Image via Wikipedia

Staining cedar cannot only create a completely different appearance to the wood, it can also harden it and make it even more resistant to the elements. Cedar is already very weather resistant, and has been used in the construction industry for centuries. You can increase the life of the wood still further by adding compounds produced by modern industry. These compounds can help the wood become even  more resistant to water, and can even be applied if you intend to paint the wood. Doing so can be helpful in preventing the final coat of paint from becoming discolored.

Whether you paint cedar or leave it in its natural state is entirely up to you, and there is a case to be made for either. There is no doubt that painting cedar will extend its lifespan, although the paint itself does not have any preservative qualities. It is the oil based primer which is applied to the wood in advance of the paint which provides the protection. By staining cedar, you are effectively taking the middle ground. The stain will offer a degree of protection to the wood, but some of the wood’s natural quality will still shine through. The color will be changed, sometimes dramatically, but the texture of the wood will still remain.

There are many option when staining cedar. You have to choose the stain itself very carefully, choose the method of application, and also the weather conditions in which you apply the finish. A semi-transparent stain will produce the best effect, as it will still allow the natural quality of the wood to show through. You will get the best long term results from using an oil based stain which penetrates the wood, as this will make the wood more resistant to water. If you can shade the area you are working on from direct sunlight, the stain will dry more slowly and produce a better finish.

If you want the best finish when staining cedar, be prepared to spend the time on applying it with a brush. While other methods of application can save you time, they greatly increase the risk of you being left with a blotchy and uneven finish. If you do decide to use a spray or some other modern application technique, you will need to apply the brush to the stain before it dries just to even off the finish.

Two coats of stain will usually provide a more even finish than one, but the wood needs to be able to accept the second coat. Make sure that the stain has not changed color before you apply the second coat. The best way to avoid this is by continually stirring the stain throughout the whole operation. Take heed of this basic advice, and use he right oil based product, and you can not only create a good looking finish, you can also extend the life of your fittings with effective cedar staining.

Technorati Tags: best long term, best possible finish, coat of paint, good looking finish, how to get the best possible finish when staining cedar, modern application technique, oil based stain, stain, staining cedar, the stain