If it’s been painted for years, I wouldn’t plan on going back to stain unless you’re ready for a lot of work and a very uncertain result. Even if they remove most of the paint, you’re probably still going to have paint stuck deep in the grain. Once you stain over that, it can look blotchy and inconsistent. Also, older cedar that’s been sealed with paint that long doesn’t always take stain evenly anymore.

Stripping to stain only really makes sense if the wood is in excellent condition, you’re okay with a more rustic and uneven look, and the contractor is very experienced with full paint removal (not just surface prep). Otherwise, you may spend more money and end up with something that doesn’t look as good as expected.

Cedar should have always been stained, but, since yours is painted, I would have your p ainter put on a good coat of sealing bonding primer, and two good coats of paint. Make sure all loose paint is scraped, and primed well. It wont look good stained, after being painted.

" If it’s been painted for years, I wouldn’t plan on going back to stain unless you’re ready for a lot of work and a very uncertain result. "

What type of stain are they proposaing to use? If a solid color stain no issues after properly removing the p[paint, as solid stain is essentially paint anyway. Semi Solid or Semi Transparent stain not so much as the paint will never really be remove 100%.

It would be the solid stain

Going financial here. I would get two prices before I made my decision.

There is going to be a sizable cost to have the siding prepped for paint. Add that to the cost of the paint and labor involved.

Then get a price to replace the siding.

Of course, the painting is going to be less, but it will need more work, refreshing, in the next 5ish years.

The new siding will last for years and years and years.

Long term, new siding would be the better investment.

Simply prepare the cedar surface the best way possible so there is no peeling or cracking paint, sand where necessary and apply a solid stain.

Typically paint doesn't adhere well to the oil infused cedar, that's why stain is recommended.