Uncoated, weathered cedar can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners, brighteners or restorers. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces, they generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.
If it's bare cedar that has turned grey you can apply bleach to bring it back to its original colour, then I'd suggest you apply a decking stain preferably water based as it will allow the cedar to Breath.
If you prefer to preserve the original color of your cedar fence, there are steps you can take to slow down the greying process: Seal and Protect: Applying a high-quality wood sealant or finish to your cedar fence can help shield it from UV radiation and moisture, preserving its natural color for a longer time.
Another type of cleaner, one made with oxalic acid, is a popular choice for cedar and redwood decks. Oxalic acid chemically reacts to leaching tannins and makes them colorless, restoring the wood to its original lighter color. "Oxalic acid takes the gray away," says Jake Clark, president of Armstrong-Clark Co.
Depending on the extent of the greying, you may need to use a stiff scrubbing brush to remove the grey wood fibres. If necessary, apply a further top up coat to fully restore the natural colour. Once cleaned, rinse with plenty of water.
Uncoated, weathered cedar can often be restored to its original color by applying commercial products called cleaners, brighteners or restorers. Although intended primarily for restoring horizontal wood surfaces, they generally work almost as well on vertical surfaces.
If you have an older fence or deck that has turned gray you may think it is too late to have beautifully stained wood in your backyard. The truth is that fences and decks can be restored to their original condition and transformed with quality outdoor stain.
Whatever the reason may be, you can definitely paint cedar decking and give it a whole new look. To achieve the best results, wait for the perfect time of year to paint, and don't forget to use a primer. More than that, we recommend using high-quality acrylic-based paint for a smooth, vibrant-looking finish.
Manual Stripping to Remove the Gray from Wood
With this method, you sand off the old finish and the gray by hand or with an electric sander. Start with a coarse grit, and once complete, go over the wood again with a more medium grit. This will help to smooth out the surface and prepare it for staining and re-sealing.
The process is simple and just by cleaning and applying two coats of UltraDeck Timber Oil you can bring a tired looking deck back to life.
Caveats For Using Stain on Cedar
If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate. This is usually when a house is shaded by dense tree cover or has wide soffits, such as villas where the roof extends over the porch.
We now know why decking turns grey, so now we'll talk about preventing this from occurring. There are two options for protecting and treating decking; either a Decking Oil or a Decking Stain. Our Clear Decking Oil is natural and clear, so when it is applied to decking it enhances the original colour of the wood.
Use a thick brush when staining. Cedar is frequently a light tone, making it difficult to achieve the correct color when staining it. To make the process easier, apply the stain to the board with a large brush. A large natural bristle brush can help you apply a thicker coat of stain to the wood and get the desired hue.
Applying a stain not only preserves the color of your cedar fence, but it also provides a protective sealant against water damage. In turn, this waterproof coating protects the wood against mildew and UV damage. It's a win-win situation.
Fortunately, cedar that has lost its scent can be restored by simply sanding the exposed wood surfaces lightly.
Before you resort to sanding your wood siding to remove gray oxidation, cleaning with oxygen bleach and oxalic acid should remove the gray and restore the wood's natural color. Each year you want to give your cedar siding a general cleaning to remove dirt and grime, and brighten your siding.
Penetrating oil-based sealers are often the best stain to restore cedar fences as they allow the wood to breathe while still providing protection. Look for sealants with UV inhibitors to prevent graying and fading caused by sunlight exposure.
Painting is also more customizable, so it may be a better option if you want your home to have a unique color or design. However, staining is easier to touch up if it becomes scratched or chipped, and it doesn't require as much maintenance as painting.
The time it takes for a cedar fence to turn grey can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cedar wood used, the climate in your area, and the level of exposure to the elements. In general, you can expect a cedar fence to start showing signs of greying within a few months to a year after installation.
Paint generally lasts longer as it forms a protective layer against weathering. However, stains won't peel like paints might over time.
If your decking is untreated and is looking grey and weathered, we recommend using the Osmo Wood Reviver Gel which comes with a free brush on all 2.5L tubs making it even easier to apply and clean off.
To make wood look weathered gray, apply a mixture of white vinegar and steel wool to the wood surface. Let it sit for a few hours to develop the gray patina.