The phrase that comes to mind when we think of cedar is “natural beauty.” Yet, many people ask us how to finish, seal, stain, and/or paint their cedar. Cedar is an investment and in order to get the most enjoyment out of it you’ll want to protect it and keep it looking good for years to come.
Before we dive in too deep, we want to remind you of related articles that we’ve published in the past:
- Cedar Siding Maintenance
- Cedar Siding Frequently Asked Questions
- 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Cedar Siding
- How Long Does Cedar Siding Last?
- How to Use Cedar to Accent Your Home
- Cedar Siding: Paint, Stain, or leave it alone?
- How to Keep Your Cedar Siding Looking Like New
- Sealing Cedar Siding
If you still have questions then here are the big takeaways:
A natural look is best
Typically we advise against painting. Cedar expands and contracts all year long and paint comes off with relative frequency. If you want a painted look then perhaps a premium product like James Hardie siding that can imitate the appearance while lasting with a paint job. Leaving it natural or using a simple stain will give you the aesthetic benefits of cedar.
Cedar is naturally resistant to the elements
Much of the impulse to paint or finish cedar comes from a need to protect it. Cedar is naturally resistant to heat, cold, and insects. In fact, it offers insulation to your home when used as siding.
Clean it carefully
Cedar will start to weather and age as it gets older, this is natural, and for some, it is even a desirable look. If you want to clean it, it is essential not to use a power washer or any metal brushes on it as you may damage the wood. Cleaning can be a big job, but it can also make it last longer so it is best to have a professional handle this for you every few years or as needed.
A simple stain is best
Here is a photo of a house we remodeled in 2021. The cedar used in the entryway added some beautiful natural colors to the otherwise chromatic scheme of this home. However, once the cedar was installed we added a light stain to bring out a bit more of the color. As you can see, the wood grain still shows but so does that beautiful color.
If you’re interested in installing, maintaining, repairing, or updating cedar siding for your home then contact EMA Construction for a free estimate!