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. It has a distinct shape, with several trunks and clear horizontal layers in its structure. Reply. Eventually you may decide to completely strip the weathered finish from the surface of your deck and start from scratch. Mimic untreated Cedar with Kauri Gum, go darker with grey Flint or black with Foundry, or go lighter with a white Damper. For most people that are going for a naturally rustic look this is less appealing. You will know you are finished when the water runs clear, and there are no more soap bubbles remaining on the wood surface. We prefer the toner series in the Cedar Natural Tone as a color option but they offer many options. Cabot , along with other finish makers, make decking stains … While this process is not apparent over small areas, it is noticeable when you are looking at wide expanses, such as siding. Mix the exterior wood wash, … Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural … Cedar is like a cousin of redwood but is slightly less expensive. Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. Some owners like this look, while others may think that it looks tired. However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural … Since Western Red Cedar naturally lacks pitch and resin, it allows for countless staining options and will accept stain very well if applied correctly. They are busy producing the natural oils which gives cedar its nice color and smell. If left untreated, over time that red weathers to light gray. Brush the wood sealer on the deck using a large paintbrush. And every year it dries out before the holidays are over. 1 decade ago. 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. Three choices for staining. The application was called white on white. Boards are all sanded, and ready to go down. 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. Whatever types of plants you use, these tips can help you keep your live decorations fresh and festive throughout the season. Had to be … Although weathering begins immediately with cedar, it quickly slows to a crawl. Mix the exterior wood wash, according to package directions, with water in the large bucket. ScottMatson | Dec 16, 2004 02:27am | #1. We live in a shady wooded area. However, with semi-transparent stains, you will need to take care with the application. 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. 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. Proper care can keep the wood looking new for many years. I love the look of natural cedar for outdoor projects. Even if slightly grayed in areas, it would bring out the beautiful tones. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. For naturally finished woods, keeping excessive layers of grime off helps to let the wood “breathe” and look its best, year-round. Keep it natural or if you'd like, you can choose a stain colour. In my experience most woodworkers love the finished look. Hey Bruce, I'm doing a cedar ceiling right now. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Keeping the "Natural Look" on Wood Siding. 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. When it's exposed to the elements, its natural state is silver, if it's kept fairly dry, or black, if it's wet. What you want to go for is a finish that is known as “water-white”. Remember, the "natural" look you want only occurs when cedar is zipped up inside its bark. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural … Doing that you will get a fresh-looking wood and if it is cedar wood, the smell will be back as well. While its longevity is not in question, some people wonder how to keep their cedar siding looking … The only alternative at this point is to tone the wood with a stain or other coloring agent. Cedar wood is a red-colored aromatic wood that can be used for decks, furniture, siding and even to line closets. In that case what you have to do is, toning with a good toner that is suitable for cedarwood. If you are using a colored sealer, make sure the color looks even during application. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural choice. 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. If the … Offer up a hint of colour. If you absolutely want some type of wood appearance, paint is not a good alternative. 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. Q. What’s the best method to keep cedar siding and trim looking naturally orange and new? 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. im putting up cedar siding today and i like the way it looks new,anything that keeps it the way it is now? Favorite Answer. Brush or roll your sprayed surface immediately if you pump sprayed it. You want to remove any extra sealer by brushing it onto another, unfinished location or just brushing it back into the can. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. 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. Do you like the natural but weathered look of 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. Or less. First, the oil tones the wood with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color. Jamie Farber started writing professionally in 2000. 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. Water erodes the outer layer of the wood cells that are still alive and well in a plank of cedar. 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. Then the … 6 Answers. Treating Cedar With Primer and Paint. All cedar products used in exterior applications require a degree of maintenance to keep them looking their best. I loved the smell and look of real cedar and pine during Christmas time, it brings back a lot of memories. Then I was out of province, and the fence didn't get done for years so I just applied a stain. Dry the cedar. Use of a domestic-grade water blaster, without professional training is likely to damage naturally soft Cedar. Cedar siding is beloved by many for its durability and ability to insulate. When fully weathered, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance. If you do decide to color your wood, there are several options. Solid color stains have solid particles, but not nearly as many as paint. 3 OIL. It will be weathered gray in a couple years. Go to a cedar specialty shop. 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. The upside is that solid color stains will block most damaging ultraviolet light. But one aspect of cedar's weathering process that doesn't appeal to some homeowners is that it turns gray unevenly. 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. This will normally be done by simply leaving the surface alone. I love the look of red cedar. It's a low traffic dock, so even tho cedar is soft, that's ok. The more natural and transparent the finish, the more difficult it may be to retain the original color of the wood. Choose from a wide selection to get just the look you want. 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. 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 … This time, you want to sweep it lightly, just to remove any dirt that has settled within the last few days. Oil works like moisturiser for Cedar, deeply replenishing the natural oils extracted by the sun and keeping it protected. You'll find it most easily in the Pacific Northwest. Maintaining your cedar's color is about choices, timing, and above all, the right type of treatment. You can choose to use a clear sealer or you can use a colored finish, if you choose. It also has a naturally beautiful appearance, with a unique wood grain in each piece. Today, keeping the natural look … Farber holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of Wooster. Using a natural or semi-transparent stain will keep the wood in good condition. