Exterior stain for cedar siding

3 years ago

We built our home about five years ago. We used smooth cedar siding with a semi-transparent stain to expose the look of the cedar boards. Since then, I have re-stained the wood once and twice in a few spots. Each time the stain lasts maybe 3-6 months before we get black streak marks from dirt and rain running down the boards and from the dirt that collects in the channel of each board. I've used oil based from Duckback and Armstrong Clark stains.

I want the stain to last longer and not get as dirty as quickly if possible. Any suggestions for better stains, techniques, or sealers I might use that will extend the life and appearance?

Attached are photos of when it was first stained and then later on for reference.

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Comments (4)

PRO
3 Peaks Renovations
3 years ago
Being located in Canada, I've never heard of the oil brands you've used previously, although the 6 month time frame description of your products performance sounds just about right for exterior semi trans oil. I've used the Sherwin Williams version of this product extensively over the years. My last house had a hottub deck that needed constant snow shovelling & would consume 10 gallons of semi trans oil every fall for maintenance. I would only ever use semi trans oil for properly prepared clients exterior lumber decks, and nothing else due to product limitations. In the world of ski resort homes I've been using Sikkens Cetol 1 for over two decades on multiple wood species with great results ( *Side note, never top with Cetol 2/3 or any other clear coat) I have large timbers on my own home, that on average I recoat with one coat of Cetol 1 every 3-5 years, depending on exposure. Sure the product costs are higher than a semi trans oil, but then so are the benefits....

A couple points to keep in mind; smooth cedar siding installed horizontally instead of vertically will unfortunately be more prone to marking/future water stains & trapping dirt etc. mainly due to that flat exposed edge profile. Smooth wood will always discolor/dry out/mark faster than the equivalent siding in a rough/er finish & require higher upkeep. Another factor to consider is the cedar sidings substrate. Over the years I've definitely noticed product life discrepancies/variations depending on the sidings backing and perhaps more critically, how it was installed. Air movement is your friend.... Either way, good luck whichever road you take with this !
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
No stain will keep it from getting dirty I much prefer a clear finish on natural cedar and you will need to wash that siding at least once a year . I agree cetol is the best but now it requires stripping all the stain and starting over IMO
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cat_ky
3 years ago
You can clean those black streaks off, with a small amount of bleach, and a garden hose. When we had a cedar house, I did that every spring and fall. It was oil based semi transparent stain too.
Kate
3 years ago
Maybe stain a color that matches the streaks so they are less noticeable?