How To Stain Cedar Siding Shakes

Prevent lapping of the stain.

How to stain cedar siding shakes.

First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding. If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation. 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. Hiring a professional to paint or stain cedar siding will cost 2 500 to 4 000 or more depending on your home s size and the labor required.

Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning. But weather and sunlight take their toll and not everyone is fond of the. How to stain cedar shake siding.

Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. If you apply oil stain to cedar siding with a roller or a spray unit be sure to backbrush it while it is still quite wet to help it penetrate the wood more effectively. A stain or clear coating needs one or two finish coats depending on the cedar shake grade and whether you re applying a solid or semi transparent product. Cedar shake siding is prized for its clean rustic look longevity and easy maintenance.

Why stain cedar siding. The brush bristles distribute the stain evenly into the wood grain reaching into the small undulations on the surface of the cedar planking. Although some people enjoy this weathered look the chances of wood rotting rises after just a few years. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application.

Cedar siding shingles provide beauty for any home but they must be properly coated to ensure a long life. If cedar planks shingles or shakes are left untreated the wood fades over time. Staining helps keep wood protected and looking beautiful. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks.

Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. Cedar shingles contain extractives that bleed to the surface when the wood becomes wet and then darken as the wood dries.