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What is the best stain to use on exterior cedar siding?
Top 10 Best Exterior Stain For Cedar Siding In 2022
# | Product |
---|---|
1 | Cabot 140.0019202.007 Wood Toned Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain, Gallon, Cedar |
2 | Cabot 140.0003002.005 Wood Toned Deck & Siding Stain, 1 qt, Cedar |
3 | Cabot 140.0016316.007 Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Low VOC Exterior Stain, Gallon, New Cedar |
What kind of stain do you use on cedar siding?
Protecting cedar surfaces with a water-based stain and sealer might not get any better than with a reliable, old-school product like THOMPSONS WATERSEAL. This stain comes in five colors, one of which is meant to mimic the color of natural cedar.
What is the best stain to use on cedar?
Our Top 5 Best Stains For Cedar Wood

- Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain.
- Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain.
- Defy Extreme Transparent Exterior Wood Stain.
- Olympic Stain Elite Woodland Oil Stain.
- Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain.
What is the best semi-transparent stain for siding?
1. Best Overall Semi-transparent Stain – DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Stain. Water-Based Semi-Transparent Wood Stain – This water-based deck stain allows the wood grain to show through with a beautiful semi-transparent, natural matte finish.
Should cedar siding be stained?
If you want your home’s cedar siding to live up to its reputation for longevity and decay resistance, make sure it’s treated or stained properly and checked periodically.

How long does stain last on cedar siding?
A stain will usually last 3-7 years on cedar siding. For higher-quality stain products, you may even see them last on cedar for up to 10 years, so it’s better to splurge for a premium option.
What is the best way to stain cedar siding?
Prepare the Siding Before Staining
- Power wash. Siding gets really dirty over time.
- Let the siding dry for at least 48-hours. Cedar is porous and absorbs a lot of water like a sponge and it’s important to make sure the wood is totally dry before staining.
- Sand the surface.
- Spot prime wood knots.
- Spray the stain.
Does cedar take stain well?
Staining the cedar is the absolute best way to ensure this, especially in areas that have four-season climates. Since Western Red Cedar naturally lacks pitch and resin, it allows for countless staining options and will accept stain very well if applied correctly.
Should you sand cedar before staining?
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.
Is it better to paint or stain cedar siding?
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.
Should I stain both sides of cedar siding?
We suggest staining both sides regardless of building conditions because it is a very good measure to protect your cedar siding.
Does cedar look good Stained?
Although cedar is a softwood like pine, it absorbs stain better than pine, especially when treated with a pre-stain wood conditioner. Indoor and outdoor cedar furniture are stained the same way. However, clear coat polyurethane, which gives the wood a shiny, smooth finish, should only be used on indoor furniture.
Should cedar be stained?
The sooner you treat your cedar, the better 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.
What is the best way to apply stain to cedar wood?
- Prepare the surface.
- Choose an oil-based, semitransparent penetrating stain, which is best at protecting the cedar from water and sunlight.
- Apply stain to cedar boards that are in the shade.
- Use a brush to apply stain for optimal penetration.
- Spread wood stain across one length of cedar lumber at a time.
Should I sand cedar before staining?
How long does stained cedar siding last?
High-quality paint or stain, properly applied, should last five to seven years, and as many as 10, depending on weather conditions and if you maintain the siding. However, you may need to reapply a clear-coat stain every two years.
Do you stain both sides of cedar siding?
Do you need to prime cedar before staining?
Priming western red cedar helps the wood’s natural properties stay put. Without a primer, tannins from within the cedar mix with moisture and seep to the wood’s surface, naturally staining and discoloring the surface.