Leo Martínez
Painting cedar siding is not recommended by experts due to the high maintenance required and the loss of the natural beauty of the wood. However, some homeowners may desire or feel the need to paint their cedar siding for various reasons, such as drastically changing the appearance of their house or finding it difficult to restore a non-painted look. If you decide to paint cedar siding, it is crucial to follow specific steps and considerations to ensure a successful outcome. One crucial factor is timing; it is recommended to paint cedar siding within two weeks of installation, as waiting more than 12 weeks can create adhesion problems due to the wood's natural characteristics. Additionally, a two-coat system, including a primer and a top coat of paint, is essential for protecting the siding and ensuring the paint job's longevity.
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What You'll Learn
Painting cedar siding is generally not recommended
Firstly, cedar is a porous wood, and hand-brushing is the only effective way to apply a sufficient quantity of paint to allow it to soak into the wood. Spraying or rolling the paint will not achieve adequate coverage. The process of hand-brushing the paint onto the siding can be time-consuming and tedious.
Secondly, cedar has a narrow painting window. Ideally, it should be painted within two weeks of installation, and no later than 12 weeks. This is because, after 12 weeks of exposure to sunlight, cedar siding loses about half of its ability to hold a coating of primer or paint. The longer the siding is exposed, the sooner the coating system will fail.
Additionally, applying paint to weathered wood without a primer will result in adhesion issues. The siding must be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, old paint, and other substances before priming and painting. Oil-stained wood may need to be mechanically abraded or replaced, as oil soaks far into the wood and cannot be adequately removed by sanding.
Furthermore, paint adds film thickness, which can lead to wood delamination. As siding ages and the paint dries, the old wood fibers can let loose and delaminate, resulting in peeling paint. This can be exacerbated by moisture, which can cause the paint to bubble and fail.
For these reasons, it is generally recommended to leave cedar siding in its natural state or apply a stain rather than paint.
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If you must paint, use a two-coat system
Painting cedar siding is not recommended under normal circumstances. However, if you must paint blackened cedar siding, it is important to follow the right steps to avoid common mistakes that could ruin your investment and your home's appearance.
If you decide to paint or repaint old cedar siding, it must first be cleaned of all dirt, old paint, and any other substances. This can be done through pressure washing and scraping. It is important to note that if paint is applied to a surface with anything else on it, the paint job will not last long and will likely not look good after a few months.
To ensure a lasting quality paint job, it is recommended to use a two-coat system. Start by priming the cedar siding with a stain-blocking primer on all six sides, including the ends. Alkyd-oil primers are recommended, but a high-quality latex primer can also be used as long as it contains stain blockers.
Once the primer is dry, apply the first coat of paint. Use 100% acrylic-latex paint for the top coat. This type of paint provides the most dependable finish in terms of protecting cedar. When applying the paint, hand-brushing is the recommended method as it allows for a greater quantity of paint to be applied to the wood, allowing it to soak into the porous surface.
After the first coat of paint is dry, apply the second coat. This two-coat system will provide better protection and a longer service life than a single coat of paint. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your paint job on blackened cedar siding looks good and lasts for a reasonable amount of time.
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Prepare the siding by cleaning and priming
Painting over blackened cedar siding can be done, but it is generally not recommended. If you decide to go ahead, the first step is to prepare the siding by cleaning and priming it.
Cedar siding is a porous wood, and it is important to ensure that the siding is thoroughly cleaned before priming and painting. The siding should be free of all dirt, old paint, oil, mildew, mould, algae, and any other substances. This can be a challenging task, and it may be best to hire professionals to handle the job.
There are several methods you can use to clean cedar siding. One common method is to use a power washer with detergent to remove dirt, stains, mould, and mildew. If you use a power washer, ensure the cedar siding is not cracked or damaged, as this could cause further issues. You can also use a pressure washer for more intense cleaning.
Another method is to use a solution of oxygen bleach and oxalic acid, which can be applied with a soft-bristled brush and then rinsed off. If there are stubborn black spots, a stronger solution of oxygen bleach can be used to spot-treat these areas.
Once the siding is clean, it is important to allow it to dry thoroughly before priming. The ideal time to prime and paint cedar siding is within two weeks of cleaning it. Waiting more than 12 weeks could create problems with adhesion.
