Refinishing Rough Cedar Siding
Decide on a texture cedar siding can be specified in one of three surface finishes smooth rough and saw textured.
Refinishing rough cedar siding. Stop to stir the stain every 10 to 15 minutes or the tannins will settle near the bottom of the 5 gallon bucket. So when it comes to choosing a finish for your real cedar project it s good to know the expected lifespan of your product. Rough sawn surfaces can add a rustic weathered look to your home. Oil stains that are.
Cedar siding though durable and able to maintain a good finish for a long period of time does sometimes get damaged and it is certainly not completely immune to rot no matter how well it has been treated and maintained. The type of finish selected is driven by style preference. Work in small circular motions to remove the protective finish. Watch this quick tutorial on what you need to do to prepare wood house siding for refinishing.
For many owners painted cedar siding is a particular style. After all real cedar is pitch and resin free which means there s nothing to interfere with the bonding of your finish. Refinish the rough cedar every year or two. What you do before the finish goes on makes the most differenc.
A concern about the environmental impact of applying a finish on your western red cedar. Stained cedar siding has a tendency to discolor over time. 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. Sand the wood until all the finish coating is removed and the natural grain is fully revealed.
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. Saw textured cedar is milled in such a way that it shows the markings made by. The surface of the cedar should be smooth to the touch. Smooth surfaces show the grain patterns and variations more than other textures when you apply a clear or semi transparent finish.
Remove the existing finish with a power sander and 220 grit sandpaper. Finishing rough cut cedar siding involves preparing the surface properly selecting the right type of finish and performing regular maintenance. Over time cedar siding can become discolored and the surface degraded due to weather dirt and various other wear and tear. Don t use polyurethane on rough cedar as the wood s coarse nature will prevent the sealer from bonding properly.
Exterior grade acrylic latex paint is the most dependable finish in terms of protecting cedar. That said no finish lasts forever. It is not all about protection. Choose the correct type of paint for the cedar.