Do You Have To Finish Cedar Siding

If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Do you have to finish cedar siding.

Factory finish warranties provided by primer and paint manufacturers apply to cedar siding that has one coat of primer and one or two top coats of paint. Wash wait for it to dry. First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding. Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay so a protective finish is optional.

If you do decide to color your wood there are several options. A concern about the environmental impact of applying a finish on your western red cedar. Curb appeal starts with cedar siding. When used indoors cedar is most often used to line closets due to its aromatic and.

In other words most field tests that demonstrate the efficacy of painted cedar have been performed only on the two part painting system of primer that is allowed to cure followed by a. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed. After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. But hey if you re an ambitious diy improver who likes to take more of a hands on approach to outdoor projects then more power to.

If you choose to stain cedar rather than paint it there s a few things you should know. Once you ve decided on your finish it s best to get to work quickly. There is one thing you must do however to hold onto that warm wood glow and that s restaining when your siding starts to look dull. After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray.

There are so many different grades and profiles to choose from to suit every style of home. Restaining your cedar siding involves removing the old protective coating and applying a new layer of wood stain in the color of your choice then applying more protective coating. Whether you want to create a warm textured shadowy effect or keep your lines clean and polished there are many western red cedar siding products that can fulfil your desired effect. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks.

Ideally you want to apply a finish to all six sides of your wood before installing them or better yet opt for factory applied finishes. Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. Cedar is a versatile wood often used in exterior applications such as decking siding and outdoor furniture. These are all valid considerations and the reality is that western red cedar siding and decking can have a long service life without a finish coating in many environments as long as good design installation and maintenance practices are followed.

That way you can rest easy knowing your real cedar was treated by pros. Choosing the right finish.