Do you need to prep cedar before staining?

If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood. For an existing deck, you may need to sand* to remove loose wood fibers.

How long does cedar need to dry before staining?

After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to gray.

Can you stain rough cedar?

Rough sawn cedar is a traditional building material in common use on exterior applications such as siding, sheds and other out buildings. You can leave the wood untreated to weather naturally, painted or stained. Staining with a solid color stain is an effective option when using rough cedar.

Is it better to paint or stain cedar?

Paint or stain? The best answer is based on your home’s current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.

How to prepare a cedar deck for stain?

Finishing the deck with a sealer or stain promptly following installation prolongs the life and beauty of the cedar wood. Properly preparing the cedar for the stain and sealer ensures it goes on even and lasts as long as possible, so the finish lasts longer. Sand the deck surface lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper and an electric sander.

When is the best time to stain Cedar?

Limit sun exposure and work in the shade when you’re staining your cedar. The sun heats up the surface of the wood and dries the stain too quickly. This means that the stains won’t penetrate the wood, and it will form a film on the surface and then peel. Always stain in the shade. The best time of day is the morning or late in the day.

What kind of stain to use on cedar siding?

Solid body stain is like a paint stain, whereby allows 50% of the stain to soak into the wood, the other 50% lays on top as a paint mil, thereby being referred to as a paint-stain. If your Cedar wood and siding already has this type of paint stain on it, you are required to put something very similar for a new coating.

What’s the best way to refinish old cedar?

Weathered penetrating stains on mildew-free surfaces are relatively easy to refinish. Excessive scraping or sanding is not required. A stiff, non-ferrous bristle brush may be used to remove surface dirt, dust and loose wood fibers before applying the stain.