Can you stain over painted cedar siding? (2024)

Can you stain over painted cedar siding?

The short answer is yes, but before you begin, consider these tips from the pros at Five Star Painting.

Can you stain painted cedar siding?

However, to increase its durability and aesthetic appeal, wood can be painted or stained. Many times, painting contractors paint over stained surfaces, but can you stain over a painted wood surface? The short answer is 'yes.

Can I stain wood that has been painted?

While you can stain over paint, realize that you are creating a unique look, not an authentic stained wood-grain look. For that, first strip off all of the paint, then apply the stain. Paint with greater gloss means that the surface is less porous. The stain will more easily slide off, resulting in a lighter color.

How long will stain last on cedar siding?

However, you should expect to restrain every three to five years. When restaining your cedar siding, you'll need to remove the old protective coating and add a new layer of wood stain. You can pressure-wash your siding to prepare its surface.

Can old cedar be stained?

Staining Old Cedar:

Older and seasoned cedar siding is where your painting skills are properly matched. If a few steps are performed, staining an old cedar siding comes out almost flawlessly. You should always remove all old flaking paint or stains on the top layer of wood by using power washing.

Can you stain wood siding that has been painted?

If the existing paint is acrylic and the new stain is also a solid acrylic, it is possible to apply the stain over the paint. Please note that the stain will likely not seep into the wood, as the existing paint will likely block the wood pores.

Can you stain over painted wood siding?

Paint offers the greatest versatility with unlimited color choices to match any decor, and can be easily applied over stain, but can you stain over painted wood? The short answer is yes, but before you begin, consider these tips from the pros at Five Star Painting.

What happens if you put wood stain over paint?

If the painted surface that lies beneath the solid stained coating ever decides to “peel”, it will do so and take the solid stain coating with it. But if the painted surface remains intact, the solid stain will stay on the painted surface for years to come without any detrimental effect.

Do you have to sand painted wood before staining?

When preparing wood for stain, you'll need to sand its surface. Use a sanding sponge or orbital sander. Sandpaper with a lower grit number will make wood rougher, allowing more stain to absorb and creating a darker color. Start with 120-grit sandpaper for pieces that already have a finish.

Is it better to stain or paint cedar siding?

Cedar siding is ideal for staining because the natural fibers of the wood will absorb the stain, making it last much longer than if you were to paint it. Stain penetrates deep into the cedar fibers to waterproof them and protect them from rain, snow and ice.

What kind of stain do you use on cedar siding?

Semi-Transparent Stains

Solvent-borne, oil-based, semi-transparent, stains penetrate the wood surface. They do not form a surface film like paints or solid stains. For Western Red Cedar products, they are the best choice in terms of offering protection, yet they still showcase the wood's natural beauty.

Is it better to paint or stain a cedar house?

Paint or stain? The best answer is based on your home's current cedar condition. Stain lasts longer and often looks more natural, but can only be applied if cedar is paint-free. Paint offers more protection and can be a good choice for badly worn homes with previous peeling issues from past painting applications.

How do you prep old cedar for stain?

The first thing you need to do when restaining cedar siding is to clean the surface. Mix one part bleach with four parts water and use it to wash the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt and reveal the wood finish. Afterwards, rinse the surface with a second damp cloth and pat the siding dry with a dry cloth.

Is it better to oil or stain cedar?

While oil is recommended for Cedar in nearly all cases, there are some situations where stain is more suitable. If the Cedar has considerable shade with little to no UV exposure, using a stain instead of an oil might be appropriate.

Is it better to paint or stain exterior siding?

Paint is often said to last longer than stain because of its thick film, which is more difficult for moisture and UV rays to penetrate. Stain also provides this protective barrier, but it tends not to last as long as paint, depending on whether you choose a more transparent or solid stain.

What is the best stain for old wood siding?

ZAR Deck & Siding Semi-Transparent Stain

ZAR Semi-Transparent Stain is perfect for anyone looking to add both color and protection to their wood surfaces. Our unique blend of oils and pigments creates rich, beautiful color with a subtle sheen.

How do you remove old paint from wood siding?

Removing Paint with Heat

You can also use heat to remove exterior house paint. A heat gun or an infrared paint remover will heat up the paint so it peels effortlessly away from the wood. This is a great technique if you want to avoid sanding after scraping paint or you don't want to use chemicals.

How long does painted wood siding last?

Wood siding is the material that needs to be repainted or stained the most frequently. A general rule of thumb is between three and seven years. It's important to keep an eye out for signs that the paint is worn off as wood is very susceptible to rot.

How do you prep siding for staining?

Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling. You can remove dirt with warm water and detergent, but mildew problems require more.

Can I stain over stain without sanding?

If the wood has been stained but not finished, DO NOT scuff or sand. Doing so will remove the color from the edges, leaving the project looking uneven.

Can you put gel stain over painted wood?

You can apply Gel Stain to MDF, stained surfaces and most painted surfaces, including milk paint, chalk paint and latex paint.

Is it better to stain or paint old wood?

Furniture pieces with mild to moderate flaws that you can sand out are great to stain—the right stain can cover the imperfections and make the item look new again. For furniture with severe flaws that you cannot easily fix by sanding, paint will better cover these issues and make the piece look new again.

What happens if I don't sand wood before staining?

Do You Have to Sand Before Staining Wood? Wood needs to be sanded well before it can be stained. The process opens up the wood's pores to better absorb the stain. It also smoothes away scratches in the surface which will only be enhanced by stain.

Can you paint over painted wood without sanding?

Liquid sandpaper/deglossers are one of the least known ways to avoid sanding furniture. The liquid is applied directly to the surface. When you apply the new paint, a chemical reaction occurs and the new paint sticks to the old paint. This product does smell, so it should be used in a well vented area.

What happens if you don't sand before repainting?

Sanding is often a crucial step for ensuring that your surface is ready to be painted. If you don't have a properly sanded surface, paint may not adhere to certain items properly. You can oversand, undersand and often people underestimate its importance. But, you don't have to be a pro to sand a surface.