Could anybody help me out? I’m looking for information about the proper way to seal exterior cedar siding. I think I should seal the back side of the siding before we start putting it on the outside walls–is that correct and what should we use?–After it is on the outside walls what should we use for that we would like to keep the natural look. Any help would be appreciated
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If you want to back prime the cedar siding, I would use a oil based primer and you can seal it with that. If you want the natural look, I still suggest using a oil based sealer either cedar color or clear which ever you prefer. There is a maintenance issue with this since you will have to recoat every few years or you can leave it natural and let it age but i dont like the gray look it retains after a few years.
I used cedar siding on my barn. back primed with Penofin Cedar oil finish. Be sure to seal the end grain after any cut and cut any splice on a 45degree angle so movement wont show. I also used the penofin on the front side before I put it up. Easier to do on the ground. Set all the boards on saw horses and rolled the fininsh on, let dry a day or so and put up. I also used slim jim stainless steel nails to eliminate the stain around the nail heads. Great wood to work with,nice and light. So far the penofin has been on the barn for 2 years and still looking good. They also make a clear marine oil finish that I used on the doug fir doors, but that needed recoat after 1 year.