What Kind of Paint to Use on Cedar Siding

The right paint is essential for preserving the wood

By Stevie Donald

Photo by iStockphoto.com

Learn how to find the right kind of paint for your deck and you'll prevent it from rotting too. Red cedar is popular for decks and exterior siding because it is naturally resistant to rot. The tannins that make it rot-resistant, however, can also bleed through paint and primer if you don't use the right kind.

Considerations

Cedar siding is either rough (or resawn) or smooth. Cedar is also used for shingles used on siding. The rough or shingled siding will soak up more paint.

Tannin stains

Tannic acid will show through paint unless you use an oil- or shellac-based stain blocking primer. Latex stain-blocking primers are not as effective.

Paint types

The best type of paint to use over primer on exterior cedar siding is two coats of 100 percent acrylic paint. It is more flexible and durable than oil-based or inexpensive latex paint.

Paint sheen

Exterior paint comes in several sheens from flat to high gloss. Because glossy paint accentuates surface imperfections and creates glare, flat, matte or satin paint tends to look better.

Solid oil stain alternative

An alternative to priming and painting is a solid oil stain. This is harder to work with and may not be as durable but requires fewer coats. Oil stains come in a wide variety of colors and are generally completely dry in one to two days, given humidity conditions.