How To Stain And Seal Wood Siding

Use primer if you plan to paint and semitransparent penetrating oil base stain if you want the wood.

How to stain and seal wood siding. Oil a clear finish is absorbed into the wood filling. Left unstained cedar s red hue will fade to gray within about a year. To prepare the surface of rough cut cedar siding wash the siding down with a good wood cleaner and follow that up with an application of wood brightener. It s also resistant to the cracking and chipping that affects paint.

Do it yourself cost. If the manufacturer recommends two coats wait for the first to dry thoroughly before applying the second. These materials act as a barrier preventing water from coming into direct contact with the wood. The wood s structural integrity will remain unless the wood is exposed to excessive moisture which can cause curling cracking and wood rot.

Go slowly and make sure the sealer seeps into every crevice. Wood siding is a beautiful addition to any home. Make sure the siding is completely dry before applying the sealer. The stain should be matched to the needs of the siding.

As the siding seasons. Water seal or prime the siding sheets on both sides to fully protect the wood from moisture. Use a wide paintbrush to apply the stripper to a 2 to 3 foot wide area of the siding. Allow to sit until the stain begins to lift and bubble.

Because stain is a penetrating sealer not a coating like paint it s difficult to change the color of previously stained wood. If dampness rain or snow is a concern choose a stain that will seal well and be resistant to moisture. It penetrates wood fibers and helps seal them against moisture. Maintenance sealing for rough cut cedar siding.

It is not a cheap addition to make and it requires plenty of care and maintenance including an exterior wood stain unlike doors and fences you cannot easily remove wood siding in order to apply exterior wood stain to it. Most importantly pick the highest quality stain even if it costs more. Also it operates in a similar manner to paint and will peel if not properly applied. If the house is exposed to excessive sunlight heat and ultraviolet light choose a durable stain that won t fade.

Which finish you choose is mostly an aesthetic choice. If you are staining the wood stain it first and then apply the sealer. Staining a house is less labor intensive than painting because prep work is less. If you re working with wood siding it won t fully cover the texture but will hide the grain.

With a penetrating stain expect to re finish the siding once or twice a year for the first couple of years. While cedar stands up to the elements fairly well on its own putting a seal or a coat of paint on it can enhance the color and protect the wood from inclement weather.