Spaces Images / Getty Images
One benefit of installing cedar siding is the beauty of its natural finish.
Red cedar has a natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack.
Still, some homeowners may desireor feel the needfor painting cedar siding.
Spaces Images / Getty Images
Factory-applied finishes of this jot down are available in most market areas where cedar siding is sold.
But installed cedar siding that is painted on one to four sides can still provide excellent protection.
The pop in of finish selected is driven by style preference.
For many owners, painted cedar siding is a particular style; it is not all about protection.
In many markets, like New England for example, painted siding is the preferred look.
All of these conditions and possibly more describe average cedar wood siding.
Paint applied to weathered wood without aprimerwill nearly always have adhesion issues.
Wood stained with oil or dirt must be thoroughly cleaned before priming.
Primer is not designed to cover up contaminants.
Oil-stained wood may have to be mechanically abraded.
Brush the Paint Rather Than Spray or Roll
Hand-brushing is recommended.
For refinishing, especially, hand-brushing is always preferred.
When spray painting cedar, prepare for multiple coats before the paint no longer soaks in.
With cedar, you have a narrow painting window.
The longer the siding was allowed to weather, the sooner the coating system failed.
Even then, the paint is not expected to last long.
Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood.
The siding must be free frommold, mildew, and dirt.
Loosened (photodegraded) surface fibers, and any loosened remaining finish must be removed prior to re-finishing.
If at all possible, favor the two-coat system over the one-coat system.
Paint Cedar Siding Frequently
Repaint cedar siding every five to seven years.
Paint in ideal conditions can last as long as 10 years.
Painted cedar siding in coastal areas should be painted more frequently due to harsh marine conditions.
Areas that experience freezing cycles, too, can stress paint’s bond to the cedar.
Use High-Quality Primer and Paint
Raised Bed Materials.
University of Georgia Extension.
Solid-Color Stains on Western Redcedar and Redwood Siding.
USDA Forest Service Products Laboratory.
