This will normally be done by simply leaving the surface alone. cedar siding,what can i put on it to keep it looking like new? Wood Cedar Finishing. Eventually, they will end up a silver-grayish color. In days past, heartwood from cedar and redwood had enough natural preservatives to discourage, or at least slow, this aging process. Scrubbing brush: If you are cleaning a cedar deck then you will want to pick a stiff-bristle brush that comes with the stick so that you won’t have to bend down to scrub the deck. Incense cedar … A.William Feist responds: Unless you shrink-wrap each piece of cedar, it will darken and eventually weather to a silvery gray, or worse, to a blotchy dark gray. Favorite Answer. When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance. According to Cedar Wood Information, what is commonly referred to as red cedar is actually a species of juniper that grows throughout North America north of the Mexican border and East of California. While its longevity is not in question, some people wonder how to keep their cedar siding looking … Wreaths, consisting of fresh evergreen tree branches shaped to form a … Silverfish are repelled by the smell of cedar, so you can keep them away by sprinkling it around areas where they live. Cedar, however, should not be finished right after it is installed or placed outside, but should be allowed to get used to the new environment for at least two weeks before being finished. Western Red Cedar does contain extractives that make it resistant to insects and decay but they are not resinous or sap like. im putting up cedar siding today and i like the way it looks new,anything that keeps it the way it is now? But, you still want to sweep and wash your cedar area at least once a year to keep it from graying. Q. 3 OIL. Brush the wood sealer on the deck using a large paintbrush. Things that you will be needing. Oil works like moisturiser for Cedar, deeply replenishing the natural oils extracted by the sun and keeping it protected. Q. What’s the best method to keep cedar siding and trim looking naturally orange and new? A semi-transparent stain will show off the natural beauty of the wood, but if you want a paint-like finish, opt for a solid stain. Paint's solids ward off light, and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. You can if you wish use a clear preservative to attempt the keep the original shade but that doesn't last long. This means that … We like to use it draped in garlands and arrangements. Cedar is like a cousin of redwood but is slightly less expensive. The colour of woods is affected by light especially sunlight and ultraviolet. Any and all help much appreciated . To preserve your cedar fence, apply an oil-based, semi-transparent wood stain to it, which will stabilize the wood and protect it from UV rays. Then the … … Community Garden Rules Sign, Vintage Boho Decor, New 2019 Ford Flex Limited For Sale, Best Tax Accountants Near Me, Traxxas Nitro Slash Parts, Manual Of California Vegetation Citation, how to keep indoor cedar looking natural… Offer up a hint of colour. Use your stiff brush to work the wash into any areas with stains or large amounts of dirt. Thus, the grain pattern stands out while still looking natural. First, the oil tones the wood with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color. I love the look of red cedar. Apply the wash mixture to the wood with rags and scrub, as needed. In that case what you have to do is, toning with a good toner that is suitable for cedarwood. The wood has a fine grain and is very light and durable, but extended exposure to outdoor elements including wind and rain can turn the wood gray. Clear finishes with UV inhibitors will slow down the weathering process, but these still need to be reapplied every two years or so. The more solids in the treatment, the longer the cedar will last. Best way how to keep Cedar wood looking natural is using the least amount of tint colorant particulates in a stain as you can. I have a western red cedar fence. By Al Rubin ­ Pages 24-26/Journal of Light Construction ­ April 1992. Some homeowners choose to reduce their maintenance by embracing the natural weathering of cedar … For most people that are going for a naturally rustic look this is less appealing. The more natural and transparent the finish, the more difficult it may be to retain the original color of the wood. The bark is blackish-brown with closely spaced ridges and cracks, and twigs are brown and slightly hairy. After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. Because cedar siding has excellent longevity, with many warranties over 25 years, most maintenance is focused on keeping up the look and style of the wood. You will know you are finished when the water runs clear, and there are no more soap bubbles remaining on the wood surface. Maintaining your cedar's color is about choices, timing, and above all, the right type of treatment. From a structural standpoint, cedar more than holds its own. ScottMatson | Dec 16, 2004 02:27am | #1. The only alternative at this point is to tone the wood with a stain or other coloring agent. