Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer - Easy

In this review of Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar the bottom line is simple: it is a no-nonsense, semi-transparent oil-based stain and sealer best suited for homeowners and pros who want a fast, even finish that preserves visible wood grain. The single biggest reason to buy is its virtually foolproof application; the formula blends itself so users report no laps, runs or streaks and can apply with a sprayer, roller or brush without back brushing. It reaches its true color in about 14 days and provides durable protection against mold, mildew and UV damage.

Key Features

• No primer required: Saves time on preparation by allowing direct application to bare wood without a separate primer coat.
• Goof proof application: The product blends itself to eliminate runs, laps and streaks so less touch-up is needed and results stay uniform.
• Multiple application methods: Can be applied by sprayer, roller or brush, giving flexibility for large decks or detailed trim work.
• Penetrating formula: Acts as stain and sealer in one, soaking into wood to protect against mold, mildew and UV while keeping grain visible.
• No thinning for spray: Ready to use from the pail for spray application, which speeds up larger jobs and reduces prep time.
• Temperature tolerant: Can be applied across a wide temperature range, reducing weather-related scheduling delays during projects.

Who It's For

This is a good choice for homeowners refinishing decks, fences or siding who want a natural cedar tone and an easy application process that minimizes brushwork. Contractors and DIYers who use sprayers will appreciate that the stain requires no diluting and delivers good coverage with quick penetration.

It is not intended for use over painted or newly stained surfaces, so buyers who need to cover existing paint should look for an opaque coating or dedicated paint product. Also, those who prefer fully solid stains that hide grain should consider a solid or latex exterior paint instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to apply with sprayer, roller, or brush and requires no back brushing.
• Provides an attractive natural cedar, semi-transparent finish that soaks in evenly.
• Protects wood from mold, mildew and UV while preserving grain texture.
• Ready to use for spray applications without thinning, saving time on large jobs.

Cons

• Not suitable for application over painted or newly stained surfaces, limiting use for some renovation projects.
• Initial color appears darker and takes about 14 days to reach its settled tone, which may surprise users expecting instant final color.

Specifications

Product	Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar
Size	5-gallon pail
Type	Semi-transparent oil-based stain and sealer
Application methods	Sprayer, roller, brush
Primer required	No primer required
Dry down color	Reaches true color in ~14 days
Special notes	Do not apply over painted or newly stained surfaces

Our Verdict

Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar is a practical, time-saving stain and sealer for anyone refinishing exterior wood who wants visible grain and long-lasting protection. Its self-blending, no-back-brush formula and spray-ready consistency make it good value for large decks and fences, provided you are working on bare wood and can wait for the color to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply Ready Seal over existing paint?
No. This product should not be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces; it is designed for bare wood or previously sealed, unpainted wood.

Do I need to thin the stain for spraying?
No. Ready Seal 512 requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications and is ready to use from the pail.

How long until the color looks final?
The stain is darkest when first applied and generally reaches its true color in approximately 14 days as it soaks in and cures.