Painting Cedar Siding: Instructions and Tips

While cedar siding is a popular option for homeowners seeking that natural, rustic look, this type of wood is highly susceptible to weathering and decay. But painting cedar siding can protect your home’s exterior from the elements, as well as give it a nice, fresh appearance. Here’s a guide that can help you do just that.

Key takeaways: painting cedar siding 

• Painting cedar siding can improve its aesthetic appeal and provide additional protection from weather elements.

• It is important that you apply a primer before painting cedar siding.

• When painting cedar siding, you should apply at least two coats.

How much does painting cedar siding cost?

Image source: Reddit

Professional painting	DIY painting
Average cost range: $5,415–$9,853	Average cost range: $2,240–$4,076

This pricing is for 1,500 square feet of siding that’s in relatively good shape. The cost of cedar siding installation will vary depending on the size and condition of your home. 

Painting cedar siding yourself vs. hiring a pro

Professional painting	DIY painting
More expensive: Professionals usually require a higher fee upfront. More experience: Proper preparation, priming, and painting can help your cedar siding last longer. More efficient: With the right tools and experience under their belt, pros can usually finish this job much faster than DIYers.	Less expensive: You only have to cover the cost of materials. Less experience: DIYers are more prone to uneven coverage and premature peeling due to a lack of experience. Less efficient: Painting cedar siding can be more time-consuming and take several days to finish for those with little experience.

While it may seem more expensive up front, hiring a professional to paint cedar siding ensures a high-quality, durable finish and can save you time, money, and effort in the long run. 

How to paint cedar siding

What you’ll need 

• Pressure washer

• Paint scraper or stripper

• Primer

• Paintbrush or paint roller

• Paint

• Sponge or cloth

Step 1: Carefully wash the siding and let it dry

Start by using a pressure washer to wash your cedar siding and remove any dirt or debris. Cleaning your siding before you paint is essential for proper adhesion, as skipping this step will result in a dingy look and premature peeling. Allow your exterior to fully dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Scrape away all the old paint

After you have cleaned your cedar siding, you need to remove any prior paint. You can do this by scraping away all the old paint with a paint scraper or by using a paint stripper. This is also essential to ensure you have a smooth surface for your new paint to adhere to.

Step 3: Apply your primer 

Now it is time to prime your siding. When choosing a primer, it is recommended that you get a high-quality exterior wood primer that is compatible with cedar and the type of paint you plan to use. Apply the primer you choose with a paintbrush or a paint roller.

Step 4: Apply at least two coats of paint to the siding

After you have let the primer dry, you can start applying your first coat of paint. Since cedar wood siding is naturally porous, it is recommended that you apply at least two coats of paint to cedar siding in order to ensure that it fully absorbs and properly covers the surface. Just make sure you allow the paint to dry fully before adding another coat.

Step 5: Paint your trim 

Don’t forget to paint your trim as well. Using a paintbrush instead of a roller is recommended for this step, as it will allow you to get more precise coverage.

Step 6: Clean up 

After you’ve allowed the paint to fully dry, you can clean up any materials you used. You should also regularly clean your painted cedar siding to prevent the color from dulling. Use a damp sponge or cloth to do this, and avoid any harsh chemicals that could strip the paint from the wood.

Painting your home’s old cedar siding

If your home’s old cedar siding needs a refresh, painting is a great choice. This can revitalize your home’s appearance while offering crucial protection against the elements. However, keep in mind that you should repaint your siding every couple of years to ensure it lasts as long as possible. You can also achieve more longevity for your cedar siding by hiring a professional to paint it rather than choosing the DIY path, as an expert can ensure that the proper preparation and skill are used.

Painting cedar siding FAQ

Painting cedar siding can be a beneficial and effective way to improve the appearance and durability of your home. It offers a protective layer against the elements and allows for aesthetic customization. However, it is important to consider the condition of your siding, the preparation involved, and whether you’re prepared to handle maintenance or prefer to hire a professional. If done correctly, painting cedar siding can enhance both the beauty and longevity of your home’s exterior.

When painting cedar siding, it is generally recommended that you use acrylic latex paint. This paint tends to be thicker, so it protects against weather more and ensures that the cedar is thoroughly covered. Acrylic latex paint is also flexible, which allows it to expand and contract with wood to help prevent cracking and peeling. You should avoid using oil-based paints on cedar siding.

Yes, it is highly recommended that you prime cedar siding before painting. This is an important step for several reasons. For one, cedar is a porous wood, which means it is more prone to absorbing paint unevenly. But priming can help to seal the wood, which helps to ensure a more even paint application. Cedar also contains tannins or sap that can bleed through and discolor paint, especially if you are working with lighter paint colors. A primer can block these tannins and prevent them from affecting the paint on your cedar siding. In addition, priming your cedar siding before painting it extends its longevity. By sealing the wood and improving adhesion, primer helps the paint last longer and reduces the frequency of repainting.

Paint typically lasts five to ten years on cedar siding. However, the longevity of the paint job depends significantly on a few key factors, including paint quality, preparation, application, environmental conditions, and ongoing maintenance. Regular inspections and care can help extend the life of your paint job and keep your cedar siding looking fresh and protected for years to come.