Best Way To Prep Cedar Siding For Paint

While extremely old cedar can be painted it requires heavy preparation.

Best way to prep cedar siding for paint.

Use a thick brush when staining. With the right knowledge you can do the job well and have the new paint last longer. The key to a successful application of paint is surface preparation. Be careful when painting very old cedar siding.

One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick natural bristle brush. If the paint starts peeling or blistering it s time to repeat this project. Before sanding scrape loose and flaking paint from the siding. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.

Thoroughly preparing your cedar shakes for a new paint job is important because they are thin and the new paint is more likely to peel if the shingle is not properly prepared. Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Once you ve painted and primed your cedar siding maintain your cedar exterior s new look by using a hose to remove dirt once in a while. Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood.

Even then the paint is not expected to last long. Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. Sand the cedar siding if it has a smooth finish. Cedar is a popular material for shingles and siding because natural oils in its heartwood the dark red wood at the center of the tree make it resistant to the weather and hungry insects.

After you have washed it wait for it to dry before applying any stain to the cedar. Certain areas are peeling and lifting and the color has faded. 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 following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome.

Lightly sand following the direction of the wood grain with 50 or 60 grit sandpaper. Powerwash the siding to remove any excess dirt or paint with a low pressure. You can skip this if the cedar is textured. Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors.

The paint will stick best if it dries slowly at a temperature of about 70 degrees f on a cloudy day. Loosened photodegraded surface fibers and. Work a paint scraper from every direction keeping the blade flat against the wood so you don t create gouge marks. The siding must be free from mold mildew and dirt.

But over time the elements have taken their toll and the finish is starting to look weathered. Even unpainted cedar will last for years. Painting cedar however calls for some preparation.