Marcus Chen
Cedar siding is a popular choice for homes due to its natural and unique look. While some prefer to maintain its rustic appearance, others may opt for a fresh coat of paint. Painting cedar siding is possible, and it can even be done on extremely old cedar, although it requires heavy preparation. The key to a successful paint job is proper surface preparation, ensuring the siding is free from dirt, mildew, and old finishes. Priming is also crucial, and a stain-blocking primer is recommended to be followed by at least two coats of premium exterior paint. While paint provides a more uniform look, it requires more upkeep, as it tends to peel within a few years. On the other hand, staining allows the natural grain of the wood to show through and is easier to maintain. Ultimately, the decision between painting and staining cedar siding depends on personal preference and the desired level of maintenance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cedar siding protection | Paint or stain |
| Paint durability | 3-5 years |
| Stain durability | 8 years |
| Paint and stain appearance | Similar |
| Paint maintenance | High |
| Stain maintenance | High |
| Paint and stain application | Requires priming |
| Paint application | Multiple coats |
| Stain application | Absorbed by wood |
| Paint customizability | High |
| Stain customizability | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Painting cedar siding: pros and cons
Cedar siding is a classic, durable option for protecting the exterior of your home. It is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks. However, painting cedar siding is a matter of preference for many homeowners. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
- Aesthetics: Painting cedar siding can enhance the exterior design of your home. It allows you to change the colour and achieve a specific aesthetic. In some markets, like New England, painted siding is the preferred look.
- Protection: Paint can protect the siding from the elements and extend its lifespan. It can also help to fill in any pores or gaps in the wood. A layer of paint can deter pests such as termites and protect the wood from insect attacks.
- Maintenance: A quality paint job can make ongoing maintenance easier. Paint can help retain the colour and natural wood grain look of the siding. It can also help to conceal exposed wood fibres, providing protection and a more uniform appearance.
Cons:
- Time and Tedium: The process of painting cedar siding can be time-consuming and tedious. It requires proper surface preparation, including cleaning, scraping, sanding, and priming.
- Environmental Factors: The durability of the paint job can be affected by environmental factors such as sunlight exposure, coastal conditions, and freezing cycles. Paint may not adhere well to cedar that has been exposed to sunlight and weathered.
- Frequency of Repainting: Cedar siding typically needs to be repainted every five to seven years, and more frequently in harsh marine or freezing conditions. This can be a maintenance burden and incur additional costs over time.
- Incompatibility with Oil-Based Products: Oil-based paints and primers are not recommended for cedar siding as they can soak deeply into the wood and affect the adhesion of subsequent coats.
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Preparing the surface
Cleaning and Washing:
Start by thoroughly cleaning the cedar siding to remove any dirt, grime, mildew, and spider webs that may have accumulated over time. A pressure washer can be used for this step, but it is important to use low pressure (max PSI of around 1600) to avoid damaging the soft wood. Adjust the nozzle to spray a flat stream instead of a pinpoint spray to prevent wood fraying. Begin spraying from the top of the siding and work your way down to avoid washing dirty water onto cleaned areas. Avoid spraying water directly onto soffit vents to prevent water from entering attic spaces.
Scraping and Sanding:
After washing, carefully scrape off any loose or peeling paint or stain from the surface. This step ensures a smooth base for the new paint. If there are deep scratches or gouges in the wood from previous washing, fill them with an exterior spackling compound, let it dry, and then sand the area smooth. Sanding the entire surface after scraping is also recommended to level out any paint ridges and create an even texture.
Priming:
Priming is a critical step in preparing cedar siding for paint. Look for a high-quality stain-blocking primer, such as an alkyd-oil primer or a product specifically designed for exterior bare wood, such as Zinsser Cover Stain primer. If the siding has not been installed yet, prime all six sides of each board. For installed siding, apply the primer to as many sides as possible. This step will ensure the paint adheres properly and lasts longer.
Paint Selection:
Choose a high-quality paint designed for exterior use, such as 100% acrylic-latex exterior paint. Avoid using oil-based paints with cedar. Consider the desired finish and whether you want to showcase the natural grain of the wood or opt for a more uniform colour. Keep in mind that paint fully conceals the wood grain, while stain allows it to show through.
Paint Application:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the selected paint. Typically, two coats of paint are recommended for cedar siding to ensure adequate protection and a uniform finish. Use a brush or roller for small areas, or consider spraying with an airless sprayer for larger surfaces.
Remember, proper surface preparation is key to achieving a high-quality and long-lasting paint finish on cedar siding that has been previously stained. Take your time with each step, and don't skip any important processes.
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Priming the siding
Priming cedar siding is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your paint job. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for priming cedar siding:
Preparation
Before priming, it is essential to clean the siding thoroughly. Start by pressure washing the siding to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and any other debris. It is recommended to use a low-pressure washer with a max PSI of around 1600 to avoid damaging the wood. Spray the siding with a garden pump sprayer filled with a cleaning solution of your choice. You can use a bleach and water solution or a heavy-duty detergent like TSP (trisodium phosphate). Ensure you start from the top of the siding and work your way down to avoid washing dirty water onto already cleaned areas. After cleaning, allow the siding to dry completely before proceeding.
