OLYMPIC WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer

What I Used and Where

I tested the WaterGuard Woodland Cedar stain on three typical outdoor projects: a weathered pine privacy fence, a cedar deck rail, and a small outdoor bench made of pressure-treated lumber. I chose WaterGuard because it’s a water-based, semi-transparent stain-and-sealer that promises waterproofing, UV protection, and relatively quick dry times with simple soap-and-water cleanup. The Woodland Cedar color is a warm, medium cedar tone meant to highlight grain rather than hide it.

Application Experience

This stain is on the thinner side, which is common for penetrating, semi-transparent formulas. The upside is good penetration and less chance of a gummy, surface-only film. The tradeoff is you need to manage runs, especially on vertical surfaces and profiles with edges or knots. I had the best results with a quality nylon/poly brush for cutting-in and a 1/4" nap roller on smooth sections. On the fence, I alternated between a brush and a stain pad.

I also ran a quick pass with an airless sprayer on scrap to see how it atomized. It sprays fine if you filter the stain and use a small tip, but back-brushing is mandatory to work the stain into the wood and even out the sheen. Frankly, I preferred brushing and rolling; I could control wet edges and avoid lap marks more reliably.

A few notes that improved results:
- Stir thoroughly before and during use to keep pigments in suspension.
- Work in manageable sections and keep a wet edge to prevent lap lines.
- Don’t overload the roller; two lighter coats beat one heavy coat, especially on vertical surfaces.
- Wipe drips off the underside of boards as you go—this stain sets quickly enough that dried sags are a pain to sand out.

Dry Time and Cleanup

In warm, dry conditions, the stain was dry to the touch in a couple of hours and ready for a second coat the same day. However, on a shaded section of fence in cool, damp weather, full cure took longer than the label’s optimistic timeline; it wasn’t tacky, but it felt slightly soft for a day or two. Plan your schedule accordingly if you’re in a humid climate or working late in the season.

Cleanup is genuinely easy: soap, warm water, and a rinse. Odor was mild, which I appreciated during a long day on the fence line.

Color and Finish

Woodland Cedar lands in the warm cedar/brown family without drifting into orange. On fresh pressure-treated lumber, the first coat looks light and even; the second coat deepens the tone noticeably while still showing grain and milling marks. On older pine fencing, the color skewed a hair browner and more subdued—still natural-looking. Semi-transparent stains always telegraph what’s underneath, so fill checks, end grain, and discoloration will show through; do your prep and spot-sand as needed.

If you’re picky about appearance, test a small area first. Color depth varies with species, porosity, and how aggressively you sanded. Two thin coats gave me the most uniform, rich result without losing the wood’s character.

Water and UV Performance

I gave the finished surfaces a hose test after 48 hours of cure. Water beaded immediately and stayed on the surface, then sheeted off cleanly. After a few summer storms, the fence still shed water as expected, and the bench didn’t absorb noticeable moisture. That initial waterproofing is this product’s strongest suit—it’s apparent right away.

UV protection is harder to evaluate in a short window, but after a full sunny month, I saw no chalking or obvious fade on the south-facing rail. The finish remains matte with a soft, natural sheen. The brand’s “Scuff Guard” pitch isn’t smoke and mirrors; on the deck rail, occasional bumped planters and forearm traffic left only faint rub marks that wiped away. On flat deck boards I’d expect typical wear from foot traffic—no semi-transparent stain will behave like a heavy film-former—so budget for touch-ups on high-traffic areas within a couple of seasons.

Durability Expectations

The stated maintenance cycle—about three years on decks and four on fences and siding—tracks with how these water-based semi-transparents usually perform, assuming decent prep and not-too-harsh exposure. Vertical surfaces are almost always a longer win. On horizontal, high-sun, high-rain decks, realistic expectations help: plan on a light recoat or spot maintenance at the two-year mark to keep color and water beading strong.

The key to longevity is preparation. Clean thoroughly, allow the wood to dry, and remove any glossy remnants of old coatings. WaterGuard is fine over previously coated wood if the old finish was a weathered clear or semi-transparent; it’s not meant to go over intact solid stains or films.

Coverage and Value

The stated 250–350 sq. ft. per gallon is fair. On rough-sawn pine fence boards, I averaged around 260 sq. ft./gal per coat. On sanded cedar rail and the bench, I reached roughly 320 sq. ft./gal per coat. If your project includes thirsty end-grain or older lumber, budget on the lower end. Overall, coverage and the two-coat end result make sense value-wise, especially when you factor in easy cleanup and no mineral spirits.

Where It Shines

• Penetrating protection: The thinner body helps it get into fibers instead of forming a brittle film.
• Natural look: Semi-transparent finish highlights grain and avoids the plastic look some film-formers create.
• Low odor, easy cleanup: A genuine quality-of-life boost for DIY and pro users alike.
• Early performance: Water beading and a uniform matte finish show up right away and persist after early exposure.

Where It Stumbles

• Prone to runs if you’re heavy-handed: You need to manage application rates and watch edges and underside drips.
• Dry time can stretch: Cool or humid conditions extend cure, so plan project timing.
• Color variability: Species and surface prep influence how “cedar” it reads; test areas are smart.
• Spraying demands discipline: It can spray, but filtration, tip selection, and diligent back-brushing are essential to avoid unevenness.

Tips for Best Results

• Prep thoroughly: Clean, rinse, and let wood dry 24–48 hours. Sand glossy spots; remove loose fibers.
• Stir, don’t shake: Keeps pigments even without frothing air into the mix.
• Apply in the shade: Avoid hot direct sun and wind to reduce lap lines and flash-drying.
• Two thin coats: Better uniformity and color depth, less risk of sags.
• Back-brush everything: Whether you roll or spray, working the stain in makes a visible difference.
• Respect cure time: Keep furniture and planters off freshly stained surfaces longer in cool or humid weather.

Final Take

WaterGuard stain strikes a practical balance: it’s easy to live with, straightforward to apply once you adjust to its thinner body, and it delivers immediate waterproofing with a naturally rich, grain-forward look. The Woodland Cedar tone is versatile, skewing warm without turning orange, and it deepens nicely on a second coat. Durability on vertical surfaces looks promising, and while decks will always be a tougher test, the maintenance cycle outlined is realistic for a water-based semi-transparent.

Would I recommend it? Yes. If you want a low-odor, water-based stain that penetrates well, beads water reliably, and cleans up with soap and water, this is a solid choice for fences, siding, rails, and outdoor furniture. For decks, it’s still a good option provided you accept periodic touch-ups and take care during application to avoid runs. With the right prep and technique, it rewards you with a natural-looking finish and credible protection without the fuss of solvent-based systems.