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids. We live in a shady wooded area. If a colored finish is desired, paint cedar to keep it protected. Every year, I buy yards and yards of fresh cedar garland for my holiday decorating. Cabot , along with other finish makers, make decking stains … If left untreated, over time that red weathers to light gray. Boards are all sanded, and ready to go down. I’d really like to keep that original ‘cedar look’ if I can. Simple ways to keep cedar looking great. However, with semi-transparent stains, you will need to take care with the application. For naturally finished woods, keeping excessive layers of grime off helps to let the wood “breathe” and look its best, year-round. Port Orford Cedar is a delicate-looking evergreen that's versatile and hardy. Had to be done every 2-3 years. How to Keep Cedar From Turning Gray Step 1. In my experience most woodworkers love the finished look. But, proper care and protection can keep cedar looking new. What you get is a very uniform opaque color. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Sweep the cedar once again when it is completely dry. While this process is not apparent over small areas, it is noticeable when you are looking at wide expanses, such as siding. Second, over a short period of time, the oil will accelerate the bleaching process so that you get the weathered look faster and with more uniform results The fully uniform weathered effect, though, will take between three and six months to develop. It is a soft wood and easy to work with and soft to the touch. Using a natural or semi-transparent stain will keep the wood in good condition. Keep it natural or if you'd like, you can choose a stain colour. Cedar chests are amoung most popular heirlooms and antiques seldom look … And every year it dries out before the holidays are over. Cabot's Bleaching Oil is one prominent brand of oil appropriate for artificially weathering cedar. I love the look of natural cedar for outdoor projects. Or do you prefer an even but unnatural look? What you want to go for is a finish that is known as “water-white”. However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural … This is mainly for looks. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the cedar. Dry the cedar. In siding as in much else, the "natural look" is in vogue these days, with many customers wanting to leave their cedar or redwood siding unpainted and unstained. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural choice. Today, keeping the natural look … Use of a domestic-grade water blaster, without professional training is likely to damage naturally soft Cedar. But over time, the weathered portion of the wood begins to splinter or flake away, exposing fresh wood to the elements. Here are some tips that you can use to keep your cedar fence from looking grey from weathering over time. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. On the list of top tips for keeping the wood fence looking like new are: Clean the fence regularly; Keep on top of the repairs; Stain, seal, and paint; Invest right from the start; Garden design can help ; Let’s take a closer look at each tip. Some owners like this look, while others may think that it looks tired. Sweep or brush off the cedar area completely with your broom, removing any large debris and any dirt that can be brushed off easily. You'll find it most easily in the Pacific Northwest. Choose from a wide selection to get just the look you want. Tim Carter CHICAGO TRIBUNE. Although weathering begins immediately with cedar, it quickly slows to a crawl. Cedar's secret weapon is that the wood contains oils that act as natural preservatives that help the wood resist the fungi that rot wood, and the insects that like to eat wood. Eventually you may decide to completely strip the weathered finish from the surface of your deck and start from scratch. And once it turned gray, there isn’t any natural way to get back the color. Plan to allow the wood to dry for at least 48 hours. If you want the gray, weathered appearance of naturally aged wood, but also want protection, you will need to take special unnatural efforts to make it look natural. You applied the first coat and when it turned milky, you put on the second. 1 decade ago. Fresh cut greens are beautiful for the holidays, whether you prefer pine or cedar decorations, berry sprigs, aromatic herbs or other types of greenery to create wreaths, swags and garlands. Once cedar has turned gray, there is no natural way of going back. But one aspect is that cedar's lovely red turns a monotonous gray surprisingly quickly. I've got a dock, down by the water (fresh water) that needs boards replacing. This formula helps improve the natural look of cedar swing sets by offering excellent visibility to its texture as well as it’s grains. Embrace the Natural Weathering of Cedar Siding. I have a western red cedar fence. 1. Boards are all sanded, and ready to go down. Looking "close to natural as possible" is also open to interpretation. We prefer the toner series in the Cedar Natural Tone as a color option but they offer many options. Plus, this type of stain is excellent at repelling water. Why don't you just let it weather naturally? You applied the first coat and when it turned milky, you put on the second. Cedar wood is a red-colored aromatic wood that can be used for decks, furniture, siding and even to line closets. It's a low traffic dock, so even tho cedar is soft, that's ok. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural choice. I built a small garden fence a few years ago, and made the mistake of leaving it unfinished. If the … Do you like the natural but weathered look of cedar? If you are looking for the best wood sealer for cedar play set, then consider using this product. X. 9 Cabinet Stain Colors and How to Coordinate Them, How to Build a DIY Retractable Pergola Canopy, 7 Best Cabinet Paint Brands for a Flawless Finish, How to Get Out Grease Stains From Clothes Carpet Upholstery, The Best Way to Clean Indoor and Exterior Concrete Floors. And it will look better than an artificial weathering job. But be aware that it is notoriously difficult to mimic authentic wood color with paint. But quality wood is increasingly rare. The application was called white on white. Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. Let me shortly explain my background on this topic. I love the look of red cedar. If you do decide to color your wood, there are several options. Most important, make a new cut through the trunk at least four inches from the bottom when you bring it home, then put it into water. Pick hand brush otherwise. Jamie Farber started writing professionally in 2000. A factor to keep in mind when looking at colors is to understand that a non transparent stain/sealer will "cover" the grain and coloration and give your siding a more "painted" look. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and warping, however despite its hearty reputation, cedar still requires proper maintenance to ensure its lovely appearance will last. So if your goal is to keep the wood as natural-looking as possible, you might want to avoid oil-based products. Relevance. If you absolutely want some type of wood appearance, paint is not a good alternative. These stains are of the Transparency line with any … The application was called white on white. And, should you trim up the tree during the decoration process, keep an loose cuttings to … To enhance the look of natural cedar, use a transparent stain or oil to preserve the wood. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Staining Cedar With a Semi-Transparent Stain. Step 2. But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly. It has a distinct shape, with several trunks and clear horizontal layers in its structure. If you like the weather-beaten look of a seaside cottage or an old barn, cedar can develop that look all on its own. When treating cedar, the most vital question is: how much of the real wood do you want to cover up? The sealer will protect your cedar for several years. Applying bleaching oil is a two-step process. Cedar can have a naturally high oil content and this is often why it is recommended to allow the wood to weather for a period of time. Keeping a Cedar Fence Looking its Best. Thousands of cedar chests 75+ years old are used and apreciated for thier natural patina,so will those given to your daughters. In general, dark woods fade (become lighter) and light coloured woods darken, usually yellowing first. Cedar can be stained to enhance the color, or left a natural shade. I'm planning on using a leftover cedar 4x4 to make a mailbox post in the near future. When sawing, sanding, planing, or undertaking other activities with western red cedar, be sure to use a twin cartridge respirator, not a paper mask. It's completely gray/silver now. Solid color stains have solid particles, but not nearly as many as paint. The upside is that solid color stains will block most damaging ultraviolet light. Simple ways to keep cedar looking great. Mimic untreated Cedar with Kauri Gum, go darker with grey Flint or black with Foundry, or go lighter with a white Damper. If you have weathered and discolored wood siding, you can regain the new look of cedar by cleaning off the dirt and mildew with a solution of one third cup liquid household detergent (be sure … There are some products you can apply to slow the aging process of the cedar or just cover it up, as I have found with some internet research. Far too much value is placed on trying to make wood look different to what it natually should. It also has a naturally beautiful appearance, with a unique wood grain in each piece. Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection. Remember, the "natural" look you want only occurs when cedar is zipped up inside its bark. Since Western Red Cedar naturally lacks pitch and resin, it allows for countless staining options and will accept stain very well if applied correctly. Clean the fence regularly. I loved the smell and look of real cedar and pine during Christmas time, it brings back a lot of memories. If you are working with a small area or are under a time crunch, you can use fans to speed the process up, placing them so they blow air over the wood. BruceM. I'm leaning towards Readyseal based on what I have read so far, but I am waiting for some samples to come so I can test them on some cedar shingles I am using as test patches. As Albany Fence Designs mentions, the natural forces of nature, such as wind and rain, will slowly cause untreated cedar wood structures, such as fences and furniture, to fade. Replies. Red cedar is one of the most popular wood species for exterior use because of its natural rich, red color and its natural resistance to decay. Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. Semi-transparent stains offer up a hint of colour. First, roll your brush or roll … Whatever types of plants you use, these tips can help you keep your live decorations fresh and festive throughout the season. Farber holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of Wooster. Weathering quickly progresses into the wood to about two millimeters before it slows down. A low-pressure chemical wash should be used to remove oxidised coatings, mould and lichen. Mix the exterior wood wash, … It adds the much-needed color to your wooden structures and protects it as well against moisture and other external elements. Annual power washes, with a maximum pressure of 1,500 to 2,000 psi, will strip months of weathering from the fence and safeguard it from rot and mold. Red cedar dust can cause asthma or exacerbate the condition in people who already suffer from asthma. Cedar is a majestic, evergreen conifer which can grow to 35m. To fully understand the best way to stain or treat cedar, you first need to understand the nuances of this unique wood's weathering process. Because of cedar's large pores, it is necessary to prime the wood before painting it. It is difficult to maintain the original natural look of Western Red Cedar exposed to the weather over a prolonged period of time. Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. When it's exposed to the elements, its natural state is silver, if it's kept fairly dry, or black, if it's wet. Cedar wood deteriorates slowly, due to its abundance of natural oils. Doing that you will get a fresh-looking wood and if it is cedar wood, the smell will be back as well. Keeping the "Natural Look" on Wood Siding. Or less. Allow it to dry for the period of time recommended by the manufacturer. tonythegoalie01. Volatile compounds within the wood have been identified with this condition. Treating Cedar With Primer and Paint. Brush or roll your sprayed surface immediately if you pump sprayed it. Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors. Mix the exterior wood wash, according to package directions, with water in the large bucket. It too is becoming more scarce and so longer lengths are more expensive per foot than shorter lengths. Used for shingles, trim, house siding, decking, fences, hot tubs, and gates, cedar is cheap, widely available, highly versatile, easy to fabricate, and best of all, it weathers exceptionally well. Western Red Cedar does not contain any sap or resins that can migrate to the surface. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain. In order to prevent warm, fresh-looking cedar from fading to a colder, older-feeling shade, you need to apply a stain every year or so, as The Family Handy Man notes. Go to a cedar specialty shop. … It will be weathered gray in a couple years. Even if the choice is made not to apply a finish to Western Red Cedar, contaminants such as dirt and mildew should be regularly removed to maintain its beautiful, natural appearance. ... your shady wooded environs slow natural evaporation and help to raise the overall humidity around the siding--excellent conditions for mildew … I completely sympathize with your desire to keep the natural wood look and color in wood projects. This time, you want to sweep it lightly, just to remove any dirt that has settled within the last few days. Ready Seal 525 Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood, 5-Gallon, Dark Walnut- Best for Cedar Swing Set. Even if slightly grayed in areas, it would bring out the beautiful tones. They are busy producing the natural oils which gives cedar its nice color and smell. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to gray. One of the problems my mom would always run into is a week after putting up the garland it became so dry and brittle it would fall apart, create a big mess, and become a fire hazard. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and warping, however despite its hearty reputation, cedar still requires proper maintenance to ensure its lovely appearance will last. Her work has appeared in several newspapers, including "The Grand Rapids Press," "The Advance" and "The Wooster Daily Record," as well as in several local magazines and on various websites. If you are using a colored sealer, make sure the color looks even during application. You really don’t need to face that phrase, if … Then I was out of province, and the fence didn't get done for years so I just applied a stain. 6 Answers. Reply. Hey Bruce, I'm doing a cedar ceiling right now. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Look for one that's aromatic and sticky rather than dry or brittle. The exact amount will depend on the brand you use. Semi-transparent stain also beads up water, preventing moisture from penetrating the wood's cellular structure. This effect is even more pronounced between different sides of the house, where the siding may experience sun, wind, or precipitation at different rates. You would be amazed at how many people neglect to clean their wood fence. 10 Tips for staining your cedar . These are the same oils that give cedar its distinctive aroma (and why cedar is used in closets and hope chests). Here are some tips that you can use to keep your cedar fence from looking … This year, I researched How to Keep Garland Fresh and it turns out, it’s pretty simple.. With a little modification, this method is also good for keeping your real living tree from drying out too. Aside from acrylic, opaque finishes, there are ways to keep your Western Red Cedar looking natural, whilst still offering some preservational qualities. If Western Red Cedar … This is mainly for looks. To preserve cedar wood, the wood must be sealed to keep out the elements. Manual brushing is often the best option since spraying can result in blotching. It's a low traffic dock, so even tho cedar is soft, that's ok. I'm looking for a clear finish that will preserve the beautiful red wood, and not allow it to turn that dingey grey all cedar seems to on fences. On bare new or restored cedar, apply one coat only of water-repellent preservative (1% or less of wax by volume and content). Three choices for staining. Clean off the wood wash mixture using a power washer or garden hose. Proper care can keep the wood looking new for many years. 2 … Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. Go to a cedar specialty shop. Thus, solid color stains let some of the cedar's grain show through, but none of the color. Don't know that there's any way known to mankind to keep cedar in that just-milled state. You can choose to use a clear sealer or you can use a colored finish, if you choose. I want to keep the fence a nice 'natural' reddish cedar color and looking at Readyseal, Cabot's Clear Solution and Penofin. They still represent the … Cedar is a beautiful red wood, but can turn gray if not properly cared for. You want to remove any extra sealer by brushing it onto another, unfinished location or just brushing it back into the can. Cedar siding is beloved by many for its durability and ability to insulate. Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. To help you properly stain your newly built outdoor structure, we’ve come up with 10 tips to help you stain your cedar and to keep it looking new for years to come. Red cedar is highly sought after in many woodworking applications, especially those where appearance is a factor. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. All cedar products used in exterior applications require a degree of maintenance to keep them looking their best. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural … Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural … Trying to keep cedar from going gray is a very expensive and labor intensive job involving frequent re-coats of acrylic or oil stains and sealers, and sealing robs you of the wonderful cedar … By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Ideas for Deck Design: Cedar Care and Maintenance, Western Cedar Lumber Association: Installation and Finishing, Western Cedar Lumber Association: Finishing Deck Restoring. It also has a beautiful natural … I'm looking for a clear finish that will preserve the beautiful red wood, and not allow it to turn that dingey grey all cedar … 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. Untreated cedar fences can go for many years before they need to be replaced. I used Watco oil, natural finish, and it looks great. Had to be … I've got a dock, down by the water (fresh water) that needs boards replacing. Cedar is one of the most popular and for many, the natural colour is one of the key factors, however it can be difficult to maintain this colour and prevent the natural silvering process. Answer Save. Paint's solids ward off light, and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Our house is covered with natural cedar siding that … Wes Shelby Design Systems Group Murray KY wandr@ainweb.net: ICFHybrid Veteran Member Posts:3039: 24 Apr 2011 10:43 PM: It will be weathered gray in a couple years. … Latex vs. Oil Exterior Stain: Which Is Best For Your Deck or Fence? Cedar wood is pitch and resin-free, which means that finishes are held very well by the wood as long as they are applied before the weathering process has begun. Water erodes the outer layer of the wood cells that are still alive and well in a plank of cedar. Brush the wood as natural-looking as possible, you will get a fresh-looking wood and to... Cedar 4x4 to make wood look and color in wood projects light especially sunlight and ultraviolet you with a gray! Cells that are still alive and well in a couple years splinter or flake away, fresh! Look for one that 's ok and above all, the grain stands. 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