The upside is that solid color stains will block most damaging ultraviolet light. Weathering quickly progresses into the wood to about two millimeters before it slows down. Offer up a hint of colour. So, why do we recommend this to our customers? The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain. Northern white cedar's orange-brown bark features fissures that break into twinelike stri… First of all, as mentioned above, you should probably avoid painting cedar. To help you properly stain your newly built outdoor structure, we’ve come up with 10 tips to help you stain your cedar and to keep it looking new for years to come. Let cedar achieve equilibrium moisture content with its surroundings to eliminate warping caused by shrinking or swelling. Voids are holes in the … Northern White Cedar glues and finishes well. Because of cedar's large pores, it is necessary to prime the wood before painting it. Manual brushing is often the best option since spraying can result in blotching. I desire an oil stain or sealer because I have seen skin-peeling from varnish, shellac, and … What Are The Best Roofing Materials For Sheds? We appreciate that. At the cottage, we are putting Eastern White Cedar on our interior ceilings as well as screened porch ceiling and some of the soffits. What you get is a very uniform opaque color. But over time, the weathered portion of the wood begins to splinter or flake away, exposing fresh wood to the elements. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. If you are thinking about using a rolling brush. Please don’t hesitate to contact the design experts at Summerwood with any questions you may have: 1-866-519-4634. There should be no direct UV exposure or direct rain, but there would … They still represent the wood beautifully but give it a little boost. At Summerwood, we always recommend that our customers stain their cedar-sided building. Treating Cedar With Primer and Paint. Beautiful White Cedar White Cedar is known as the “Tree of Life” and the “aristocrat of wood” not only because of its beautiful pinkish white tan color and mild, insect repelling aroma, but also because the … Applying bleaching oil is a two-step process. Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust (if any has accumulated). One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick, natural bristle brush. Favorable conditions produce trees 70' tall and up to 6' in diameter. As you can see, the Helmsman® Teak Oil has replaced the missing natural oils, and is … If you’re ready to design your very own spectacular cedar building, or do some brainstorming, our Design Center will get your creative wheels turning! The following products provide varying degrees of protection against weathering while maintaining the cedar… Red cedar dust can cause asthma or exacerbate the condition in people who already suffer from asthma. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to gray. Western Red Cedar has been our first choice for years due to its durability, ascetic appeal, and environmental sustainability. Red cedar is one of the most popular wood species for exterior use because of its natural rich, red color and its natural resistance to decay. After you have washed it, wait for it to dry before applying any stain to the cedar. But be aware that it is notoriously difficult to mimic authentic wood color with paint. This procedure will greatly increase … Dip the natural bristle brush or a staining rag into the stain and apply the color to the wood. When it comes to staining your cedar, you have three choices: natural, semi -transparent, and coloured or opaque. Semi-transparent stain also beads up water, preventing moisture from penetrating the wood's cellular structure. It’s a win-win! Semi-transparent stains offer up a hint of colour. First set the box on a ring of small paving stones to keep the bottom up off the ground. I'll leave the choice of finish to others, letting the cedar … After you have put the first coat on, it is recommended that you wait 6 to 8 hours for it to dry before placing a second coat on. Apply the stain … If you absolutely want some type of wood appearance, paint is not a good alternative. Let kiln dried clear cedar acclimate for 3-5 days, dry knotty cedar for 7-10 days … Staining Cedar With a Semi-Transparent Stain. 9 Cabinet Stain Colors and How to Coordinate Them, How to Build a DIY Retractable Pergola Canopy, How to Get Out Grease Stains From Clothes Carpet Upholstery, The Best Way to Clean Indoor and Exterior Concrete Floors, 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish. But not all cedar wood species are good for wood carving projects. How-To Choose an Attractive Color Scheme for Your Shed. The brush bristles will distribute the stain evenly onto the wood, as well as helping to reach the undulations on the surface of the cedar. This option isn’t for the indecisive though, so make sure you know exactly what you want! On flat-grained wood, the surface should be scuff-sanded with 50-60 grit sandpaper. Your email address will not be published and required fields are marked. Cedar wood remains a long time favorite with wood carvers, because Cedar is a good option for wood carving. From a structural standpoint, cedar more than holds its own. Regardless of the number of coats applied, the finish … Although you can let your cedar weather naturally when used for a deck or a fence, when you’re using it as a siding the idea is to keep the elements out. Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors. If you want the gray, weathered appearance of naturally aged wood, but also want protection, you will need to take special unnatural efforts to make it look natural. Finishing Cedar . Choose polyurethane or lacquer for the best finishing results. If you like the weather-beaten look of a seaside cottage or an old barn, cedar can develop that look all on its own. Odor: Northern White Cedar has a distinct (though moderate) cedar-like smell when being worked. The cedar shingles will absorb water naturally, so the membrane allows them to dry out on all sides. But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly. Most of these products contain paraffin that forms a light coating inside the grain and sheds water. Copyright 2020 "Summerwood Products" is a Decor Structures Corp. Company, 10 Things You Need To Know Before Staining Your Cedar. You want your beautiful custom backyard building to stay that way, and for your belongings to remain safe and dry inside. But one aspect is that cedar's lovely red turns a monotonous gray surprisingly quickly. To maintain the natural look of Western Red Cedar that is exposed outdoors, regular maintenance will be required. Finishing Interior Cedar Cedar is porous wood with a straight grain, so finishes soak in evenly and cover well. I made this white cedar chest & I want to protect it from rain and graying from ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure. I've been making a few small christmas presents with white cedar, and am debating how to clean and finish … Double up on … You could oil it for a more natural look. When treating cedar, the most vital question is: how much of the real wood do you want to cover up? In its natural state If left outdoors without any treatment (stain, paint), white cedar furniture will mature to a splendid silver gray over time. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Some owners like this look, while others may think that it looks tired. Please be polite. 231 Posts . Or do you prefer an even but unnatural look? Wipe it completely dry with a clean cloth, going in the direction of the grain of the wood, then give it 6-8 hours to cure. Once cedar has turned gray, there is no natural way of going back. To fully understand the best way to stain or treat cedar, you first need to understand the nuances of this unique wood's weathering process. For countless styles and options, cedar is consistently the best choice! Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration. Step 3. Best Clear Cedar Finish For Outdoors. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Second, over a short period of time, the oil will accelerate the bleaching process so that you get the weathered look faster and with more uniform results The fully uniform weathered effect, though, will take between three and six months to develop. … Filling the Voids Check the slab for voids, then tape off the sides, if needed. Please refer to the … In confined spaces, the resins in eastern red cedar can cause finishing … Bask in the glory of your newly finished cedar building for years to come. Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Northern White Cedar … The sooner you treat your cedar, the better. Volatile compounds within the wood have been identified with this condition. This effect is even more pronounced between different sides of the house, where the siding may experience sun, wind, or precipitation at different rates. Use 7d galvanized box, stainless steel, or shingle nails. Go over the surface with a clean paintbrush and cedar wood oil. First, the oil tones the wood with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color. They still represent the … Used for shingles, trim, house siding, decking, fences, hot tubs, and gates, cedar is cheap, widely available, highly versatile, easy to fabricate, and best of all, it weathers exceptionally well. Cedar is known to age gracefully to a soft, silver-grey patina, but it’s wise to keep the rich tones of your cedar siding lasting longer. Prepare the Hand Peeled Posts: Use a TSP (Tri Sodium Phosphate) and Bleach wash to open up the cellular structure of the wood so the stain will penetrate further into the grain. An application of a quality teak oil will help protect the wood and give the wood a rich appearance. One of the best ways to help them dry properly is to set them on sawhorses, thus keeping them off the grass, soil, and sand, making your task a lot easier. How to Stain White Cedar Step 1. Latex vs. Oil Exterior Stain: Which Is Best For Your Deck or Fence? One oft-mentioned selling point of cedar is that you can treat it with oils, stains, or paints—or let it weather on its own. Do you like the natural but weathered look of cedar? The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. I desire an oil stain or sealer because I have seen skin-peeling from varnish, shellac, and … Grains and knots in your wood will be modified, not enough to take away from its natural qualities though! I made this white cedar chest & I want to protect it from rain and graying from ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure. Step 2. If weather resistance is your main concern and you aren't concerned about color, use a water-sealing finish. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. Contractor, Chris McGimsie, shows you how to protect your exposed cedar and pine in preparation for the winter months by using simple primers. You can refresh it as needed to maintain the natural colors. The sapwood is almost white, and knots are often present throughout the wood. Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. Cedar wood deteriorates slowly, due to its abundance of natural oils. It is best to apply the stain to the cedar while working the shade. The more solids in the treatment, the longer the cedar will last. Normally, northern white cedars grow to about 50' with a diameter of 2-3'. Thin the stain with water by about 10 percent (add 1 part water for every 10 parts stain). Solid color stains have solid particles, but not nearly as many as paint. Like sealers, the service life of an oil finish is one to two … Brush or rub on the stain, following the grain of the wood. The tree flourishes in company with hemlock, larch, alder, and balsam fir. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids. Second, line the box sides with heavy plastic. Discussion Starter • #1 • Dec 10, 2010. Although we understand the need and convenience of maintenance free options, when it comes to siding, we simply can’t compete with nature. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection. You … Although weathering begins immediately with cedar, it quickly slows to a crawl. Coloured/opaque finishes allow you to have fun with your finished product. If you do decide to color your wood, there are several options. The wood is very stable due to the natural oils inside. In the moist soil that it frequently grows in thick stands. For smooth-planed, flat-grained cedar, some surface preparation may be desirable. There are fewer problems associated with bug infestation and rot with cedar-constructed mantles than other available woods. Semi-transparent stains offer up a hint of colour. The only alternative at this point is to tone the wood with a stain or other coloring agent. Cedar mantles are one of the most durable wood fireplace additions available. Untreated cedar fences can go for many years before they need to be replaced. Most varieties of cedar are vividly grained with a variety of colors depending on the sub-species. Cedar does not stain or dye well--the results are uneven at best. Two coats are always recommended when you want to maintain the natural look of Western red cedar. However, with semi-transparent stains, you will need to take care with the application. Maintaining your cedar's color is about choices, timing, and above all, the right type of treatment. When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance. Plus, this type of stain is excellent at repelling water. This will allow the stain to sink deeper in the cedar surface. If you want to go for a dramatic look, or maybe add a little extra charm, this may be the way to go. If you choose to apply a finish to your cedar woodworking project to prevent the natural graying of the wood, there are a few things to keep in mind. Nail the shingles through everything. Once you’ve decided on your finish it’s best to get to work quickly. No matter its size, the tree has an attractive pyramidal shape, often with twin trunks. Staining the cedar is the absolute best way to ensure this, especially in areas that have four-season climates. Cabot's Bleaching Oil is one prominent brand of oil appropriate for artificially weathering cedar. A UV protecting water white lacquer would be best for the color, but would definitely seal in the smell. Wood oil is best used on cedar in its … Third, frame the top with 1x2 or 1x3 cedar (like a horizontal picture frame) to cover the edge of the box and liner. To remove stains and restore white cedar’s original beauty—even after … This sweet-scented wood is durable, and naturally resistant to decay. Thus, solid color stains let some of the cedar's grain show through, but none of the color. While this process is not apparent over small areas, it is noticeable when you are looking at wide expanses, such as siding. Follow the instructions of the finish product carefully. Film forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane and/or varnish are NOT recommended for use on Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) for exterior use. After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. Since Western Red Cedar naturally lacks pitch and resin, it allows for countless staining options and will accept stain very well if applied correctly. Transparent stains contain no pigment but have water-repellent features that will help to retain natural tones and slow down the natural colour change process. Natural Finish For Cedar Cladding Many users of Western Red Cedar prefer a finish that preserves the wood’s natural color and appearance. When sawing, sanding, planing, or undertaking other activities with western red cedar, be sure to use a twin cartridge respirator, not a paper mask. Cedar is by far our favourite siding material for countless reasons. Paint's solids ward off light, and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Some types of cedar, such as white cedar, have little to no noticeable scent. When properly sanded, cedar … Paint's solids ward off light, and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. 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