Building a cupola for a client out of rough cedar. CLient wants natural cedar to show. What is the best finish for cedar that will be exposed to extreme heat, wind, sunlight etc. Personally i hate cedar. It cracks and moves too much. But I had to be honest with him and tell him I did not know the best method for protection. I want my cupola to last 50 years. He is an old friend of my dad’s.
Also, any minor tricks to lengthen it’s life would be appreciated. I am Building it 90% in my shop so I can put in step flashing on the job. I am pianting the inside framing with latex paint, (clients wife insisted on this). I am using 15# felt paper under the cedar siding and all trim boards. I have bolted it together so it doesnt come aprt while being lifted. (that would really suck) It probably weighs 600 pounds. Is there anything else you might suggest before the crane hoists it to its new home?
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cutawooda , One thing you and the client must acknowledge, the finish will NOT last 50 years . It could be re-coated with the same as needed . The clear or natural products are not as durable as coatings with pigment in them , expect to re coat every few years . Suggestion : Paint , the out side also .Think about it , your asking that to with stand the elements for a long time . How many things do you see out there clear in exterior ?
regards dusty
Then "paint" with the clear paint base for exterior oil base paint. Clear coat, pretty durable.Gretchen
I agree! I agree so much so, that I assumed he was going to paint it. I had plans of using Hardiplank siding for the lower third and for the louvers i was going to avoid wood..but he said.."No No No. I want that beautiful cedar to show". You know as well as I do that cedar is only beautiful until one years worth of sun is on it. That is when you hear comment like "Wonderful silvery gray patina"...whatever, to me it looks weather beaten.
Never the less, my client wants clear coat. So I need suggestions. I could easily wash my hands of the entire finish, since I have nothing to do with it, however, it is my workmanship that will be scrutinized in two years as the traffic drives by. He is a well known cartoonist around this area and everyone knows him. I dont wants someone saying, "Lex, who is the chump that built that thing, and why does it have that wonderful silvery gray patina?"
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