Primer For Cedar Shake Siding

The label on the container should indicate that the coating is recommended for use as stain blocking primer for western red cedar.

Primer for cedar shake siding.

Best primer and paint for cedar shingles. According to paul mackie at the western red cedar lumber association wrcla red cedar siding that has been finished on all six sides with a stain blocking primer and top coated with 100 percent exterior acrylic latex paint has the longest expected service life of any coating system. You ll have to remove the mildew and prime the wood with a stain blocking primer. Painting cedar however calls for some preparation.

The paint will begin to peel and the shingles may become stained and they will need to be repainted. Factory applied finishes of this type are available in most market areas where cedar siding is sold. Anytime i have customers with cedar shingles siding i always try to either use a good oil based primer or an alkyd modified wb bonding primer. I pretty use nothing but ppg porter paints so my recommendations might not be as valid in your neck of the woods.

Regular stains don t require primer. Primer shouldn t be necessary before painting vinyl siding unless the surface is pitted or the original color has faded so much that the siding panels have become porous in that case be sure. Alkyd oil based primers usually offer the best shield against discoloration by water soluble extractives. Stain blocking primers are available in alkyd oil or water based formulations.

Choosing a suitable paint or stain to use on your cedar is one of the most important steps in this process. These paints form a tough but flexible film that allows moisture within the wood to escape while protecting the cedar from atmospheric moisture that might lead to extractive bleed. Like most wooden shingles however especially when painted they require care and maintenance over the course of time. This discoloration is most likely caused by a combination of excessive tannins leeching from the wood and mildew growth.

Some sections of old unpainted shingles and siding may look darker than others. Properly primed a 100 percent acrylic latex paint will provide decades of protection for cedar siding shingles.