Is Polyurethane A Suitable Coating For External Cedar?

Cedar, a native North American species, is known for its rot-resistant lumber and its use in finishing cedar wood. Polyurethane is a popular choice for this purpose, as it provides a protective barrier that seals the painted surface and prevents water, moisture, UV light, and other environmental factors from penetrating the wood. To finish cedar for outdoor use, sand the wood, apply a stain or sealant designed for exterior applications, and ensure proper maintenance and protection against moisture and UV rays.

Cedar holds up well in various conditions, but regular maintenance and periodic treatments can help combat added moisture and salt exposure in high-humidity or coastal areas. The best overall polyurethane is Rust-Oleum 9341 Ultimate Spar Varathane, which is suitable for all types of paints, but test results show that good-quality 100-acrylic formulations perform best. Spar urethane cures and hardens to a super protective coat over cedar, allowing it to tolerate extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, direct sunlight, high-temperature levels, and high humidity levels.

To achieve maximum paint life, use spar varnish from a marine supplier or stain if the wood is rough. Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Epifanes Clear Varnish is the best exterior clear finish, and sanding the wood just before finishing it will help get the red color out.

In conclusion, polyurethane is a popular choice for finishing cedar wood, providing long-lasting protection against moisture and UV rays. It is essential to choose the right treatment and application tips for your specific project needs.

How do you treat external cedar?

The OSMO UV-Protection Oil is commonly used on garden office cladding, with two coats recommended for new Cedar. This oil slows color change by 12 and needs to be re-applied every 3 to 4 years depending on the rate of weathering. The oil is microporous and won’t crack or peel, making it a durable option for aging. While it doesn’t tint the wood and change its color, it does give the cladding a rich lustre, making it appear wet. The oil is not designed to tint the wood and is recommended for re-applying every 3 to 4 years.

How long will polyurethane last outside?

Polyurethane coatings are a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution for extending the lifespan of furniture. In cold and snowy regions, a good polyurethane coating can last 20 or more years without needing touch-ups. In areas with less severe winters, a long-lasting coating can be beneficial. Regular maintenance is simple and inexpensive, as long as the coating is applied every few years. This not only extends the furniture’s lifespan but also ensures its appearance remains great.

Polyurethane is easy to use, allowing for quick and customizable design options. It is also affordable and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing for experimentation with designs before choosing the best option.

What do you seal exterior cedar with?

When sealing cedar siding, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality sealer. Low-quality sealers may not penetrate deeply into the wood and may require frequent reapplication. Seal-Once NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer is the best option due to its proprietary nanotechnology formula. Preparing the siding for sealing is essential, especially if installing new siding. Applying the sealer before the installation ensures a smooth installation and well-sealed shingles. Low-quality sealers may cause stain color bleeding and a bad look.

Should you put polyurethane on cedar?

Cedar wood is not recommended for exterior use due to its resistance to UV radiation, which can cause the wood to become brittle and crack. It is also susceptible to discoloration, which can shorten the normal life of a finish. The causes of discoloration are numerous and can be remedial treatment, despite not being a failure of the finish itself. Therefore, it is essential to choose wood finishes that are not transparent, non-flexible, or film-forming.

How to seal cedar without changing color outdoor?

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your cedar wood furniture, use two coats of clear stain. The first coat acts as a sealant, protecting the wood from the elements, while the second coat acts as a sealant and water repellant. Apply the stain thinly and let it dry for 30 minutes before applying the second coat. Avoid painting or staining cedar wood, as paint and stain cannot penetrate it. Use a paintbrush for stain application. Avoid using teak or linseed oil on outdoor cedar furniture, as they can accumulate dirt and cause faster deterioration, especially in cold weather.

Ensure your cedarwood is preservative-treated to prevent decay and damage to the floor. Preservatives like para-phenylenediamine or cresol can be used, or a natural preservative can be combined with wax and oil. Cedarwood is a strong and long-lasting material suitable for various home sections.

Is polyurethane OK for exterior use?

Outdoor projects often require UV-protected polyurethane, particularly water-based oil-modified polyurethanes. These materials offer durability and are less environmentally harmful. However, safety is crucial when working with polyurethane due to its chemical components. Key safety precautions include ventilation, open windows and doors for air circulation, and using fans to disperse fumes effectively. Ensure to work in a well-ventilated area to minimize fume inhalation.

What coat is best for cedar?

Solid-color stains can be applied to cedar using brushes, rollers, or pads, with brush application being the best. They act like paint and provide better protection and longer service. A prime coat with a top coat is recommended for optimal performance. Top coats of 100 acrylic latex solid-color stains are generally superior, especially when applied over a primer. However, solid-color stains may leave lap marks, so follow the procedures for semi-transparent penetrating stains. Cedar is known for its ability to hold various finishes for extended periods, but its normal life can be shortened by degradation and discoloration.

What is the best exterior finish for cedar?

Maintaining a cedar deck requires a labor-intensive, but effective, water-repellent preservative and a semi-transparent oil-based stain. Both are recommended for preventing water absorption and are formulated to withstand foot traffic abrasion. Oil and latex solid-color stains, paints, and other film-forming finishes are not recommended. If uncertain, apply a water-repellent preservative first, then switch to a semi-transparent stain when the deck needs refinishing. Even if the deck has been maintained with a water-repellent preservative for years, an oil-based semi-transparent stain will perform satisfactorily.

What is the most durable finish for exterior wood?

Epoxy finishes are a popular choice for boat builders due to their ability to create a thick, water-impermeable barrier on wood surfaces. However, they lack UV protection, which can cause the epoxy to yellow and crack. To prevent this, it is necessary to overcoat the finish with a spar varnish or polyurethane with UV inhibitors. This makes epoxy the most expensive and labor-intensive choice. Some epoxy manufacturers offer spar varnishes that work with their products, eliminating concerns about compatibility.

Epoxy finishes are best on flat surfaces easily accessible from all sides, but avoid projects with complex moldings, crevices, or closely spaced slats. To bond with epoxy, sandpaper or a round-over bit in the router should be used, and smooth surfaces should be sanded.

Should you clear coat cedar?

To protect cedar wood from external forces and maintain its natural allure, apply two coats of clear stain. The first coat serves as a protective seal, protecting the wood from external forces. The second coat acts as a sealant and water repellent. Apply the first coat thinly and let it dry for 30 minutes before generously layering the second coat. This strategic process ensures optimal protection and prolongs the wood’s life.

What is the best finish for exterior cedar?

Western red cedar siding can be painted or solid-colored to protect it from damage caused by ultraviolet light and water. Paint offers the best protection, but a 100 acrylic latex formula is recommended for best results in all weather conditions. Solid-color stains, available in latex and oil-based formulas, offer a wide range of tints that defuse cedar’s brilliance while maintaining the warm texture of wood. However, they form a film and should be applied before a stain-blocking primer, but not over a latex primer. It is important to note that 100 acrylic latex stains are recommended for best results.