Marcus Chen
Rough-sawn cedar should be primed before painting to ensure the paint adheres well and the finish is long-lasting. The type of primer and paint used are important considerations when painting cedar. For example, oil-based primers are better at filling in scrapes and divots in the wood, providing a more even base for the paint. Additionally, the cedar should be cleaned and sanded before priming to ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Priming before painting rough sawn cedar | Yes |
| Best type of primer | Stain-blocking primer, oil-based |
| Best type of paint | 100% acrylic-latex paint |
| Number of coats | Two-coat system |
| Primer application technique | Hand-brushing |
| Paint application technique | Spraying |
| Primer drying time | Up to 24 hours |
| Surface preparation | Pressure washing, sanding |
| Surface cleaning agents | Trisodium phosphate, power/pressure washer |
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What You'll Learn
Use an oil-based primer for the best base
When it comes to preparing rough-sawn cedar for painting, it is essential to understand the importance of priming. While it may be tempting to opt for a paint that includes a primer, it is recommended to use a separate primer beforehand for the best results. This ensures that the paint adheres well and lasts longer.
Cedar wood is known for its tannins, or sap, which can seep through the paint and ruin its appearance. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a primer that can effectively block stains. For this reason, an oil-based primer is the best choice for preparing cedar wood for painting.
Oil-based primers are specifically recommended for cedar because they provide a strong base for the paint to adhere to. Cedar has a unique cell structure that allows it to absorb oil-based primers more effectively than water-based alternatives. This is especially true for vertical grain cedar, which absorbs alkyd-oil stain-blocking primers exceptionally well due to its cellular composition. By using an oil-based primer, you can ensure that the tannins in the cedar wood are sealed in, preventing them from bleeding through the paint over time.
When selecting an oil-based primer, there are a few recommended options to consider. Zinsser Cover Stain, for example, is an oil-based primer that effectively seals cedar wood. However, some users have noted that it dries quickly and may not penetrate as deeply into the wood as desired. An alternative option is to use a slower-drying oil-based primer, such as SWP's A-100 oil base primer, which allows for a more thorough penetration of the wood. Additionally, Flood's Penetrol can be used to slow down the drying time of oil-based primers, allowing them to soak deeper into the wood.
By following these recommendations and opting for an oil-based primer, you can ensure that your rough-sawn cedar is properly prepared for painting, resulting in a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding
Preparing the surface of rough-sawn cedar by cleaning and sanding is crucial to achieving a quality paint job that will withstand the elements. Here are the steps you should follow:
Cleaning
Start by inspecting the cedar surface for any existing paint. If there is old paint, it is recommended to strip it off using a scraper or a paint stripper to ensure a fresh surface for the new paint to adhere to. This step is important to prevent the older paint from peeling off and taking the new paint with it.
Next, clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or buildup. A good rinse with water can help remove light dust and dirt. However, if you notice more serious buildup, such as mildew, mould, or oil stains, a deeper cleaning process is necessary. You can use a pressure washer or a deck stain remover like Restore-A-Deck to effectively remove stubborn stains. Ensure the surface is free of all contaminants before proceeding to the next step.
Sanding
Sanding the cedar surface is important to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. It is recommended to use a hand plane, such as a jack plane, to efficiently smoothen the surface. Practise your technique beforehand to prevent tearing the grain, especially with soft woods like cedar.
When sanding, start with a lower grit, such as 80-grit, and gradually work your way up to a finer grit. This process will help close the pores of the wood and create a smoother finish. However, be cautious not to sand the surface too smoothly, as it can impact the absorption of the stain or paint. If you plan to stain the wood, you may want to lightly sand with 180-grit or higher to create a slightly rougher surface for better stain absorption.
By following these cleaning and sanding steps, you will prepare the rough-sawn cedar surface optimally for painting, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
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Avoid one-coat paint
Rough-sawn cedar is a porous material with a rugged texture and depth of wood grain. This means that it will require 30 to 40% more paint and stain than flat wooden surfaces. Before painting, it is important to treat the wood for moss, mould, and algae, as mould spores can penetrate the grain of the wood and grow through the paint, damaging and discolouring it.
When it comes to painting rough-sawn cedar, it is best to avoid one-coat paint. One-coat paint is not recommended for raw wood, weathered wood, or dirty surfaces, and since cedar is a porous material, it falls into these categories. Therefore, it is best to use a two-coat system, consisting of a primer and a top coat of paint. This will ensure that the paint adheres well to the wood and will result in a longer-lasting paint job.
The first step is to prepare the cedar by cleaning it with a product such as Resene Paint Prep and Housewash or Resene Timber and Deck Wash to remove any dust, buildup, or mildew. If there are more serious contaminants, such as oil stains, it may be necessary to replace the piece of wood, as oil soaks far into the wood and can be difficult to remove.
Once the cedar is clean and dry, the next step is to apply a primer. It is important to choose a stain-blocking primer that is oil-based rather than water-based, as this will provide a better base for the paint and help to prevent the tannins in the wood from seeping through. The primer should be applied to all sides of the cedar that will be painted, not just the front portion. Allow the primer to cure before applying the top coat of paint.
