How To Put Sealer On Cedar Shakes?

Seal your cedar shakes with a sealer it’s actually quite a straightforward process and doesn’t take too long.

First off, you’ll want to make sure the cedar shakes are clean and dry before you begin. You can use a brush or a blower to get rid of any dirt, debris or dust that might be on the surface.

If there’s any mildew, you’ll want to use a mildew-cide cleaner to get rid of it before sealing.

Now that your cedar shakes are clean, you’ll need to choose the right sealer. There are plenty of options out there, but it’s essential to pick one that’s specifically designed for cedar.

Just go to your local hardware store, and they’ll be able to help you find the right product.

Before you get started, make sure to read the instructions on the sealer container. You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.

Also, you’ll probably need to stir the sealer well before using it.

It’s a good idea to apply the sealer on a dry day when there’s no rain in the forecast. You don’t want any water interfering with the sealing process. And don’t forget to put on some old clothes and gloves, as the sealer can be a bit messy.

When you’re ready to apply the sealer, you can use a brush, roller, or even a sprayer if you’re comfortable with that. Just make sure to cover the cedar shakes evenly, and try not to miss any spots. It’s important to work in smaller sections to ensure proper coverage.

Once you’ve applied the sealer to all the cedar shakes, you’ll need to give it some time to dry. The drying time will depend on the specific sealer you’re using, so check the label for instructions.

Usually, it takes around 24 hours, but it could be more or less depending on the weather and humidity.

After the sealer has dried, you can admire your handiwork! Your cedar shakes should now be well-protected from the elements, and they’ll look great too. Just remember to reapply the sealer every few years to keep them in tip-top shape.

What kind of brush, roller, or sprayer to use to seal cedar shakes?

When it comes to sealing cedar shakes, you have a few options for application tools, and the best choice will depend on your personal preference and the specific sealer you’re using.

Let me give you an overview of the most common options: brushes, rollers, and sprayers.

Using a brush can provide a lot of control over the application process. It’s great for getting into all those nooks and crannies that cedar shakes often have, ensuring an even and thorough coverage.

A high-quality, synthetic-bristle brush is a good choice for applying the sealer, as it can hold a good amount of sealer and provide a smooth finish.

Rollers can make the process a bit faster, especially if you’re working on a large area. A medium-nap roller, which has a bit of texture to it, is a good option for cedar shakes because it can help get the sealer into the grooves and gaps.

Just be careful not to apply too much pressure or too much sealer, as this can lead to drips or pooling.

Sprayers can be a very efficient way to apply the sealer to cedar shakes, especially if you have a lot of surface area to cover. An airless paint sprayer can deliver a consistent, even coat of sealer and make the process quite quick.

However, you’ll need to be careful with overspray, and you might need to back-brush the sealer to ensure it gets into all the grooves and gaps of the shakes.

How to choose the right sealer for your cedar shakes?

First of all, when you’re looking for a sealer, you want to find one that’s specifically made for cedar or wood surfaces. This will ensure that it’s compatible with your cedar shakes and provides the protection they need.

Now, there are a few different types of sealers out there, like oil-based, water-based, and hybrid options. Each one has its own set of benefits, so you’ll want to consider what’s important to you.

For instance, oil-based sealers can penetrate deeper into the wood and offer longer-lasting protection, while water-based sealers might be easier to clean up and more environmentally friendly.

Another thing to think about is the level of protection you want for your cedar shakes. Some sealers offer better UV protection or water resistance than others, so you might want to prioritize those features depending on the climate in your area.

If you live somewhere that gets a lot of sunlight, look for a sealer with good UV resistance. If you’re in a rainy or humid area, a sealer with excellent water resistance would be a great choice.

Also, keep in mind that some sealers come in different finishes, like matte, semi-gloss, or gloss. Think about the look you’re going for and choose a finish that matches your desired aesthetic.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to read reviews or ask for recommendations from friends, family, or professionals who have experience with cedar shakes.

They might have some valuable insights on which sealers work best in your specific situation.

So, when you’re choosing a sealer for your cedar shakes, just remember to consider factors like the type of sealer, level of protection, finish, and other people’s experiences.

With all that in mind, you should be able to find the perfect sealer to keep your cedar shakes looking beautiful and well-protected.

Can you apply a stain or paint before sealing your cedar shakes?

Absolutely, you can apply a stain or paint to your cedar shakes before sealing them! In fact, it’s a great way to customize the appearance of your cedar shakes or enhance their natural beauty.

