When you are planning to paint the cedar on the exterior of your building, the main point to consider is the weather. Humidity or rain may be disturbing factors for your project. First, it is essential that you estimate the time required to complete the project. Based on this, get an understanding of the weather forecast in your locality. Make sure that you will be able to complete the task before changes in weather set in. else, you may be left with a half-done job. Also, painting in the time of rains is not advisable as everything will be washed away easily. Repeated brush treatment of Western Red Cedar until the wood no longer absorbs any more products (known as the point of refusal) will enhance the durability of the finish. Treatments that are more transparent — like natural stains and water-repellent preservatives — usually offer more modest protection from the elements, but retain a greater amount of the timber’s natural beauty. We’d recommend something like Owatrol H4 Wood as an excellent weather protector that doesn't contain any UV filters, allowing the cedar to silver naturally. First, wash the steel wool (some manufacturers apply an oil to prevent it from rusting), then separate it as best as possible and put it in a clean glass jar with the vinegar (different types of vinegar will provide different shades).

For a transparent finish with some modest protection, consider a coat of water-repellent preservative, or a bleaching oil. There are a range of products on the market.Owatrol Textrol HES is a good example of a powerful, oil-based protection for cedar wood against weather and UV, available in a range of tints from virtually clear to a charcoal. Whilst concealing some of the natural colour, a well-chosen finish like this can enhance the grain of your cedar. Before starting your project, test penetration and absorbency by sprinkling water lightly onto the wood. If the water is absorbed rapidly, surface is free of contamination and ready for staining. If water is repelled, thorough preparation, as for new wood must be performed. 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. Natural, water-based protection doesn't penetrate as deeply, but still afford a good deal of protection, containing fungicides that inhibit the growth of mildew. They’re seen as more environmentally friendly.

Apply stain liberally by spray, brush, pad or roller, followed by a brushing in the direction of the wood’s grain. Paints and solid-colour finishes allow you to take full control of appearance, adding a bit of excitement, colour or charm to a finished cedar project — but they’re not for the indecisive! Clean all tools and equipment with soap and water whilst still wet. If allowed to dry, remove with paint stripper. After using a well known, moderately priced product on a correctly prepared surface, it flaked after 1 season. Of course, it’s possible to leave your project without any treatment at all — one of the glories of durable timber species like this. With all its resins, Western Red Cedar is naturally rot resistant and still performs well without a finish.So, to paint or stain cedar weatherboards? Or possibly leave them untreated? There’s no right or wrong answer: your choice will depend on your design preference and required level of protection.

Semi-transparent stains are usually best applied with a brush, although this can be achieved with a roller, pad, spray or drip. A second layer can be added for extra protection, but only if the cedar will accept it. We’ve had some lovely weather this month that’s hinted at a wonderfully warm summer, so get out in the garden, roll your sleeves up and put your DIY hat on. We recommend using the clear version, as it delivers a beautifully natural finish. The same can't quite be said about the teak colour, as it's a little orange. Stupidly, I fell under the marketing spell,read the copy on the product, saw the price and thought with proper prep, my job would be better…. it wasn’t!Don't know where to start? Not sure what you need? Don't worry, the gardening experts at B&M HQ are here to help! Helpful Tips

If ‘ can you paint cedar wood’, was the question on your mind, then yes you can paint both old and new ones. If it is new cedar, you have to first prepare it for accepting the paint. This process opens up the wood grain and keeps it ready for the painting session. Old cedar may have accumulated a lot of dust and needs a thorough cleaning. All mildew collected on exposure to elements needs to be removed so that paint stays well.Depending on the product chosen, semi-transparent stains still offer up some interesting, subtle changes to the wood’s colour, pronouncing grains and knots — as well as affording great protection. Semi-transparent finishes can be oil-based or natural.