Best Way To Prep Cedar Siding For Paint

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.

Best way to prep cedar siding for paint.

One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick natural bristle brush. Powerwash the siding to remove any excess dirt or paint with a low pressure. You can skip this if the cedar is textured. Lightly sand following the direction of the wood grain with 50 or 60 grit sandpaper.

Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Loosened photodegraded surface fibers and. The key to a successful application of paint is surface preparation. Treating cedar with primer and paint.

If the paint starts peeling or blistering it s time to repeat this project. Be careful when painting very old cedar siding. 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. The paint will stick best if it dries slowly at a temperature of about 70 degrees f on a cloudy day.

Surface preparation is the key to success when dealing with weathered wood. But over time the elements have taken their toll and the finish is starting to look weathered. Your freshly painted cedar siding looked so good after it was completed. The siding must be free from mold mildew and dirt.

Use a thick brush when staining. 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. With the right knowledge you can do the job well and have the new paint last longer.

Even unpainted cedar will last for years. Work a paint scraper from every direction keeping the blade flat against the wood so you don t create gouge marks. Certain areas are peeling and lifting and the color has faded. Houses painted before 1978 may have paint that contains lead according to the centers for disease control cdc lead paint should be removed by contractors who are certified by the epa.

Before sanding scrape loose and flaking paint from the siding. While extremely old cedar can be painted it requires heavy preparation. Painting cedar however calls for some preparation. The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome.

Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors. After you have washed it wait for it to dry before applying any stain to the cedar. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.