APPLICATION
The application of a finish on Western Red Cedar is as important for durability and optimal performance as is the finish-substrate combination chosen for the job. Finishes can be brushed, rolled, sprayed or applied by dipping. The application technique, the quality and quantity of finish applied, the surface condition of the substrate, and the weather conditions at the time of application can substantially influence the life expectancy of the finish. The application guidelines suggested here should be followed in combination with the manufacturer's preparation and application recommendations for the product.

Finishes and cleaners are chemicals which may pose health hazards from contact, ingestion or by inhaling. So be sure to carefully read the all of the manufacturers' application instructions and warnings prior to purchasing the product.

Paints and Solid Stains
After completing the surface preparation described above, follow these steps to achieve maximum paint life:

1. Apply a good quality stain-blocking primer at the spread rates recommended by the manufacturer as soon as possible after surface preparation and when the moisture content of the wood is below 20%. The primer coat is very important because it forms a base for all succeeding paint coats and should be used whether the top coat is oil-based or latex-based.

It is best to prime before installing siding because it permits application to the face, back, edges and ends. Priming the back or wall side of the siding is often referred to as "back priming". This practice helps to prevent cupping and enhances the paint's service life.

2. Apply the top coat over the primer. Brushing is considered to be the most effective way to apply the coating. If two top oats are to be applied, allow the first to cure for the period recommended by the manufacturer before applying the second coat. In cold or damp weather, allow extra drying time between coats.

	A beautiful one-tone finish for a beautiful cedar-clad home. Creative lighting adds a dramatic dimension to the overall effect.

Semi-Transparent Stains You have the option to apply semi-transparent stains by brush, spray, pad, or roller. Brushing will usually give the best penetration and performance. Spray or roller application followed by back-brushing is also an acceptable method of application. Oil-based stains are generally thin and runny, so application can be messy. Lap marks can be prevented by staining continuous lengths. This method prevents the front edge of the stained area from drying before a logical stopping place is reached. Working in the shade is desirable because the drying rate is slower. Stain that has been applied by spray, without back-brushing, is prone to show blotchy patterns as it weathers.

Carefully formulated semi-transparent stains have been developed to retain the uniqueness of cedar siding.

Two coats of penetrating oil-based stain on textured Western Red Cedar will provide a longer service life than one coat, but only if the wood will accept the second coat. Stir the stain thoroughly during application to prevent settling and color change. Avoid mixing different brands or batches of stain.
Latex semi-transparent stains do not penetrate the wood surface, but they are easy to apply and less likely to form lap marks. These stains are film-forming and may not be as durable as oil based stains.

The surface condition of the wood on which the finish is applied can substantially affect the performance and life expectancy of the finish.

New (not weathered) Western Red Cedar New cedar siding and trim should be protected from the weather before, during and after construction. It is seldom necessary to carry out extensive surface preparation providing the wood has not weathered for more than two weeks and is clean and dry. The moisture content should always be checked as a precaution. The moisture content cannot be above 20% and if the wood has been contaminated by dirt, oil or other foreign substances, the contaminants must be removed. Dirt should be washed from the surface (see section on cleaning and discoloration). For smooth-planed, flat-grained cedar, some surface preparation may be desirable. On flat grained wood, the surface should be scuff-sanded with 50-60 grit andpaper. This procedure will greatly increase the coatings performance but will not detract from a smooth appearance. Surface preparation is not necessary for clean textured cedar.	Opaque stains are high in pigment content and, as in this country home, thoroughly hide the color, grain and texture of the board-and-batten cedar siding.
Weathered Western Red Cedar Cedar siding and trim that has been exposed to the elements for longer than 2 weeks may have a degraded surface that is unsuitable for painting. Preparing the surface by sanding, brushing (with a non-ferrous bristle brush), and washing before applying the finish is recommended.