Seal-Once Marine Grade Clear has been named Best Overall in BobVila.com's annual guide to the best deck sealers for five straight years. The recognition covers every edition from 2022 through 2026.
BobVila.com refreshes its deck sealer guide every year with new hands-on testing. Each product is applied to deck boards and left outdoors through sun, rain, and freezing overnight temperatures. Reviewers then score each sealer on application, appearance, durability, and value.
In the 2026 edition, Marine Grade Clear earned perfect scores for appearance, durability, and value.
Testers noted it went on with almost no odor and dried clear without changing the look of the wood. After weeks outdoors, it was still repelling water and resisting mold and algae.
Why it keeps coming out on top
Marine Grade Clear is a water-based, ultra-low VOC penetrating sealer. Instead of forming a film on top of the wood, it soaks into the fibers and creates a flexible, breathable barrier. That's why it doesn't crack or peel the way film-forming finishes do.
It was built for the toughest spots: docks, piers, pool decks, and wood near lakes, rivers, and the ocean. It's also non-hazardous to aquatic life when applied as directed.
One note for hardwood projects: Marine Grade Clear isn't recommended for ipe, teak, or mahogany. For dense tropical hardwoods, Seal-Once Clear WaterProofer is the better fit.
Five years of independent testing, one consistent result. See Seal-Once Marine Grade Clear.
