Painting Red Cedar

How to paint red cedar

Preparation

Before painting red cedar, it is essential to properly prepare the surface to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Western red cedar is known for tannin bleed, which occurs when the natural chemicals (tannins) in the wood are drawn to the surface.

It’s essential to use the right primer in order to prevent tannin bleed when working on projects like cedar fences, cladding, and sheds. Start by cleaning the wood to remove dust or dirt, lightly sanding the surface if required.

Priming

Cover Stain is the perfect primer for sealing water-soluble tannin bleed on cedar and redwood. Blocking tannin bleed is crucial because it prevents the naturally occurring acid in red cedar from seeping through the topcoat, which can lead to unsightly stains and reduce the longevity of your paint job.

Apply one coat of Cover Stain using a high-quality brush, roller, or sprayer. Typically, one coat of Cover Stain is sufficient to block tannin bleed, but you may need to apply a second coat on very porous surfaces.

Allow 2 hours drying time between coats. The primer is touch dry in 30 minutes and fully cured in 4-7 days.

Painting

Once your cedar surface is primed with Cover Stain and you have allowed at least 2 hours drying time, you’re ready to paint. We recommend using AllCoat Exterior.

Apply 1-2 coats, allowing 1 hour between each coat for optimal adhesion and durability. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer—depending on the size and type of the surface e.g. a cedar fence or red cedar cladding.

Painting Cedar Fencing

When painting cedar fencing specifically, start by removing any flaking paint with a stiff bristle brush and sand rough areas if needed. Wipe away any dirt or debris with a cloth and Zinsser Degreaser and Cleaner, ensuring that the surface is clean and dry. Then apply Zinsser Cover Stain to block tannin bleed and create a solid base. Allow 2 hours to dry before applying the topcoat.

Paint in the direction of the wood grain for even coverage, working from top to bottom to catch any drips and maintain a smooth, streak-free finish. Use a brush for the edges before using a roller for the flat surfaces.

Apply thin, even coats of paint to prevent drips and achieve a smooth finish. Pay attention to the weather and avoid painting in direct sunlight or high humidity, as these conditions can impact paint adhesion.