Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.
If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color.
On bare new or restored cedar, apply one coat only of water-repellent preservative (1% or less of wax by volume and content). Allow it to dry for the period of time recommended by the manufacturer. If the wood has been dip treated, a longer drying time may be needed.
Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. But over the years it can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it's periodically refinished. Cedar accepts sealers and stains beautifully and should be refinished every two to three years.
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.
The best clear Cedar finish stain for outdoors is Linseed oil, hands down. Linseed oil is the primary ingredient in any oil finishes, which dries clear. You can find other clear water-based stains, but will not last nearly as long as a Linseed oil based stain will.
Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.
In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it's used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.
To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.
A natural, water-based cedar wood stain — like Owatrol Aquadecks (Honey) — will also keep the timber in good condition whilst providing a beautiful finish. A good oil or water-based protection typically lasts for 2 years up to first maintenance.
We recommend you wait 3+ months to stain new smooth cedar wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better.
Cedar wood, like other fine woods, can and should be coated with polyurethane for protection. Polyurethane will keep dirt, dust, and oil from getting onto the cedar which would dull and damage the color. If the cedar you want to protect is not new it will need to be scrubbed with hot soapy water and a cloth.
Boiled linseed oil, despite not providing much water-resistance to wood when applied in the usual way associated with furniture, will do much to slow the weathering to that natural grey/silver colour if applied heavily and re-applied periodically.
Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape. However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches.
Cedar resists rot and decay because of the chemical makeup of the heartwood. Its low density allows it to flex in temperatures, resisting cracking, which ensures less moisture penetrates. This makes the cedar last longer in wet weather. Pressure-treated wood lasts, but with regular maintenance.
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.
If your cedar deck is newly installed, you'll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in “mill glazing”. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
Cedar Naturaltone is a Transparent Exterior Wood Stain Color from our Brown & Tan wood stains color family.
Don't use polyurethane on rough cedar, as the wood's coarse nature will prevent the sealer from bonding properly. Semi-transparent water-proof oil-based stain will adequately seal rough cedar against wear and water-based rot.
Tung oil works perfectly on Cedar wood.
it works as a protective layer while giving a dark rich look to the Cedar wood furniture and woodworks.
Use finishes specially formulated for “interior” applications in low-moisture areas of the home. Finish if you want to provide some protection to the cedar from minor abrasions. Use bleach, oils, semi-transparent and solid body stains and opaque finishes, if you want to change the wood's appearance.