I recently purchased clear cedar beveled siding to do my house. I am concerned about weathering and graying of the cedar. I’m writing from the northeast (Long Island, New York). I’ve heard of 2 products that are supposed to be very good. One is called Penofin and the other is called Sikkens. I realize I’m going to have to restain every 2 or 3 years but I want to preserve the original color of the western red cedar. Has anyone used any of these products or have any other ideas or products they prefer? Thanks, Mike
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Replies
Mike,
It will be very difficult for you to preseve the fresh cedar look. Either of those products is at the top of a short list of preservative finishes which will help. The effects of UV and weather are almost impossible to stop and the slow weathering to a gray color will go so far and no further and the cedar will take care of itself from that point.
If you are very diligent about it, frequent applications will slow the process, but it will be inexorable over several years. At some point you will have to decide how much effort you want to keep putting into it.
Be aware that the process is a natural consequence of exposure, and slow it for as long as you have energy to do that and budget to spend on preservative.
Rich
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