Can You Paint Cedar Wood Siding

Be careful when painting very old cedar siding.

Can you paint cedar wood siding.

Choose a paint and primer. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces such as decks these products generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces. Even then the paint is not expected to last long. The siding must be free from mold mildew and dirt.

The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome. 1st cedar is a relatively soft wood. If you absolutely want some type of wood appearance paint is not a good alternative. 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. Cedar wood naturally repels insects is aromatic and a very durable material. Once done let the wood dry completely for approximately two weeks. 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.

Here are the do s and don ts of painting cedar siding. Because of cedar s large pores it is necessary to prime the wood before painting it. Coating raw cedar with clear wax is the most unobtrusive way to finish. If you do it right painting cedar siding can last for a long time.

The smoothness of cedar makes it a natural choice for furniture its lack of knots and raised grain is comfortable against the body. When working with cedar on craft projects you may need to paint the wood. While extremely old cedar can be painted it requires heavy preparation. 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.

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. Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood. The problem is many painting contractors do not approach painting cedar siding the right way. Do not however use a power washer because cedar can t withstand the pressure.

I can assume there is instant dissent with the title of this story. You can paint directly over previously painted cedar but prime with a stain blocking primer before painting over bare wood. Cedar siding can be one of the most resilient beautiful materials that you can put on your home.