How To Apply Thompson's Water Seal With A Sprayer

Jessica Stone
by Jessica Stone
Thompson’s WaterSeal helps ensure that no water or moisture can get through the cracks of whatever surface you spray it on! Whether it is a new deck or an outdoor porch, the WaterSeal prevents erosion. Whether it be preparation or application, let’s take a look at how you can properly use Thompson’s WaterSeal.

Thompson’s WaterSeal offers a wide variety of deck sealers and stains. Applying sealers and paints to your deck will provide the necessary protection from both moisture and sunlight. The process for using a sealer or stain is not very technical, but can present some challenges.

You may require some guidance for how to apply Thompson’s water seal with a sprayer and the application process largely depends on the type of product you use. Additionally, poor weather conditions, direct sunlight, and other factors can influence the application of the seal or satin.

Overall, Thompson’s water seal necessitates a one-time use on your deck, and to accomplish a perfect application, the layer should be dry and clean.

We’ll explore exactly what it takes to achieve a flawless application of Thompson’s water seal when using a pump sprayer or garden sprayer.

Choosing a Sealer

When you’re building or restoring a deck, your choice of stain or sealer is equally as important as any other step in the process. The primary purpose of a sealer is to provide dependable protection for the surface of your deck. In order to get the most out of your deck and increase its lifespan, you must take special care to safeguard it against too much exposure to the sun and moisture problems.

Both stains and sealers have fundamental ingredients that will not only give your deck the ultimate protection, it will also prevent the surface from becoming discolored. On the market today, you’ll generally find sealers and stains broken into three categories:

  • Solid stain,
  • Semi-transparent stain, and
  • Clear sealer

(All decks stains on the market are also considered sealers).

When selecting the appropriate sealer for your deck, you must understand each of their characteristics and general uses. Overall, the solid stain is much thicker and can offer the most fortification for wood. The clear sealer will take on the color of the wood and provides minimal protection against sunlight.

On the other hand, semi-transparent stain can potentially modify the appearance of the wood on your deck. The frequency of application will all depend on the type that you choose. However, as a general note, the lighter the sealer, the more often it will need to be applied.

General Rules for Thompson’s Water Seal Application

In order to guide you through the proper spray application of Thompson’s water seal, follow the general guidelines below.

  • Seal on a day that is calm and the weather conditions are generally still. Wind and inclement weather can impede the ability to spray effectively.
  • If you’re using a clear sealer, make sure that the temperature is within fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this guideline in mind both during the application and as it is curing. Temperatures below fifty degrees may not allow the product to dry properly.
  • Pay close attention to weather patterns during and after application to ensure that the sealer does not come into contact with rain for at least two days. This will give it the necessary time to dry completely before it is able to get wet.
  • If rain has occurred prior to application, allow at least four to five days for the surface to dry before you start applying the sealer.
  • With spray application, some pigmented stains can clog the tip of the sprayer. To unclog the sprayer, unscrew the tip and dunk it in mineral spirits.

What Type of Sprayer?

The application technique that you choose will all depend on your own personal preference and particular situation. To apply Thompson’s water seal with a sprayer, you can use a garden sprayer with a hose or a pump sprayer.

However, the manufacturer of Thompson’s water seal recommends that their product be used with a plastic sprayer and a brass wand. With this tool, there aren’t any concerns about erosion occurring to the seals inside. To effectively clean your plastic sprayer after application, run mineral spirits through it first and then follow up with water.

Quick Note: While a spray application may be your preferred method to apply Thompson’s water seal to your deck, fencing, or another surface, for railings, consider painting it on with a brush. When you use a sprayer to apply sealant to railings, you’ll lose a significant amount of the product to overspray.

How to Apply Thompson’s Water Seal With Sprayer

Even if your deck is constructed with rot-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood, it will still greatly benefit from periodic applications of sealer. Thompson’s water seal can not only protect your deck from moisture, but it can also defend the surface against any harmful effects of frequent exposure to direct sunlight.

Most often, the easiest way to spread waterproofing products is by using a sprayer. Although you can certainly break out the paint spraying tools, a simple garden sprayer will be just as effective. Follow the steps below to successfully apply Thompson’s water seal using a sprayer.

Step One: Clean Your Deck Surface

For best results, you should always clean the surface that you are waterproofing first. Use a broom to sweep away any leaves, sticks, or other debris. Make sure that any of these materials that may be stuck in gaps in the boards are also removed. Any debris left on the surface can prevent the sealer from penetrating the edges of the decking boards.

In addition to sweeping, you should give your deck a good power washing. Applying high-pressure water to the surface will help remove dirt and can even eliminate a thin layer of wood, restoring the natural color. Allow the deck to dry for at least 48 before spraying the sealer.

Step Two: Cover Surrounding Objects

If you have any furniture or shrubbery nearby or underneath your deck, these will need to be protected from your application. Cover any surrounding objects with plastic sheeting to protect them from failing stain or paint.

Additionally, if your deck is attached to your home, cover the siding with masking paper and masking tape.

Step Three: Prep the Sealer

Procure your can of Thompson’s water seal and give it a good shake before pouring it into your garden sprayer canister. Make sure that you do this transfer over the top of a drop cloth to collect any spills. Then, close up the garden sprayer and pump the handle to pressurize.

Step Four: Begin Spray Application

Begin spraying at the corner of the deck that is furthest from the exit or stairs. Move slowly, first covering a section that is roughly two feet square. Follow up by rolling over this area with a medium-nap paint roller. This will help soak up any puddling Thompson’s water seal on the surface.

Roll in a parallel direction to the decking boards and clean the roller between use with a paint strainer inside a rolling tray. Alternatively, you can use a rag to remove any excess paint or sealer.

Continue spraying, following the steps outlined above, slowly working your way towards the deck exit. Once you’ve completed applying the sealer to the deck boards, spray the railings and then finish off with the stairs. Move carefully, take your time and ensure that the sealer is sprayed evenly over each surface.

For more waterproofing related questions, visit “ Can You Paint Over Thompson’s Water Seal?” or “ Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof?

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Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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