How do I make cedar siding look new again?
The best way to restore your cedar siding or cedar fence to its original glory is with soft washing. Instead of the robust streams of high-pressure water used in pressure washing, soft washing uses a low-pressure technique with a special mixture of highly effective and biodegradable cleaning solutions.
How do you clean cedar siding before staining?
The first thing you need to do when restaining cedar siding is to clean the surface. Mix one part bleach with four parts water and use it to wash the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt and reveal the wood finish. Afterwards, rinse the surface with a second damp cloth and pat the siding dry with a dry cloth.
What is the best way to clean cedar siding?
The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution no stronger than one-part bleach to three parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.
Do you need to power wash cedar siding before staining?
It is highly recommended that you treat the mold and mildew on your cedar siding before going at it with a pressure washer or brush and bucket. Honestly, your efforts will be futile if you scrub or blast away the dark spots without killing the mold first.
Can you stain over stained cedar siding?
Answer is yes, you can paint over stained cedar, but with some testing, also long term commitments. You’ll want to make darn sure stain has dried out, after using best deck cleaner, also great for cedar siding.
Can you pressure wash cedar siding?
Can you pressure wash cedar siding? Yes, you can pressure wash cedar siding by using a low PSI pressure washer or adjusting a pressure washer to its lowest PSI setting. This protects the cedar from being damaged from too high of pressure because it is softwood.
Should I pressure wash my cedar siding?
Unlike aging cigars in a cedar box, aging cedar siding on your home may require the occasional pressure washing. Cedar shake siding will grow algae and mold if it’s not cleaned once in a while. Algae and mold will cause deterioration and discoloration to your cedar siding.
Do you have to sand cedar siding before staining?
Cedar wood is lightweight, stable and relatively easy to work with. It can be sanded to remove surface defects and prepare the wood for painting or staining. Rougher sandpaper can be used to remove material, and finer sandpaper for smoothing the wood surface and preparing for finishing.
How do you brighten cedar siding?
One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.
Should cedar siding be pressure washed?
Cedar shake siding will grow algae and mold if it’s not cleaned once in a while. Algae and mold will cause deterioration and discoloration to your cedar siding. Much like a wooden deck, you can use detergents and a pressure washer to blast the grime away and reveal the beautiful cedar color within.
Can you powerwash cedar?
Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood’s soft surface. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint.