How Do You Seal Cedar Siding

Finishing rough cut cedar siding involves preparing the surface properly selecting the right type of finish and performing regular maintenance.

How do you seal cedar siding.

If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed. 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. Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement. First the oil tones the wood with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color.

The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed. Pine fir and spruce are commonly used for siding because they are relatively inexpensive wood options. 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. Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay so a protective finish is optional.

Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces such as decks these products generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces. A rot resistant alternative to softwood siding. How to seal cedar siding. If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Key ingredients which adds to this protection cedar wood will endure time longest. Pressure washing can damage cedar so if possible wash by hand. If you re applying sealant to siding that is already installed it is essential to throughly clean the wood surface being sealed. However they are also the most susceptible to damage and require more frequent sealing.

Learn tips techniques steps having cedar well protected to it s highest degree. 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. Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.