Can you stain cedar wood

Second, over a short period of time, the oil will accelerate the bleaching process so that you get the weathered look faster and more uniformly applied. Our Rustic Cedar semi-solid stain color is a great choice for cedar decks that may be a bit older.

With hues of rusty red and soft natural browns this finish adds a coat of protection and a bit of classic color. The best wood stains for new cedar are deep penetrating paraffinic oil-based stains that are thinner in viscosity. Stains for new cedar wood should dive deep into the wood to condition the wood cells and provide protection from UV fading and moisture damage.

Asked by: Miklos Ratia hobbies and interests woodworking Can you stain cedar wood dark? Last Updated: 2nd May, It is one of the most stable, rot- and insect-resistant species of wood available, but it also benefits from some type of sealant. Cedar typically has a light gray color. When you see dark cedar , it has already been stained.

The procedure for sealing cedar is the same for natural or stained cedar. Betlem Pardina Professional. What color stain is best for cedar? Among all the softwood species, Western Red Cedar is considered to have the very best finish- retention features.

Opaque stains in contrasting colors thoroughly hide the grain and natural tones of cedar but retain the wood's surface texture. Mayda Lopez De Osa Professional. What is the best finish for cedar wood? When a hard glossy surface is desired on a tabletop or window ledge, a seal coat of thinned varnish or lacquer sanding sealer makes cedar easier to smooth in preparation for one or two top coats of varnish or lacquer.

Cedar accepts most finishes well, including penetrating oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil. Ellamae Mahlinsky Professional. Should I stain cedar? Cedar should be stained as soon as it will accept the stain. This is easy to determine with penetrating semi-transparent stains. Apply the stain , if it soaks in its ready. If it pools on the surface, do it later.

Georgie Cobaleda Explainer. Weathering quickly progresses into the wood to about 2mm before it slows down. But over time, the weathered portion of the wood begins to splinter or flake away, exposing fresh wood to the elements. 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.

Some owners like this look, while others may think that it looks tired. When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance.

If you like the weather-beaten look of a seaside cottage or an old barn, cedar can develop that look all on its own. But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly. While this process is not apparent over small areas, it is noticeable when you are looking at wide expanses, such as siding.

This effect is even more pronounced between different sides of the house, where the siding may experience sun, wind, or precipitation at different rates. When treating cedar, the most vital question is: how much of the real wood do you want to cover up? Do you like the natural but weathered look of cedar? Or do you prefer an even but unnatural look? 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. If you do decide to color your wood, there are several options. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids.

The more solids in the treatment, the longer the cedar will last. If you want the gray, weathered appearance of naturally aged wood, but also want protection, you will need to take special efforts to make it look natural. Applying bleaching oil is a two-step process. An old rag will work the best, but you can use a sponge instead. Wipe the rag or sponge along the wood grain to pick up any excess stain. Repeat the process until the piece is covered. Apply another 2 to 3 rows of stain, wait 20 minutes, then wipe off the excess.

Keep doing this until the entire surface is stained. Wait 24 to 48 hours for the stain to dry. Even if a brand suggests that only 12 to 24 hours are enough, it would be much better to wait 24 to 48 hours. This will ensure that the stained surface is completely dry. If the stain isn't dark enough or deep enough for you, then apply a second coat.

Discard the used rags in a water-filled bucket. This is very important. Wood stain is flammable, so putting the rags or sponges into a water-filled bucket will prevent fires. Seal the bucket, then discard it at a hazardous-waste center. Part 3. Pressure wash the cedar every 2 to 4 years. This may remove some of the stain, but it is key to keeping the cedar in tiptop condition and helping it last longer. You should pressure wash it the same way that you did in the beginning, prior to staining.

If possible, reduce the pressure so that it is not as strong. Reapply the stain every 3 to 5 years. Stain is pretty durable, but it will fade over time, especially if it is exposed to the elements. If you live in an area that receives a lot of sunlight, then it may fade even faster.

Reapply more stain if it is starting to fade. Stains not only add color to the wood, but they also help protect it, which is why you don't need a topcoat. If the stain fades, then you need wash the wood and reapply the stain, as described earlier. If the water soaks into the wood in less than 5 minutes, you need to reapply the stain.

Remove the stain completely if it is peeling, then reapply it. Transparent and semi-transparent stains don't peel, but solid-colored stains do. This is because they contain more pigment and don't soak into the wood as well.

The only way to fix peeling stain is to remove it completely and start over. 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. Semi-transparent stains offer up a hint of colour. They still represent the wood beautifully but give it a little boost. Grains and knots in your wood will be modified, not enough to take away from its natural qualities though!

If you want to go for a dramatic look, or maybe add a little extra charm, this may be the way to go. The sooner you treat your cedar, the better. Although cedar is naturally resistant to rot and decay, staining your siding promptly will help in the preventing of deterioration.

Prepare your cedar siding by washing it with soapy water to remove any dirt or dust if any has accumulated. After you have washed it, wait for it to dry before applying any stain to the cedar. One of the most thorough methods when staining is to use a thick, natural bristle brush.