How To Clean And Seal Cedar Siding
It is non toxic to trees and vegetation and will not remove natural color from the siding.
How to clean and seal cedar siding. If necessary use a paint removing product to remove an old layer of paint. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles. The oxalic acid in the wood brightener neutralizes the wood s tannins a natural preservative in cedar that can bleed to the surface of the wood during the cleaning process. Mix the powdered bleach according to directions on the bottle such as 4 parts water to 1 part powder.
Pressure washing can damage cedar so if possible wash by hand. However with semi transparent stains you will need to take care with the application. Staining cedar with a semi transparent stain. Pour the mixture into a cleaned out lawn.
The safe and effective way to clean the wood is oxygen bleach. Mix the oxygen bleach in a ratio of 2 cups of powdered granules to 1 gallon of water or based on the product and manufacturer s instructions on. Then rinse it thoroughly. The few solid particles in this mix will not significantly obscure cedar s wood grain.
Semi transparent stains are your best bet when you want the real look of slightly weathered cedar with protection. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles. The siding must be thoroughly cleaned and old layers of paint or sealer must be removed before you can apply a new coat. Begin by sweeping off dust and cobwebs.
Inspect the siding for rot or damage. The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. Apply the solution with a clean garden sprayer allowing it to soak for 15 minutes.
The oxygen bleach comes as a granular powder that mixes with water. Have any damaged pieces replaced. Removing the the wood mold with oxygen bleach. How to seal cedar siding if you re applying sealant to siding that is already installed it is essential to throughly clean the wood surface being sealed.