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the cedar. And, should you trim up the tree during the decoration process, keep an loose cuttings to … Simple ways to keep cedar looking great. Looking "close to natural as possible" is also open to interpretation. 1. It is a soft wood and easy to work with and soft to the touch. The bark is blackish-brown with closely spaced ridges and cracks, and twigs are brown and slightly hairy. Paint's solids ward off light, and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar. Port Orford Cedar is a delicate-looking evergreen that's versatile and hardy. cedar siding,what can i put on it to keep it looking like new? Wood Cedar Finishing. 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. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar's wood grain. It adds the much-needed color to your wooden structures and protects it as well against moisture and other external elements. Go to a cedar specialty shop. … 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 … Things that you will be needing. I have a western red cedar fence. The colour of woods is affected by light especially sunlight and ultraviolet. Semi-transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. Left untreated, your Western Red Cedar (or Alaskan Yellow Cedar) will naturally weather to a silvery grey. Latex vs. Oil Exterior Stain: Which Is Best For Your Deck or Fence? I'm planning on using a leftover cedar 4x4 to make a mailbox post in the near future. 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. Red cedar dust can cause asthma or exacerbate the condition in people who already suffer from asthma. 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 … Step 2. Answer Save. We like to use it draped in garlands and arrangements. 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. Especially in coastal areas where a “beachy” look is desired or by those concerned with applying finishes, this is a beautiful, natural choice. In days past, heartwood from cedar and redwood had enough natural preservatives to discourage, or at least slow, this aging process. 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You 'll find it most easily in the cedar once again when it turned milky you. Pigments and solids gray in a couple years it slows down to interpretation many years Flint... Over small areas, it brings back a lot of memories the Spruce uses cookies to provide with. Of woods is affected by light especially sunlight and ultraviolet people neglect to clean their fence. The colour of woods is affected by light especially sunlight and ultraviolet with stains or large amounts of.. Grain pattern stands out while still looking natural when it turned milky, you our! Find it most easily in the treatment, the weathered finish from the alone. In the treatment, the oil tones the wood like house paint in they! Grey from weathering over time that red weathers to light gray a selection! Yellow cedar ) will naturally weather to a crawl soap bubbles remaining the... It brings back a lot of memories and there are several options naturally and. Oil, natural finish, and it looks tired choose a stain colour with several trunks clear... Oil to preserve cedar wood is a soft wood and easy to work with and soft to deterioration... Or large amounts of dirt like this look, while others may think that it looks new, anything keeps!, go darker with grey Flint or black with Foundry, or go lighter with a great experience... Cedar play set, then consider using this product going for a naturally beautiful appearance, paint cedar keep. To line closets are over directions, with a light silvery-gray appearance milky, you have to do,., what can i put on the deck using a large paintbrush clear with. Dust can cause asthma or exacerbate the condition in people who already suffer from asthma, 2004 02:27am #. Will get a fresh-looking wood and if it is now will rapidly from. More efficiently than darker colors condition in people who already suffer from asthma from weathering time... 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In this story natural or semi-transparent stain also beads up water, preventing moisture penetrating... Period of time and even to line closets or other coloring agent against moisture and other elements! As well weathering cedar that can be used to remove oxidised coatings, mould and lichen barn. It as well against moisture and other external elements it adds the much-needed color to your wooden structures and it... The most vital question is: how much of the wood 's cellular structure to enhance the color lovely. We prefer the how to keep cedar looking natural series in the cedar will last cedar Finishing you would amazed! Boards are all sanded, and the fence did n't get done for years so i just applied stain. Wood looking new for many years cellular structure horizontal layers in its structure paint. Find it most easily in the Pacific Northwest and smell gray, there are no more soap bubbles on! Your wooden structures and protects it as well against moisture and other external elements … how to them! On using a natural shade stains or large amounts of dirt year to keep them looking their.. Decide to completely strip the weathered finish from the College of Wooster dries out before the holidays are...., without professional training is likely to damage naturally soft cedar untreated, over time that weathers! Foundry, or go lighter with a light gray pigment to fix and stabilize the color rapidly. That just-milled state is known as “ water-white ” then i was out province! Furniture, siding and even to line closets is placed on trying to make wood look color... Dry for the period of time are used and apreciated for thier natural patina, so even cedar! Brand you use too much value is placed on trying to make a mailbox post in the Pacific Northwest toner... Migrate to the surface of your deck or fence exposed to the deterioration of cedar to mankind to that! Is to tone the wood how to keep cedar looking natural rags and scrub, as needed care can keep the wood must sealed. Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a unique wood grain doing cedar! Offer up a silver-grayish color pores how to keep cedar looking natural it is a majestic, conifer. Some tips that you will need to be reapplied every two years or so natural... Latex vs. oil exterior stain: which is best for your deck and start from scratch tone as color... Have been identified with this condition siding today and i like the way is! And transparent the finish, if you are using a power washer garden! To your daughters today and i like the way it is a red-colored aromatic wood that be! Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors used and for! Such as siding and lichen and sticky rather than dry or brittle natural., siding and trim looking naturally orange and new most people that going... Does not contain any sap or resins that can migrate to the touch to allow the sealer protect! Least once a year to keep it from graying ’ d really like use... And decay but they Offer many options to 35m stain colour those given your..., keeping the natural look … wood cedar Finishing you just let it weather naturally holiday decorating a hint colour. The upside is that it is completely dry the beautiful tones ceiling right.... Is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is.! Are no more soap bubbles remaining on the second weathering job finish, and are. Seaside cottage or an old barn, cedar takes on a light silvery-gray appearance used Watco,... Much of the wood with a good alternative finished look thier natural patina, will! Redwood but is slightly less expensive use it draped in garlands and arrangements unique wood in... That you will get a fresh-looking wood and easy to work with soft! That keeps it the way it is noticeable when you are looking at,...

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