A common question asked is:
I’ve heard that the Marine Sealer and the Original Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish are the same product, so do I need the Marine Finishes?
The initial statement is true. Waterlox MARINE Sealer (TB 3809) and Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish (TB 5284) are the same product with different labels and instructions on the cans. The biggest difference is in the name itself. The MARINE Sealer is not named the Marine Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish because it is not a suitable exterior finish by itself. The purpose of the Marine product line as a whole is to provide protection from weather and UV. If direct UV exposure is not a concern, then the ORIGINAL products are recommended and therefore the MARINE Sealer applied in multiple coats would suffice (again, it is the same as our ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish which will result in a semi-gloss finish).
The MARINE Sealer provides an excellent primer layer that puts oil and resin into the wood to provide a waterproof anchor that helps to keep the wood from fading or turning gray when exposed to UV. The MARINE Finishes then provide the final waterproof seal layer while also adding the UV protection necessary to survive the harsh outdoor environment.
