How To Stain Old Cedar Siding

If possible stain all sides of the siding before installation.

How to stain old cedar siding. Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Stains dry rapidly and fresh stain applied over dried stain will show lap marks. 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. Bring back your cedar siding s beauty with a simple homemade solution.

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. Staining cedar siding differs from application of paint and other finishes. The clear stain does darken the cedar somewhat but otherwise lets the beauty of the wood shine through.

First remove any mill glaze a hard shiny surface on one side of the siding by sanding. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain. Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. 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.

The four types of stain you can use for your cedar siding. Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning. The following outline is intended to prepare you before buying any such products knowing exactly which type fits your final outcome. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application.

Prep and paint or stain the wood to prolong its life as siding or repurpose it in functional ways. Restaining can be time consuming but it s easily enough done.