Finish For Cedar Siding

If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation.
Finish for cedar siding. Wood that is unseasoned is often called green and it must be allowed to dry for 30 days prior to finishing and installation. How to finish western red cedar siding preparing siding before finishing. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks. Applying paint and solid color stains.
That said no finish lasts forever. Before applying a finish to your cedar the moisture content should be below 15 so check with your supplier to find out the moisture content of the wood they sell. Once you ve decided on your finish it s best to get to work quickly. The sooner you treat your cedar the better.
After all real cedar is pitch and resin free which means there s nothing to interfere with the bonding of your finish. Do not soak the wood. Choosing a finish for western red cedar siding choosing the right finish. First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding.
Rinse the surface with a second damp cloth and pat the siding dry with a dry cloth. Do not use a gel or water based stain as they will not penetrate the wood deeply enough and could result in rapid color fading and damage to the wood. Good surface preparation practices are essential to achieve a durable long lasting. Western red cedar has a reputation for holding finish exceptionally well and for good reason too.
Before applying your sealer it s best to wipe out some glue splotches using mineral spirits. The sooner you treat your cedar the better. You can do it until at least 220grit or even go up to a maximum of 600. For cedar which is a dense softwood you want to make sure that you use an oil based stain that is designed to deeply penetrate the wood fibers.
Wash the entire surface with a dampened cloth removing any traces of dirt and revealing the wood finish. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration. Sanding is essential to achieve a smooth clear finish for your cedar pieces. There are so many different grades and profiles to.
Exterior western red cedar surfaces only need to be refinished when the old. Wash wait for it to dry. While many homeowners prefer to showcase western red cedar s beautiful texture and color with a. Clean the siding with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water.