Do You Have To Finish Cedar Siding

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.

Do you have to finish cedar siding.

When used indoors cedar is most often used to line closets due to its aromatic and. That way you can rest easy knowing your real cedar was treated by pros. Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay so a protective finish is optional. The sooner you treat your cedar the better.

Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. 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. 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. First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding.

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. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration. After that the color will rapidly change from red to gray. Curb appeal starts with cedar siding.

There are so many different grades and profiles to choose from to suit every style of home. 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. If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options.

If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed. 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. If you choose to stain cedar rather than paint it there s a few things you should know. After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor.

Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks. 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. A concern about the environmental impact of applying a finish on your western red cedar. Cedar is a versatile wood often used in exterior applications such as decking siding and outdoor furniture.

Choosing the right finish. Wash wait for it to dry.