For the top coat, it is recommended to use 100% exterior acrylic-latex paint. This type of paint provides excellent protection for the cedar and is available in most market areas where cedar siding is sold. It is important to avoid painting the cedar within two weeks of installing it, as this can cause adhesion issues. However, it is also recommended not to wait longer than 12 weeks, as the cedar can lose its ability to hold a coating of primer or paint.
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Allow primer to dry before painting
When it comes to painting rough-sawn cedar, priming is an important step to ensure a long-lasting and high-quality finish. Cedar wood is known for its tannins, or sap, which can seep through paint and ruin its appearance. Therefore, it is recommended to use a stain-blocking primer that is oil-based rather than water-based. This type of primer will provide the best base for the paint to adhere to and should be applied to all visible sides of the cedar.
Allowing the primer to dry before painting is crucial. Paint primer is a preparatory coat that seals the surface and improves adhesion between the paint and the target surface. If you paint over a primer coat that is not completely dry, it can result in a sticky mess that doesn't adhere properly. The drying time for primers can vary depending on factors such as the type of primer, the thickness of the coat, and the humidity in the environment.
Generally, a paint primer will take about an hour to dry, but it is always best to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product label. For oil-based primers, drying times can range from 30 minutes to 4 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by increasing air circulation, reducing humidity, and applying thinner coats of primer.
It is worth noting that if you are painting cedar siding that has already been painted, you may not need to prime it again. However, it is recommended to inspect the existing paint job and decide if you need to remove the old paint before applying a new coat. This will ensure that the new paint job lasts longer and does not peel off along with the old paint.
By following these steps and allowing the primer to dry completely before painting, you can achieve a durable and attractive finish on your rough-sawn cedar.
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Use a brush, not a sprayer
When it comes to painting rough-sawn cedar, using a brush is generally recommended over a sprayer. Here are several reasons why:
The very nature of rough-sawn cedar means that it has a unique, uneven surface texture. This is part of its rustic charm, but it also presents a challenge when it comes to applying a finish. Due to the varying depths and angles of the saw marks, a brush is better able to work the paint or primer into these grooves and crevices, ensuring complete coverage. A sprayer, on the other hand, may struggle to reach into the deeper recesses, resulting in an uneven and patchy finish.
Brushes provide greater control over the application process. With a brush, you can adjust the pressure and angle to ensure the paint penetrates the wood fibres and coats the intricate grain patterns evenly. This controlled application is especially important when dealing with a wood type like cedar, which is naturally resistant to the absorption of moisture and can be challenging to paint or prime.
Using a brush also reduces the risk of over-application. With a sprayer, it's easy to apply too much primer or paint, which can lead to drips, runs, and sags on the wood surface. This is not only wasteful but can also result in an unsightly finish. With a brush, you can carefully control the amount of product applied, ensuring a more consistent and economical finish.
Additionally, when using a sprayer, there is a higher likelihood of primer or paint ending up where you don't want it. The mist and overspray created by sprayers can settle on nearby surfaces, objects, or even yourself, requiring additional clean-up and preparation time. With a brush, the application is more targeted and precise, reducing the need for extensive masking or covering of surrounding areas.
Finally, using a brush can be a more economical choice, especially for smaller projects or one-time applications. Sprayers often require a significant upfront investment for the equipment, and they tend to use more paint due to the previously mentioned overspray. Brushes, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive and can be reused multiple times with proper cleaning and care.
In summary, while sprayers offer speed and efficiency for large, flat surfaces, a brush is the preferred tool for painting rough-sawn cedar. The brush's ability to navigate the unique texture of the wood, provide controlled application, reduce waste, and offer precision makes it the ideal choice for achieving a high-quality, even finish on this particular wood type.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is recommended to prime rough sawn cedar before painting. Primer seals the wood grain, preventing moisture from seeping in and causing rot or mildew. It also provides a better foundation for the paint to adhere to, reducing the likelihood of fading, cracking, and peeling.
An oil-based, stain-blocking primer is recommended for cedar siding, especially for raw wood. Alkyd-oil primers are ideal for vertical grain cedar, while knotty cedar holds most primers well due to its textured face. Avoid water-based primers, as they do not perform as well as oil-based primers.
Before priming, it is important to clean the cedar surface and remove any existing paint, mildew, or dirt buildup. Pressure washing with a low-pressure setting or using a strong cleaner like TSP (trisodium phosphate) can effectively remove contaminants. Sanding with medium-grit sandpaper can also help smooth out rough spots and create a better surface for the primer to adhere to.
The drying time for primer can vary depending on conditions such as temperature, humidity, and air movement. Typically, it can take up to 24 hours for the primer to dry completely before you can start painting.
Acrylic-based paints, such as 100% acrylic-latex paint, are generally recommended for cedar wood due to its porous nature. Exterior-grade acrylic-latex paint provides good coverage, flexibility, and low odor/VOC levels, making it a safer option for indoor use.
