How To Stain Weathered Cedar Siding

Check the cedar s moisture content even if it has been protected from the weather.

How to stain weathered cedar siding.

It should be protected from the weather before during and after using it for construction. Brighten the surface of the cedar siding with deck and fence brightener or apply a new coat of stain to restore a vivid color and luster to the siding. Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain.

Apply a second coat if a deeper stain color is desired. Follow the grain of the wood and take care not to allow the stain to pool as this will leave visible brush marks. Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning. The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome.

However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. No matter you are staining or painting weathered cedar siding if you do the following steps in the proper order you will maximize your results. Stain the cedar siding before hanging it if possible. Uncoated weathered western red cedar siding or trim can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners brighteners or restorers.

Use using multiple thin layers of stain for an even coating. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces such as decks these products generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces. New cedar is vulnerable to the elements and has not yet been weathered. Cedar has natural preservatives and holds up to all types of weather.

Brush stain onto the siding. Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer s instructions. Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Department of agriculture s forest services laboratory recommends cleaning cedar shingles with an oxidizing bleach as opposed to a household bleach to avoid damaging the wood while you can use household bleach to kill mold and algae it tends to make the cedar shingle s surface.

7 tips painting or staining cedar wood siding walking into a paint store can be overwhelming trying to decide which paint or stain coating you wish to provide your exterior cedar wood and siding as there are many varieties.