When priming, it is recommended to use a stain-blocking alkyd-oil primer or a high-quality latex primer with stain blockers. The primer should be applied to all six sides of the siding, including the ends, to ensure maximum protection. After priming, a top coat of 100% acrylic-latex paint should be applied. This two-coat system will provide the best protection and longevity for your cedar siding.
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Use a high-elasticity, exterior latex paint
Painting cedar siding is not recommended under normal circumstances. However, if you want to paint your blackened cedar siding, using a high-elasticity, exterior latex paint is one of the best options. Here are some reasons why:
Cedar is a porous wood, and its shape can change slightly with weather and humidity fluctuations. High-elasticity exterior latex paint can adapt to these changes more effectively than other types of paint. This adaptability helps to ensure that your siding remains protected and that the paint does not crack or peel over time.
Exterior latex paints provide good coverage and flexibility, and they have low odour and VOC levels, making them safer for indoor use than oil-based paints. Latex paint is also less likely to fade, crack, or peel, and it can be used to achieve a solid colour without sacrificing the wood's natural grain.
To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use a two-coat system: first, a stain-blocking primer, and second, 100% acrylic-latex exterior paint. This process will ensure maximum protection and a longer-lasting finish.
It is important to note that the ideal time to paint cedar siding is within two weeks of installation. Waiting more than 12 weeks can cause adhesion problems, as cedar siding loses its ability to hold a coating.
Additionally, if you choose to paint over blackened cedar siding, it is crucial to ensure that the siding is properly cleaned and prepared before applying any paint. This includes removing any dirt, old paint, or other substances, as well as addressing any signs of damage or deterioration.
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Consider the upkeep and maintenance
Cedar siding is a classic, durable option for protecting the exterior of your home. It is a natural and sustainable product with a natural appearance that many find attractive. However, if you choose to paint your cedar siding, you will need to commit to regular upkeep and maintenance to keep it looking its best.
One of the primary arguments against painting cedar siding is the amount of upkeep necessary. Paint typically only lasts three to five years on cedar, regardless of its quality, and it can begin to peel in as little as twelve months. This means that if you decide to paint your cedar siding, you will need to commit to repainting it every few years.
Additionally, cedar is a porous wood that requires a lot of paint to be applied. The paint needs to soak into the wood, and this is best achieved through hand-brushing. Spray painting may require multiple coats before the paint no longer soaks in, and it can be difficult to avoid wood fraying.
If you are painting old cedar siding, it must be cleaned of all dirt, old paint, and any other substances before you begin. This can be a challenging job and may be best left to professionals. The cedar should also be checked for moisture, as it tends to hold onto moisture, and paint will not adhere well to wet surfaces.
To ensure the best results and longest-lasting paint job, fresh siding should be pre-primed on all six sides with a stain-blocking primer and then top-coated with 100% acrylic-latex paint. A two-coat system is strongly recommended for protecting cedar siding. One-coat paint is not suitable for raw wood or weathered wood. Alkyd-oil primers are recommended, but a high-quality latex primer can also be used as long as it contains stain blockers.
Overall, while cedar siding is a beautiful and durable option for your home, it requires regular upkeep and maintenance if you choose to paint it.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting over blackened cedar siding can be done but it is not recommended. Paint will typically only last three to five years on cedar and can begin peeling in as little as a year. If you do decide to paint over blackened cedar siding, it is best to hire a professional.
To paint over blackened cedar siding, you must first pressure wash the siding to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and spiderwebs. Then, scrape off the peeling paint and sand the siding to level out the paint ridges. Next, prime the siding with an oil-based primer or a stain-blocking primer. Finally, paint the siding with an all-in-one exterior paint and primer or an exterior acrylic-latex paint.
Instead of painting, you can stain cedar siding to tweak the hue while maintaining the natural look of the wood grain. However, stains will also begin to peel as the wood adjusts over time. The lowest maintenance option is to leave the cedar siding alone, as part of its appeal is its natural appearance.
Cedar siding is usually selected for its natural beauty, which is lost when painted. Painting cedar siding requires a lot of upkeep due to the oils in the wood. Paint adds film thickness, which can lead to wood delamination and the appearance of peeling paint.
