

The stain finish also delivers superior protection to the wood. Thus, the finish lasts much longer than a paint coat. In addition, the formula penetrates deep into porous Cedar instead of coating it. Hence, it permits some of the lumber’s original hue and grain to show. thereforeĬonversely, a stain is more translucent and has less pigment. Also, it acts as a coating to the surface and hides the wood’s natural color. For example, paint is usually pigmented or opaque and comes in any color. Remember that the primary difference between stain and paint is the way they adhere to the wood. But you can paint a stained surface with no worries. Therefore, it would be best to scrape off any previous finish before embarking on the project. On top of that, you can only apply stain to your Cedar if it is paint-free. On the other hand, paint promises more protection and is a perfect choice for badly worn homes featuring failed painting projects. But generally, stain lasts longer than paint and often appears more natural. The best answer depends on the condition of the Cedar and expected environmental conditions. Therefore, it would be best to take the time and use a primer before applying the paint. The finish may start failing sooner or later. Unfortunately, one coat of self-priming paint does not assure you of longevity. On the other hand, self-priming paint allows you to get right into the painting business. The two-coat system requires that you first apply a primer before painting the surface. Please go for a two-coat painting technique instead of self-priming paint. Therefore, it facilitates a tight bond between the surface and the paint. Also, the wood has a re-sawn or textured face. However, knotty Cedar usually holds primers better as they feature unique siding patterns. Vertical grain usually absorbs alkyd-oil stain-blocking primers better and faster than flat grain cedar, thanks to its cell structure. On top of that, always choose vertical grain cedar if you can. This way, you’ll facilitate an even and consistent finish. Also, consider sanding the surface to remove the loosened remaining finish and surface fibers. Here, clean the surface and remove any mildew, mold, and dirt. Sometimes you’d like to revamp the wood, especially if it is not that new. Also, excellent preparation guarantees you longevity, and you won’t keep recoating the surface now and then. Even worse, the coating system eventually fails and leads to wasted resources.īoth old and new Cedar need adequate preparation for the paint to deliver a sophisticated finish. Therefore, it would be best to paint the wood as soon as possible. In addition, test findings from Forest Products Testing Lab reveal that cedar siding loses half of its ability to hold primer and paint after 12 weeks of sunlight exposure. Otherwise, the paint will have a negative coating adhesion. Ideally, the best time to paint Cedar is within two weeks of installation. It is prudent to select the optimal time window for painting your wood. And back brushing is the easiest and safest way to accomplish this plan. In addition, Cedar is a porous material, and the best application strategy involves using a greater paint quantity on the surface. But please remember to back brush the finish in the end. You can also choose to spray the paint on the wood. The process delivers better refinishing results. Also, painting without priming leads to adhesion difficulties.īrush the paint instead of spraying or rolling it. Ideally, a primer with a top coat delivers a significantly longer lifespan than a single coat. It would be best to adopt the two-coat system for protecting the wood. More specifically, you can go for alkyd-oil primers or a high-quality latex formula with stain blockers. Please consider priming fresh siding on all six sides with a stain-blocking primer for better results. Beyond that, it helps you renew the wood’s appearance, especially if it is fading away. The paint allows you to deliver your preferred finish and add your personal touch to the project. Exterior grade acrylic-latexformulas are the most dependable products, especially in protecting Cedar. For example, please choose the correct paint type for the wood. Otherwise, the wood may succumb to harsh conditions and collapse before long.Įven so, it is prudent to consider a few aspects when painting new cedar wood. Moreover, experts recommend that you do so within two weeks of installing the wood. What Are the Pros and Cons of Cedar Wood?.How Often Does Cedar Siding Need to Be Painted?.Should You Power Wash Cedar Siding Before Painting It?.

Do I Need to Prime Cedar Before Painting?.
