1 gal Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer - Easy

In this review of the 1 gal Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar exterior stain and sealer, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical choice for homeowners and DIYers who want a quick, forgiving way to protect and restore exterior wood while keeping natural grain visible. The single biggest reason to buy is the goof-proof application that requires no primer, no back brushing and blends itself for an even coat, making it especially suited to projects where time and a neat appearance matter.

Key Features

• No primer required: Saves prep time and reduces steps when refinishing decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.
• Semi-transparent oil formula: Penetrates deeply to protect wood from UV, mold and mildew while allowing grain to show.
• Versatile application: Can be applied by sprayer, roller or brush so users can choose the fastest or most precise method for their project.
• Self-blending finish: Requires no wet-line application and avoids laps, runs and streaks for a uniform result even in variable temperatures.
• True color develops: Appears darkest at first but reaches its intended Natural Cedar tone in about 14 days for an even, settled look.
• Ready to use: No thinning for spray applications and no back brushing means fewer tools and less cleanup during application.

Who It's For

This product is ideal for homeowners, handymen and DIYers restoring or protecting exterior wood like decks, fences, siding and outdoor furniture who want a natural, semi-transparent finish and fast, predictable application. The formula's ability to soak in quickly and provide good coverage makes it a strong pick for projects where appearance and basic weather protection are priorities.

Those who should look elsewhere include people wanting a fully opaque paint-like finish or anyone needing to apply over painted or recently stained surfaces, since sealed or painted wood will inhibit penetration and the product is not designed for those substrates.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy application process with no back brushing and no laps, saving time and reducing visible flaws.
• Good initial coverage and quick penetration so wood soaks in product and shows enhanced grain.
• Durable protection against sun, water and mildew as reported by many users, holding up several years in typical conditions.
• No thinning required for spray use, simplifying use with common application tools.

Cons

• Color can appear darker at first and may take around 14 days to reach its true Natural Cedar shade, which can surprise some users.
• Not suitable for painted or newly stained surfaces because sealed surfaces prevent proper penetration.

Specifications

Product	1 gal Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar
Type	Semi-transparent oil-based stain and sealer
Application methods	Sprayer, roller or brush (no thinning required)
Primer required	No primer needed
Color development	Darkest at application, true color in ~14 days
Special features	No back brushing, no laps, blends itself
Recycling fee	May include PaintCare fee in CA, OR, CT, VT

Our Verdict

The Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar 1 gal stain is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone refreshing exterior wood who values ease of use and a natural look. Its goof-proof application and penetrating oil formula give reliable coverage and weather protection, making it a good value for typical deck and fence projects where a semi-transparent finish is desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply this over previously sealed wood?
Answer. No, sealed or painted surfaces inhibit penetration; apply only to bare or weathered wood that can absorb the stain.

How long until the color settles?
Answer. The stain looks darkest at first and generally reaches its true Natural Cedar tone in about 14 days as it cures and weathers.

Do I need to thin for spray applications?
Answer. No thinning or diluting is required prior to spray applications, making it ready to use with common sprayers.