Replies

1. 
   Jeff_Clarke_ | May 18, 2001 01:47pm | #1

   *
   Stain or paint?

1. 
   mark_holbrook | May 19, 2001 02:30am | #2

   *Vinyl?JUST KIDDING!Buy the best quality paint or stain. Don't buy the cheap stuff because it is no good. This has been discussed a lot before on this board, you should search for some more detailed sugestions.

1. 
   allen_schell | May 19, 2001 03:02am | #3

   *Sikkens is supposed to be very good if you can afford it.

1. 
   Armin_ | May 19, 2001 03:21am | #4

   *Jeff, A stain, as close to natural as possible. I looked at the sikkens, its not the cost that deters me but its a two application system. I don't think I have the energy to coat this place twice in one summer. Armin

1. 
   James_DuHamel | May 19, 2001 07:10am | #5

   *The absolute best product for your particular application is a product called TWP (Toatal Wood Protection) made by AMTECO.The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department uses it exclusively on all outdoor structures. They tested it in ways that you or I would never dream of doing, and it surpassed ALL other products considerably. It's AVERAGE lifespan on outdoor structures was 5 years, with some structures reaching 7 to 10 years before a recoat was necessary. That beats the heck out of anything else I have ever used.Unfortunately, it is only available in a clear coat, so if you need color, or a pigmented stain, then this is not what you need.It is great for cedar because it is basically a clear coat, with a very light reddish tint to it. I have used it on pt wood, with great results. It makes it look wet all the time, but it sure holds up well to foot traffic.Just some info...James DuHamel

2. 
   allen_schell | May 19, 2001 02:58pm | #6

   *James, I put TWP on my deck last summer, it seems to be a good product but I'm sure it had a cedar color tone to it.

3. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | May 19, 2001 03:29pm | #7

   *Armin, try Hardie Plank.I am continuously amazed at how many people attempt to keep the "natural" look of cedar and redwood. Those houses always end up looking like the worst dilapitated houses on the street with their blotchy black and gray streaks. I don't mind an all grey house, but those clear coats tend to permanently ruin the "natural" beauty of every house that they're put on.I've seen my share of stained fingure joint interior trim too. I'm rarely impressed.Try a solid stain with the color that you like. It'll last a lot longer and look better from day 1!blue

4. 
   Armin_ | May 20, 2001 12:48am | #8

   *James, Thanks for the tip, I'm checking out the website as we speak.The product does come in several colors. Do you know of anybody who has used it on siding?Thanks Armin

5. 
   pbriand | May 20, 2001 02:22am | #9

   *Mark what is your problem with vinyl siding ?

6. 
   mark_holbrook | May 20, 2001 09:00pm | #10

   *pbriand,The problem with vinyl is that I can spot it a mile away. There are the usual waves and bows. The detail is usually cheap looking. Massive damage can occur behind the siding if the flashing is improperly done.I suppose a quality job done on a newer house is acceptable, but I would not cover an old house with it. It just makes the house look cheesy, and I wonder what it's hiding.

7. 
   Armin_ | May 21, 2001 12:09am | #11

   *I agree with you Mark, vinyl looks cheap. I have seen alot of old houses with wood siding and even though they are in disrepair and weatherbeaten they still have a certain charm. I hate to think what an 80 year old vinyl sided house might look like.

2. 
   Armin_ | May 21, 2001 12:09am | #12

   *
   I know this subject has probably been addressed before, but I can't locate anything in the archives, so PLEEEEZE help me out.
   I'm getting a little tired of recoating my house every two years, does anybody have an opinion on what to use that has some real life in a real world application. I live in a northern climate, long cold winters followed by humid summers, the building gets lots of southern sun exposure.
   Any input would be much appreciated.