How Do You Seal Cedar Siding

How to seal cedar siding.

How do you seal cedar siding.

Surface preparation to prepare the surface of rough cut cedar siding wash the siding down with a good wood cleaner and follow that up with an application of wood brightener. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces such as decks these products generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces. First the oil tones the wood with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color. If you re applying sealant to siding that is already installed it is essential to throughly clean the wood surface being sealed.

Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. Second over a short period of time the oil will accelerate the bleaching process so that you get the weathered look faster and with more uniform results the fully uniform weathered effect though will take between three and six months to develop. A rot resistant alternative to softwood siding. If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Wash part of a wall and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying the sealant. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed. You can read more about each of the wood types at bob vilas house. Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay so a protective finish is optional.

Pine fir and spruce are commonly used for siding because they are relatively inexpensive wood options. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding. Learn tips techniques steps having cedar well protected to it s highest degree. 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.

Finishing rough cut cedar siding involves preparing the surface properly selecting the right type of finish and performing regular maintenance. However they are also the most susceptible to damage and require more frequent sealing. Pressure washing can damage cedar so if possible wash by hand.