I will be staining white and red cedar siding and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for something that would retain as much of the original look as possible and still provide some protection for a couple years. A semi-transparent stain, maybe–and is a neutral base siding stain good for anything other than coloring other stains? If you use it by itself, does it provide any protection at at? Thanks.
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Replies
eblack
It is my understanding that the more solid a stain, the longer lasting the protection.
It is my experience that with a grey, semi transparent you can expect about 6 to 7 yrs on the sunny side, up to 10 on the shady side.
That has been with Pratt & Lambert oil based stain (no longer available. The water based I cannot say.
I was told by a good paint store owner that knew the science-no way on just using the base-won't hold up to warrant the labor.
Around here (lots of log and wood sided houses) it's all about Sikkens Cetol 1 and Cetol 23.
Just be sure to follow the directions: first a coat or two of 1 (anti-fungal, anti-mold) then a coat or two of 23 (anti-UV). And don't get too much on you and don't use it on furniture.
It's good stuff, but of course the running joke is that it's called "Sikkens" because it "sickens" you when you see the price.
5 gal. pails are a slightly better value.
Scott.
thanks to Calvin and Scott for your advice.