It is recommended to apply 2 coats of oil or stain on your cedar patio. As for natural oil, the second layer must be thinner because they are impregnation products and must not accumulate on the surface like synthetic stain.
Newly installed Cedar has a reservoir of natural oils and tannins, and it will take longer for the cellular structure to start to move. You may not have to do anything for 5 years, but eventually the Cedar will start to dry out and you will need to slow that process down with regular oiling.
Certain oils work best with specific wood types, and the preferred oil for cedar is linseed oil. This slow-drying oil gives cedar a luxurious shine that subtly avoids that overly glossy look. It sinks deep into the wood creating a rich, supple finish. Teak oil is a popular runner-up for cedar.
While oil is recommended for Cedar in nearly all cases, there are some situations where stain is more suitable. If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate.
Cedar is high in tannins, a natural preservative. That means you do not need to treat cedar with stain, sealant or waterproofing products. Untreated cedar will "silver" over time, which is a gradual graying of the wood face that is exposed to weather and sunlight. Some people like the look of naturally-weathe.
Substances such as para-phenylenediamine or cresol help the wood to last long. However, another method of preservation is to combine wax and oil such as carnauba, bee and candelilla waxes along with linseed, sunflower and jojoba oils. These will help prolong the life of your cedar wood and make it more durable.
Cedar naturally contains oils that help to repel moisture and insects, which makes it a great choice for siding. However, over time these oils can break down, leaving the wood vulnerable to damage. Sealing your cedar siding helps to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and pests, which can help extend its lifespan.
Consider using clear finishes such as lacquer or shellac to maintain the wood's natural color and grain. Avoid using oil-based finishes as they can darken the cedar's natural hue. Water-based finishes are a good option for preserving the wood's light color and providing protection.
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.
Contact with combustible material may cause fire. Irritating to skin. May cause SENSITISATION by skin contact.
Whether old or new, your cedar patio requires sanding. This removes glazing from the wood planing in sawmills and opens the wood grain. Most of synthetic stain products need a progressive sanding up to grain 80. However, if you choose to apply natural oil such as ALIS 579, begin with 80 grit and then grit 100.
Olive oil is safe, even nourishing, to apply on wooden fixtures. However, excessive use of applying too much oil is no good. It can leave a greasy residue and attract dust.
Rough-sawn light woods such as red cedar, basswood and western hemlock, however, have a much lower rating, allowing use with undiluted Pure Tung Oil or Dark Tung Oil.
Treatex Cedar Oil works best on unfinished timber. If there are previous finishes, make sure they are fully removed before applying the cedar wood finish. Also ensure surfaces are lightly sanded and free from any contaminants such as dirt, decay, mould, dust etc.
How often do I need to apply an oil or stain to cedar? Because Cedar cladding is exposed to the elements, it's recommended that you give it a soft wash every year and apply a coat of wood oil or 1-2 coats of stain every few years – but this depends on the product used and the timber's condition.
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.
Untreated cedar fences, made of natural and rot-resistant wood, can typically last for approximately 15 to 20 years under ideal conditions. However, a cedar fence treated with a protective stain can prolong its life even further, potentially lasting over 30 years with proper maintenance.
Whenever possible we recommend using a wood oil, such as Dryden WoodOil or Resene's Wood-X. Wood oil is a good choice due to its ease of application, the way that it replenishes the natural oils in the timber, adds anti-fungal properties, is not film forming, and that it only requires 1 coat for each re-treatment.
Water-repellents and water-repellent preservatives may be applied to cedar used above ground. These formulations reduce water absorption in the short term. The addition of a fungicide that inhibits the growth of mildew and decay fungi will further increase wood's durability.
Caution: Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the transparent film and degrade the wood.
The oils can also lead to faster cedar deterioration, especially in cold weather. To maintain your cedar furniture's natural beauty, you should avoid using teak or linseed oil.
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.
Actually, the Marine Grade Tung'n Teak Oil would be the ideal finish for cedar, as this wood prefers to have a non-film forming finish. Wet weather would not cause any special issues.
Untreated cedar can last 25 to 30 years without wood infusions or surface treatments, unlike many other types of decking material. However, this doesn't mean that a cedar deck requires zero maintenance.