When you’re choosing a stain or paint, you’ll want to make sure it’s suitable for cedar or wood surfaces, just like with the sealer.

Cedar has some unique characteristics, like its natural oils, so it’s essential to choose a product that’s compatible with it.

Once you’ve picked out the perfect stain or paint, you’ll want to prepare the cedar shakes by cleaning them and removing any dirt, debris, or mildew. This will help the stain or paint adhere better to the wood and give you a more even finish.

When you’re ready to apply the stain or paint, just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. You might need to apply one or more coats, depending on the product and the look you’re going for.

Be sure to give each coat enough time to dry before applying the next one.

Now, after you’ve applied the stain or paint and allowed it to dry completely, you can move on to sealing your cedar shakes. Just like before, you’ll want to choose a sealer that’s compatible with cedar and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

How often should you reapply the sealer to your cedar shakes?

The frequency of reapplying sealer to your cedar shakes can vary depending on a few factors. Generally speaking, though, you should think about reapplying the sealer every 3 to 5 years. This will help keep your cedar shakes in great shape and looking their best.

One thing to keep in mind is that the specific sealer you’re using can play a role in how often you’ll need to reapply it. Some sealers may last longer than others, so it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the label.

They’ll often provide guidance on when to reapply the sealer for optimal performance.

Another factor to consider is the climate and environment where you live. If your cedar shakes are exposed to harsh weather conditions, like intense sunlight or heavy rainfall, you might need to reapply the sealer more frequently to maintain its protective qualities.

In addition to reapplying the sealer, it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your cedar shakes for any signs of wear or damage.

If you notice any issues, like peeling or fading sealer, it might be a good time to reapply the sealer, even if it hasn’t been the full 3 to 5 years.

Can you apply the sealer to wet cedar shakes?

Oh, I see where you’re coming from, but it’s actually not a good idea to apply the sealer to wet cedar shakes. The reason is that moisture can interfere with the sealing process, and that might reduce the effectiveness of the sealer, leading to less protection for your shakes.

What you want to do is make sure the cedar shakes are completely dry before you start applying the sealer.

If your cedar shakes have gotten wet for some reason, like rain or cleaning, just give them some time to air dry. This may take a day or two, depending on the weather and humidity in your area.

While you’re waiting for the cedar shakes to dry, it’s a good opportunity to gather all the materials and tools you’ll need for the sealing process.

You can also use this time to choose the right sealer and read up on the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Once you’re sure the cedar shakes are completely dry, you can go ahead and apply the sealer as you normally would.

By making sure your cedar shakes are dry before sealing them, you’ll ensure a better bond between the sealer and the wood, which will ultimately provide better protection and a longer-lasting finish.

Do you need to seal both sides of the cedar shakes?

When it comes to sealing cedar shakes, it’s generally recommended to focus on sealing just the exposed side of the shakes.

That’s the side that’s going to be subjected to weather elements like sunlight, rain, and wind, so it’s important to provide protection for that part.

However, there might be some situations where sealing both sides of the cedar shakes could be beneficial.

For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or high humidity, sealing both sides might give your cedar shakes some extra protection from moisture or other environmental factors.

Keep in mind that this approach would require more sealer and extra effort, but it could help prolong the life of your cedar shakes in certain situations.

In most cases, though, sealing just the exposed side of the cedar shakes should be sufficient to protect them and keep them looking great.

By doing so, you’ll be able to maintain the natural beauty of the cedar while ensuring that your shakes are well-protected from the elements.

Can you apply a sealer over the existing sealer or paint?

Applying sealer over an existing sealer or paint can be a bit tricky, but it’s often possible. The key here is to make sure the surface is clean and well-prepared before you start applying the new sealer.

First, you’ll want to inspect the existing sealer or paint on your cedar shakes. If there’s any loose, peeling, or flaking material, you’ll need to remove it before applying the new sealer.

You can use a scraper or a stiff brush to get rid of any loose bits.

Next, give your cedar shakes a good cleaning to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. A clean surface will help the new sealer adhere better and give you a more even finish.

Just make sure to let the cedar shakes dry completely after cleaning them.

One thing to consider is compatibility between the new sealer and the existing sealer or paint. Some products may not bond well with each other, so it’s important to choose a new sealer that’s compatible with the existing finish.

You can consult the sealer manufacturer to get their advice on compatibility or even test a small, inconspicuous area first to see how well the new sealer adheres.

Once you’re confident that the surface is clean and compatible with the new sealer, you can go ahead and apply it following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to apply the sealer evenly and cover the entire surface for the best results.