Can You Paint Cedar Wood Siding

Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood.

Can you paint cedar wood siding.

When working with cedar on craft projects you may need to paint the wood. But be aware that it is notoriously difficult to mimic authentic wood color with paint. But there is good reason not to powerwash a wood sided exterior. Once done let the wood dry completely for approximately two weeks.

Choose a paint and primer. Whether it is white or red cedar or clapboard or even alaskan yellow cedar it is still wood has longitudinal pores running its length from butt to feathered edge on a shingle as well as on cedar clapboard. Because of cedar s large pores it is necessary to prime the wood before painting it. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces such as decks these products generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.

If you absolutely want some type of wood appearance paint is not a good alternative. 1st cedar is a relatively soft wood. Here are the do s and don ts of painting cedar siding. You can paint directly over previously painted cedar but prime with a stain blocking primer before painting over bare wood.

Using a stiff bristled brush scrub the siding. Cedar wood naturally repels insects is aromatic and a very durable material. Even then the paint is not expected to last long. If you do it right painting cedar siding can last for a long time.

Do not however use a power washer because cedar can t withstand the pressure. 7 tips painting or staining cedar wood siding walking into a paint store can be overwhelming trying to decide which paint or stain coating you wish to provide your exterior cedar wood and siding as there are many varieties. The smoothness of cedar makes it a natural choice for furniture its lack of knots and raised grain is comfortable against the body. While extremely old cedar can be painted it requires heavy preparation.

Having cedar lumber wood siding such as 1 x 6 1 x 8 1 x 12 or two inch thickness can be painted with a solid paint stain not requiring primer but still not recommended painting cedar if you can help it. 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. The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome. Coating raw cedar with clear wax is the most unobtrusive way to finish.

Cedar siding can be one of the most resilient beautiful materials that you can put on your home. The siding must be free from mold mildew and dirt. Be careful when painting very old cedar siding.