Semi-trans siding stain..linseed or acyl
Have gotten colors just about chosen, now for a comparison between linseed oil based (Cabot , Pittsburgh, or Ben Moore) and “Oil based alkyd acrylic” (Behr).
This is for new SYP T-111 with 4″ grooves. Totally clear, semi-solid, or out-of-the-can wood toned finishes are not options at this point. Cabot samples look nice on this stuff. Plan to roll on stain with thick knap and back brush grooves. Trim…fascia and corner boards… is cedar rough side out.
I’m leaning towards Cabot semi-transparent both because exterior stain seems to be thier specialty (versus Ben Moore), and because I get good advice and tinting service from the local dealer, which also handles Ben Moore.
Price, of course, is a bit of an issue, (Pittsburgh and Behr ~ 25%-30% less per gallon) but quality and longevity are top priorities.
Behr seems to be doing well in consumer reports, but I’m concerned about what they say on the cans of semi-transparent stains…”Oil Based” but “Water Clean up”. Don’t think the two actually go hand in hand.
What say you, oh esteemed painters and GCs?
Replies
Rule of thumb I have always been told is "Latex on SYP, oil on fir"
Sorry to butt in, but which would you suggest on Western Red Cedar?
If the cedar is truly "stain grade" in unfinished form, other threads on this forum point to Penofin clear sealer. Try a search on "Penofin".
The siding is smooth, all clear stain grade but we are looking for a semi-transparent finish. Since we are going to purchase prestained siding, the big difference between prestainers seems to be the brand of stain they use, hence my curiosity.
Isn't Penofin just a natural color finish, like a penetrating oil?
Yes, I believe it's just clear, so the final color would be totally a function of whatever the red cedar looks like with penetrating oil. Are you finding that the pre-stainers offer a wide choice of colors or just a standard list?
In my case, DW is fussy enough so that we are taking the extra step of sampling several colors and blends, applying them to the materials, and taking them on-site to make sure we get the look we want. Tinting semi-transparent stain is as much an art as a science.
We are doing much the same as you, although in our case I am the picky one.
What I am finding is that certain prestainers use particular brands of stain and want to tack on an upcharge if you deviate from their colors or brand. While I don't necesarily mind paying more, I want to assure I a using the best product available as I intend to live in this house for the rest of my life.
at the rate my renovation is going, its going to take that long to complete.
Well, if you believe thier marketing, Cabot certainly sounds like the best. Or at least they have the best marketing. I guess what appeals to me most about Cabot is that they are relatively small, seem to be specialists, and provide 4 ounce samples of thier stains...which is absolutely vital if you're going to go the semi-transparent route.
We ordered four different stains samples, and ended up combining two of them to come up with the final siding color. So now all I have to do is bring the numbers in to the dealer and tell him the proportions.
I believe cedars have compounds similar to the fir, so oil based would be best on these too.
Thanks!
A friend in the great NW swears by men-wood. He did his cedar house about 3 years ago and it still looks nice. It comes in different colors. The website seems to be http://www.menco.com. It's a log home company. Anyway, he is fastidious and said he did a bunch of research on this. They offer samples too.
We're building a new home and I am contemplating staining cedar a green color (gasp!) instead of just regular old cedar.
Elliemae--
who is too tired from babies who don't sleep to be witty today
The newest hybrid stains are called "oil emulsification" systems and the are able to be cleaned with water.
My own personal opinion through experience and product research place most of the products you initially mentioned on the lower end of the semi-transparent finishes. For whatever reason, the finishes available at the home centers and the paint stores just don't seem to hold up well, and it's pretty frustrating to talk to the guys at these places and get any sort of accurate information regarding semi transparents.
It all boils down to your personal preferences - what is most important to you... ease of maintenance? cost? appearance? local availability? and don't say you want the best compromise of everything - it doesn't exist!
My personal choice for longevity is Sikkens 3 coat cetol system. (not the single coat SRD system) Properly applied, Sikkens will outlast any other finish available. (often outlasting 2-3 times longer!) However, it is very expensive and a huge pain in the rear to apply.
Ease of application, which also means that required maintenance will more likely be performed on time, goes to a couple of acrylic log home finishes manufactured by Perma-chink and Sashco. Both of these products have base coats followed by clear acrylic top coats. The prices are reasonable (but still more than the other products you mentioned), clean up is easy, and application is very forgiving.
W've had Sikkens applications last for 6 or 7 years, but all others can expect a true finish life (depending upon location and site variables) of 3 years or less.
You might want to consider renting an airless sprayer for your application. The time saved will be well worth it!