Painted Sheds with Cedar Siding

• Initial priming
  Apply an initial coat of primer, either oil-, alkyd-, or latex-based.  Either an oil-based or alkyd-based primer is best.  Some latex based primers are also designed to go over cedar, however some are not.  Enough primer should be applied to obscure the wood grain.

• Initial painting
  After initial priming, apply an initial coat of exterior paint, either oil- or latex-based (determined partly by the type of primer used).  Latex-based paints are most popular, as oil-based paints tend to cause chalking over time.  Typically, one initial coat of paint after shed construction is sufficient.

• Ongoing painting
  You might need to paint your shed every two years, depending on type quality of paint used.  Subsequent priming, other than the initial priming when your shed was constructed, should not be necessary.  You may choose to spot-prime areas around nails, however, to prevent rust run-off.  If you choose to apply latex paint over a previous oil-based-paint surface, be sure to wash the surface carefully to remove any chalking caused by the oil-based paint (failure to do this may prevent the latex paint from adhering).

Stained Sheds with Cedar Siding

• Initial staining
  Stains are recommended to provide a uniform, cleanable surface, or to modify your siding to a preferred color tone for aesthetic purposes.  It is recommended that you use a penetrating stain (as opposed to a film-forming stain, which is not suitable for exterior use).  Penetrating stains come in transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque stains, depending on how much of the natural wood grain you want to show.  Semi-transparent stains tend to provide maximum protection, as transparent stains are not as durable, and opaque stains tend not to penetrate the wood as well.

• Ongoing staining
  Many stains are different, providing protection for one year, or multiple years.  Consult your manufacturer's recommendations for re-staining.

Natural Wood Finish Sheds with Cedar Siding

• Cedar can be left unfinished because of its natural resistance to decay and insect damage (unfinished cedar turns to a soft silver grey dependent on weather and exposure conditions).

• A water-repellent preservative should be used if you wish to retain the natural look. Two coats are recommended, however frequent renewal applications may be required.