Use and Care Guide

Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for best performance

Finishes/Coatings Definitions for Western Red Cedar Sidewall

Surfaces: smooth, saw textured and split surfaces

Finish: opaque, i.e. natural color of wood obscured (film forming)

• Good chemistry products:

1. Are durable/flexible

2. Have good color retention

3. Contain mold and mildew inhibitors

SOLID COLOR/BODY STAINS

Important note: The information provided herein is of a

general nature only; check with your finishes/coatings

manufacturer and sidewall product manufacturer (both

of these are now referred to as “manufacturers”) for

details on your specific project. This brochure focuses on

factory finishing of kiln-dried sidewall products,

recommended to save on labor costs and enhance

consistency (refer to page 4 for in-field application data).

Numerous manufacturers offer pre-stained, pre-primed

or primed and finished sidewall products. Visit

www.cedarbureau.org for contact information.

There are five different finishes/coatings available; all have a

primary function to help protect the wood surface of

western red cedar. Manufacturers applying a film forming

opaque finish/coating to a western red cedar sidewall

product utilize a variety of methods, including the option

of alkyd oil or latex stain blocking primers, to complete

the system. This variety in methods is due to controlled

application and drying cycles possible via factory finishing.

Ask the manufacturers how stain blocking is achieved

with their specific finish/coating system. More specific

scientific information is available on the Forest Products

Laboratory website, www.fpl.fs.fed.us. Insure you confirm

with the manufacturers that you are referencing the

correct section, as certain technologies are not utilized by

all manufacturers. Finishes/coatings system limited

warranties of 10-30 years are available, however,

coverage and term vary depending upon product type,

finish/coating type, multi-coat status and manufacturers.

PAINT

Surfaces: smooth, saw textured and split surfaces

Finish: opaque, i.e. grain or natural color obscured (film forming)

• Best for long term service life

• Good chemistry products:

1. Are durable/flexible

2. Have good color retention

3. Contain mold and mildew inhibitors