Use and Care Guide

Follow the manufacturers’ instructions for best performance
4
Sidewall Project Tips
All areas of the world present unique finishes/coatings
challenges and following instructions suited to your
local climatic conditions is advised. Here are some
general tips for your next sidewall project:
 Do follow the manufacturers’ instructions
 Do research product options BEFORE starting the job
 Do purchase enough product from the SAME COLOR
LOT to ensure consistency
 Do ask the manufacturers how their systems
minimize extractive bleeding potential
 Do design the building with an adequate overhang
and proper drainage
 Do ensure proper flashing above windows and doors
 Do caulk areas that cannot be flashed, such as water
pipes and electrical sources, as they may be
susceptible to moisture penetration. Use
polysulphite, polyurethane or latex silicone (pure
silicone is not compatible with western red cedar).
• Do use oil based semi transparent products in cooler
northern climates
• Do use latex based semi transparent products in
hot, humid southern climates
 Do keep the internal humidity of the building as low
as possible
In-Field Application Overview
Solid finish in-field application is different from factory
finishing; contact the manufacturers for details on in-
field application AND ensure you use the stain blocking
primer the manufacturers recommend. Some things to
keep in mind:
 According to the USDA Forest Products Laboratory,
when applying ‘penetrating’ oil based products, it is
advantageous to apply liberal amounts of the
solution to all surfaces of the wood after the wood
has achieved equilibrium and prior to installation of
the products
 Don’t let cedar weather before applying the
finish/coating
 Do insure your cedar product is at equilibrium point
prior to applying a finish/coating
 Do insure all surfaces of the product receive the
finish/coating
Remember
 Don’t use film forming products on roofs
 Don’t rely upon stain blocking primer to act as a
wood protector. Rather, it is simply the material that
adheres the paint or solid stain to the wood surface.
Not back primed.
Weathered wood and mold
Not back primed.
Primed over weathered wood .
Painted over weathered wood.
Improper installation.
Avoid these mistakes
The top three causes of finish/coating failure generally are:
• Improper preparation of the siding
• Incorrect finish/coating application
• Improper siding application
By following manufacturers’ directions and the tips outlined in this
brochure, one can avoid mistakes like these below:
These three photos demonstrate (film forming) finish/coating failure.