Scraping and Sanding
Once the siding is clean and dry, you may notice some loose paint or peeling paint. Use a scraper to remove any loose or peeling paint, being careful not to gouge the wood. If there are any deep paint ridges, you may need to sand the siding to level them out and create a smoother surface. Sanding is also beneficial if you want to smooth out any frayed wood caused by pressure washing.
Priming
Now, it's time to prime the siding. Choose a high-quality primer designed for exterior use. Oil-based primers are often recommended for cedar siding due to the risk of tannin bleed and to prevent adhesion issues. Look for primers specifically labelled as stain-blocking to block any stains from the cedar and ensure a smooth finish. Some recommended primers include Zinsser Cover Stain, Kilz Original Black Label, and SW Stain-Blocking Exterior. You can apply the primer with a brush, roller, or sprayer, following the directions on the product. It is essential to prime all six sides of the cedar siding for optimal protection. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step, which is painting.
Additional Tips
- When using a brush or roller, wrap it in plastic and store it in the fridge between priming sessions to keep the primer wet and usable for up to a week or two.
- If you're dealing with extremely old cedar siding, heavy preparation is required, and even then, the paint may not last long.
- For raw cedar, use a heavy, stain-blocking primer, followed by at least two coats of premium 100% acrylic-latex exterior paint.
- Never use oil-based paints on cedar siding.
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Choosing the right paint
Cedar siding is a classic, durable option for protecting the exterior of your home. It is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks. However, it requires maintenance to retain its colour and texture. Painting cedar siding is a lengthy process that involves multiple coats and preparation steps. The paint will last twice as long as a stain, but it will eventually peel and need to be reapplied.
Before painting cedar siding, it is important to determine whether the siding has been previously painted or stained. If the siding has been painted before and is peeling or falling off, it is necessary to scrape or use a paint stripper to remove the existing paint. Sanding may also be required to get a smoother texture. The siding must be free from mold, mildew, and dirt. Loosened surface fibres and any remaining finish must be removed before re-finishing.
When selecting a primer, it is recommended to use a stain-blocking primer, especially for raw cedar. Alkyd-oil primers are ideal, but a high-quality latex primer with stain blockers can also be used. Avoid one-coat paint systems and primers that double as paint, as they do not provide the same benefits as separate coats. Instead, opt for a two-coat system with a separate primer and paint. Allow the primer to cure before applying the paint.
For the paint, it is best to use high-quality exterior acrylic-latex paint. This type of paint provides the most dependable finish in terms of protecting the cedar. Avoid using oil-based paints as they are not suitable for cedar. Apply at least two coats of paint for the best protection. Repaint cedar siding every five to seven years, or more frequently in coastal areas or regions with freezing cycles.
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Maintaining the paintwork
Cedar siding is a classic, durable option for the exterior of your home. It is a natural and sustainable product that is rot-resistant and can stand the test of time. However, cedar siding does require regular maintenance to keep it in good condition.
If your cedar siding has been previously painted and is now peeling or falling off, it is important to remove the existing paint before applying a new coat. This can be done by scraping or using a paint stripper. You may also need to sand down the surface to get a smoother texture. After removing the old paint, you should carefully pressure wash the siding to remove any dirt, mildew, and grime. When pressure washing, it is important to use a low-pressure washer with a max PSI of 1600 to avoid fraying the wood. You should also adjust the nozzle to spray a flat stream instead of a pinpoint spray to prevent gouging the wood.
Once the siding is clean and smooth, it is time to prime the wood. Priming is a crucial step in ensuring the quality and longevity of your paint job. Look for a stain-blocking primer, such as an alkyd-oil primer or Zinsser Cover Stain primer. If the siding has not been installed yet, prime all six sides of the board. If the siding is already installed, apply the primer to as many sides as possible.
After priming, you can move on to painting. Exterior-grade acrylic-latex paint is the most dependable finish for protecting cedar. It is recommended to use at least two coats of premium 100% acrylic-latex exterior paint. Avoid using one-coat paint or oil-based paints, as they are not suitable for cedar. Repaint the siding every five to seven years, or more frequently if you live in a coastal area or a region with freezing cycles.
By following these steps and maintaining your paintwork, you can ensure that your cedar siding looks its best and lasts for many years.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can paint cedar siding that has been stained. However, it is important to note that paint will conceal the old wood and the grain underneath, so if you want to maintain the natural look of the wood, staining might be a better option.
Painting cedar siding can drastically change the appearance of your house and make it more unique. It also offers strong protection to the wood and can help with maintenance. Paint will also last longer than a stain.
First, you need to pressure wash the siding to remove any dirt, mildew, and grime. Then, scrape off any peeling paint. Next, prime the wood with a stain-blocking primer, and finally, paint the siding with exterior paint.
Exterior grade acrylic-latex paint is the most dependable finish for cedar siding as it offers the best protection. It is recommended to use a two-coat system, with a stain-blocking primer and a top coat of 100% acrylic-latex paint. Never use oil-based paints with cedar.
