Finish Siding Prior to Installation

WRCLA Cedar Siding

Before installation (job site), applying a finish to all surfaces (including ends) is recommended. Factory applied finishes are best. They ensure the best performance of the finish. The type of coating will be determined by final finish and look selected. The finish protects the wood from moisture absorption and UV degradation, helps prevent staining caused by mildew and extractives and will increase the service life of top coats.

Recommended Priming Procedures for Western Red Cedar Siding
Type of Finish Coat Recommended Priming Coat
Natural and semitransparent stains Apply the oil based stain to all surfaces.
100% acrylic solid colour stains and paints Apply an alkyd oil, stain-blocking primer (preferred) to all surfaces. High quality water based stain blocking primers may also be used.
Bleaching oils Apply the bleaching oil to all surfaces.

More information about finishing is available in the “Guide to Finishing” publication.