. Easy to Maintain Option – DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Exterior Wood Stain, Crystal Clear

The Defy extreme is a semi-transparent stain that brings out the natural beauty of wood by allowing the wood grains to show through.

Use it on siding, cedar decks, cedar fences, and outdoor patio furniture to keep them looking great for decades and shield them from unforgiving elements. 

This semi-transparent stain shields exterior cedarwood from harmful UV rays, such as cedar siding and fences, thus stopping premature aging.

When you use this product, you’ll have tremendous peace of mind because your expensive wood will be in good hands. For professional results, apply on cloudy days.

And, once you’ve started staining, keep going until you’ve covered the entire length of the wood to avoid ugly brush marks. Please note that this stain might appear lighter than you would expect when applying it initially.

Be patient with it, as it’ll darken over time to provide you with the desired color. Depending on where you live, you may not need more than one coat. In short, just one coat is what you need to get your dream results.

What We Liked Most

It lasts a season longer than other competitive products
It is friendly to the environment
Simple water and soap cleanup

What Could Be Improved

You’ve to keep an eye on the weather and apply only on cloudy days

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11. Best for Untreated Wood – Howard CS0014 Citrus Shield Paste Wax

If you need a clear Cedar finish, wax is always one of the best options. Howard Citrus Shield Paste Wax amplifies the natural beauty of finished or unfinished wood.

It does not affect the color and even restores weathered cedar siding integrity during the conditioning phase. This top-quality product contains legit carnauba wax, which repels water, safeguards the finish color, and reduces the effects of sun fading.

This product takes considerable pride in having a durable shine. Use it on cedar furniture, concrete, marble, painted surfaces, and metal. The product is toluene-free and specially formulated as a topcoat ( final finish or a dependable conditioner.

You can even use it on newly reclaimed wood furniture. It applies easily and with the contents of this can, you can place a couple of coats on three huge credenzas.

The aroma is terrific. All your pieces will have a pleasantly smooth finish that resists scuffs and water rings. The oils in this product might darken your wood a little bit, but it will enhance its beauty by a significant margin.

What We Liked Most

It is suitable for both finished and untreated wood
Capability to restore and enhance the natural beauty of wood
Provides maximum UV protection
Ensures a brilliant and durable shine

What Could Be Improved

It may darken the wood slightly, but it’s for a good course

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Advantages of Using Clear Finish On Outdoor Cedar Furniture

A clear finish is an ideal choice for exterior cedar furniture. Why is it so? Let’s see why the clear finish is the best stain for exterior wood.

Enhances the beauty of natural cedar 

Cedar wood is beautiful even without being stained. It has natural oils that allow it to survive the harshness of being exposed to elements such as snow, rain, UV rays, mold, mildew, etc.

However, it can only fight for so long unaided. With time the elements wear out, and cedarwood starts to fade and rot. 

When you use clear stains, you bring out the natural beauty of cedar and fortify its defense against the elements simultaneously.

So, if you value your expensive wood, it is only fair that you give it a fresh lick of transparent stain and keep applying a maintenance coat as needed. 

Prolongs the life of wood

Outdoor cedar remains outside regardless of weather conditions. It is prone to insects, mold, and mildew attacks which causes the wood to decay.

Clear stains contain mildewcide and penetrating oils that protect the wood from insects, UV rays, and water damage, therefore, prolonging the lifespan of cedar.

Staining a cedar wood surface also makes the areas much easy to clean. Every coin has two sides, and everything on this planet is. 

The only disadvantage of clear stains is that they do not hold up as long as a solid. 

How to Finish Cedar Wood for Outdoors

You finish exterior cedar wood the same way you would finish interior wood. The only difference is to know the type of finish you are using is a water-based stain or oil-based stain.

You do not need to be too cautious with water-based stains because most are low VOCs and won’t emit pungent odors, and are safe for pets, kids, and the environment.

However, you need to be careful with an oil-based stain. If you use an oil-based stain, always wear protective equipment and work in well-ventilated spaces. 

The most important question to ask when treating cedar is, “How much of the actual wood grain do you need to conceal ?” Do you prefer the natural, weathered appearance of cedar? Or do you like a uniform but unnatural appearance?

A semi-transparent stain lets the wood grain shine through and gives the wood the much-needed protection. Solid color stains cover the color of cedar but let some grain shine through.

Here’s a step-by-step process for finishing cedar wood for exterior use.

Requirements

• Your preferred Wood Finish
• Cleaners/Stain Removers
• Sandpaper
• Brush/Roller/Pad
• Procedure

Step 1: Sand the wood

Sand the surface and clean the wood to remove sanding dust, debris, and dirt. Avoid using a pressure washer as it may damage the wood. Wipe the wood with a clean cloth or sponge.

Step 2: Remove the previous coating

If the wood was previously stained or it has some scratches grab fine-grit sandpaper and sand it down. Use a stain remover to remove paint finishes and stains.

step 3: Apply the finish

Apply your favorite stain with a sponge, clean rag, pad, or roller, depending on the surface you are working on. Hold it at 45 degrees and run the soft bristles across the surface uniformly and gently if you are using a brush.

Step 4: Allow the finish to dry

Let the finish dry according to the time the manufacturer stipulates and wipe away the excess finish. Sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper before applying a second coat. Reapply the coats as needed and let the wood cure.

Related Post: Best Cedar Finish for Indoors

FAQs

Can you clear coat cedar?

Yes, cedar can be clear-coated, showcasing its natural beauty while providing protection. Clear coats work best indoors but can be used outdoors; however, they’ll break down faster than stains or paints due to exposure to elements like UV rays, rain, and mold.

How do you seal outdoor cedarwood?

Start by cleaning and sanding the surface. Apply a high-quality wood sealer or penetrating stain specifically designed for outdoor use, such as a UV-resistant, water-repellent finish. Brush or spray on evenly, allowing it to dry fully. Reapply as recommended to maintain cedar’s natural beauty and weather resistance.

Should cedar be sealed for outdoor use?

Cedar is a dependable option for exterior and interior building projects because it is durable. It has natural properties such as natural oils that enable it to resist insects and rot, and decay. So, staining it is optional. It is advisable to seal it to fortify its defense against the elements. However, leave it unsealed if you need to enjoy the sweet aroma of cedar variants such as Incense-cedar and Western Red Cedar.

What is the best clear stain for cedar?

Linseed oil is the recommended finish for exterior clear cedar. It is the primary component of certain oil finishes that dry clear. Other clear water-based finishes exist, but they will not last as long as a Linseed oil-based stain.

Conclusion

We highly recommend finishing exterior cedar with clear stains because they allow the natural beauty of wood and color to show through.

A clear cedar finish also strengthens cedar’s natural defense against mold, mildew, moisture, and UV rays. The Optimal Clear Cedar Coatings for Outdoor Use should last for a while before necessitating maintenance coat application.