Finish For Cedar Siding

Western red cedar has a reputation for holding finish exceptionally well and for good reason too.

Finish for cedar siding.

Curb appeal starts with cedar siding. How to finish western red cedar siding preparing siding before finishing. Choosing a finish for western red cedar siding choosing the right finish. Once you ve decided on your finish it s best to get to work quickly.

First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding. While many homeowners prefer to showcase western red cedar s beautiful texture and color with a. Wash the entire surface with a dampened cloth removing any traces of dirt and revealing the wood finish. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks.

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. Good surface preparation practices are essential to achieve a durable long lasting. Sanding is essential to achieve a smooth clear finish for your cedar pieces. Clean the siding with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water.

The sooner you treat your cedar the better. There are so many different grades and profiles to. Sand the project up through the grits covering the hard to reach parts for easier assembly. The sooner you treat your cedar the better.

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. 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. Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. You can do it until at least 220grit or even go up to a maximum of 600.

That said no finish lasts forever. Exterior western red cedar surfaces only need to be refinished when the old. Wash wait for it to dry. Rinse the surface with a second damp cloth and pat the siding dry with a dry cloth.

Wood that is unseasoned is often called green and it must be allowed to dry for 30 days prior to finishing and installation. Before applying your sealer it s best to wipe out some glue splotches using mineral spirits. Do not soak the wood. If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation.