Does Cedar Siding Need To Be Stained

In refinishing painted or solid color stained siding and trim removal of the old coating may be required.

Does cedar siding need to be stained.

For those who like the stained look cedar requires more maintenance than many other woods. Apply a semi transparent stain to show off your cedar s best assets. Wash wait for it to dry. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain.

Use an oil based stain instead of latex. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Applying deck stain to cedar vertical siding is not required could be cost prohibitive and not needed but could very well be done lasting much longer.

Semi transparent stains are not as weather resistant as solid stains and they need to be refinished every two years. Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. As mentioned this paint stain or solid body stain can be applied to new or previously paint stained cedar wood and siding. Consider sealing your new cedar siding to keep it looking like new for longer.

When putting up brand new cedar siding it is recommended that your first stain be oil based alklyd. Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking. Use multiple coats of seal if you live in a wet climate. This is something to consider when choosing cedar shingles or siding.

Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. Siding requires restaining and regular maintenance. Wood stains are toxic to inhale and can harm your skin so wear a respirator mask and gloves and apply stain an area with proper ventilation. The sooner you treat your cedar the better.

Semi transparent stains allow some of the wood grain to show through. This is necessary if for example the old finish is severely cracked or is peeling. Cedar must be regularly stained and sealed at significant expense to protect it from moisture penetration and possible rot mold and warping cedar not properly cared for will become susceptible to insects an issue not found with fiber cement and vinyl woodpeckers occasionally bore into cedar siding. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.

Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.