How To Treat Cedar Wood Siding

For smooth planed flat grained cedar some surface preparation may be desirable.

How to treat cedar wood siding.

After installing your exterior cedar you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. With an oiled surface clean the wood with a pressure washer apply a coat of wood bleach let it stand per the manufacturer s instructions and pressure wash again. Treatments for cedar siding maintenance some cedar siding shingles are treated with bleaching oil which is a treatment made with linseed oil and bleach crystals. Allowing it to dry as directed.

Wash the wood first. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. If the wood is wet when you apply the coating it may not work well. Inspect the flashing the seal between the roof and chimney for signs of water leakage or damage.

Prep the cedar siding by cleaning it with a bleach and solution. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. This procedure will greatly increase the coatings performance but will not detract from a smooth finish. Surface preparation is not necessary for textured cedar.

Along with protecting your cedar shingles against decay and other coastal contamination this treatment will also give them the weathered silvery gray look that many homeowners prefer. Sand it to remove the loose surface particles. Look for any signs of mold. On flat grained wood the surface should be scuff sanded with 50 60 grit sandpaper.

To protect the finish when it starts to look dull clean it with a homemade wood cleaner consisting of 1. Cover cedar siding with primer to keep any tannic acid or natural red coloring from. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles. Keep cedar looking its best by dusting with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner brush as needed.

Then take a strip of masking tape taping across the newly painted surface. Take a brush or roller applying the paint on the cedar surface approximately 6 x 6. Inspect all caulking and repair or replace any that is damaged cracking peeling or missing. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids.

The paint test on cedar is like this. Likewise dirt or grime on the wood surface makes it impossible to get a good finish. The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. If you do decide to color your wood there are several options.

Spraying the cedar siding with water will make problem areas easier to see. As soon as you run a piece of tape take a larger square of plastic sheathing covering the newly painted spot. Apply the sealant or stain to clean dry cedar.