Any exposed wood is susceptible to the elements that cause mildew swelling splitting and cracking.
How to treat cedar siding.
Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.
Before you give in and paint your shingles realize that cedar shingles can last decades with virtually no maintenance.
Learning how to care for cedar shingles whether they are installed as siding or roofing is not particularly difficult.
If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as western red cedar and incense cedar leave the wood unsealed.
But a little maintenance can keep them looking great and extend their life even further.
If you re using cedar for an outdoor project give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
The most damaging element to cedar siding is moisture.
Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors.
Cedar siding is very durable against the elements but still requires regular maintenance and depending on the climate should be restained every few years.
Step 1 clean.
Treating cedar with primer and paint.
Treatments for cedar siding maintenance.
Some cedar siding shingles are treated with bleaching oil which is a treatment made with linseed oil and bleach crystals.