Refinishing Cedar Shake Siding

Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes.

Refinishing cedar shake siding.

Use a thick brush when staining. Exterior western red cedar surfaces only need to be refinished when the old coating has worn thin and no longer affords the wood protection. If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation. This is necessary if for example the old finish is severely cracked or is peeling.

Apply the wood cleaner to the cedar siding using a paint brush or roller. Coating the cedar shingles with a water resistant product helps to preserve the wood against moisture damage. After all real cedar is pitch and resin free which means there s nothing to interfere with the bonding of your finish. Cedar maintenance you don t have to do much to cedar shingle siding if you prefer its weathered gray look other than clean and coat it with a clear water resistant preservative and inspect it for rot and damage periodically.

Step 5 apply caulk some areas of the cedar siding such as around openings or fixtures may need caulking again. 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. That said no finish lasts forever. Allow the primer to dry for three days or as instructed by the manufacturer.

Depending on the finish type it may make the wood seem shiny. What you do before the finish goes on makes the most differenc. Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. For the exterior stains we highlighted there are several different choices for the finish type.

Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks. So when it comes to choosing a finish for your real cedar project it s good to know the expected lifespan of your product. This will look the most natural. First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding.

Step 4 let the cleaner sit on the cedar siding for 15 to 30 minutes. Reach the high areas or apply cleaner to the less dirty areas using a roller with an extension pole which doesn t allow you to apply as much pressure or elbow grease as a paint brush. The different types of finish are. Each one is designed to give an extra layer of protection and to help waterproof the wood.

In refinishing painted or solid color stained siding and trim removal of the old coating may be required. Give the cedar siding a thorough coat as this will greatly help to protect it from the elements.