How To Stain Old Cedar Siding

Bring back your cedar siding s beauty with a simple homemade solution.

How to stain old cedar siding.

The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain. Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks. Department of agriculture s forest services laboratory recommends cleaning cedar shingles with an oxidizing bleach as opposed to a household bleach to avoid damaging the wood while you can use household bleach to kill mold and algae it tends to make the cedar shingle s surface.

However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning. If you are interested in keeping the natural appearance of cedar then the clear stain is for you.

Restaining your cedar siding involves removing the old protective coating and applying a new layer of wood stain in the color of your choice then applying more protective coating. If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation. The four types of stain you can use for your cedar siding. Wood stains are toxic to inhale and can harm your skin so wear a respirator mask and gloves and apply stain an area with proper ventilation.

First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding. Restaining can be time consuming but it s easily enough done. The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome. When putting up brand new cedar siding it is recommended that your first stain be oil based alklyd.

The clear stain does darken the cedar somewhat but otherwise lets the beauty of the wood shine through. 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.