Painting cedar shakes is a project that requires specialized knowledge and technique to achieve a lasting, beautiful exterior finish. Cedar shake siding is prized for its natural beauty and rustic charm, but over time, exposure to Minnesota''s harsh weather causes cedar to gray, crack, and deteriorate. Painting cedar shakes properly can revitalize their appearance and extend their lifespan for years. At Weatherguard Construction, we have 25+ years of experience working with cedar shake homes across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and throughout the Twin Cities metro.
Why Paint Cedar Shakes?
Cedar is naturally beautiful, but it requires ongoing maintenance to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. Many homeowners choose to paint cedar shakes rather than stain them for several reasons. Paint provides a thicker, more protective film that shields cedar from moisture, UV damage, and insect activity. Paint offers unlimited color options, allowing homeowners to dramatically change their home''s appearance. Painted cedar typically requires maintenance less frequently than stained cedar, with paint lasting 7 to 10 years compared to 3 to 5 years for most stains.
The trade-off is that paint covers the natural wood grain, while stain allows it to show through. Homeowners who want to see the wood''s texture typically prefer stain, while those who want a solid color finish prefer paint.
Preparing Cedar Shakes for Painting
Cleaning
Thorough cleaning is the foundation of a lasting paint job on cedar. Cedar shakes accumulate dirt, mildew, algae, and oxidized wood fibers over time. Power washing at a low to moderate pressure setting with a fan tip nozzle removes surface contaminants without damaging the soft cedar fibers. We add a mildewcide cleaning solution to kill existing mold and mildew spores.
Allow the cedar to dry completely after washing, which typically takes 48 to 72 hours in Minnesota weather. Do not rush this step. Painting over damp cedar traps moisture beneath the paint film, leading to blistering, peeling, and accelerated wood rot.
Scraping and Sanding
For previously painted cedar shakes, scrape all loose and peeling paint with a sharp paint scraper. Sand scraped areas smooth to blend the edges between bare wood and sound paint. For new or bare cedar, light sanding with 80 to 100 grit sandpaper opens the wood grain and promotes primer adhesion.
Repairs
Inspect every shake and replace any that are split, cracked, warped, or rotting. Cedar shakes are individually nailed and can usually be replaced individually without disturbing surrounding shakes. Fill small cracks and nail holes with exterior wood filler and sand smooth after drying. Ensure all joints and transitions between shakes are tight to prevent moisture infiltration.
Priming Cedar Shakes
Priming is critical for cedar shakes. Cedar contains natural tannins that bleed through standard paint, causing brown or reddish stains on the paint surface. Use a stain-blocking primer specifically designed for cedar and other tannin-rich woods. Oil-based stain-blocking primers provide the best tannin blockage, though high-quality latex stain-blocking primers have improved significantly.
Apply primer to all bare wood surfaces, paying special attention to end grains, edges, and the butt ends of shakes where moisture absorption and tannin bleed are highest. For previously painted cedar in good condition, spot-prime scraped areas and apply a full coat of primer over any areas showing tannin bleed.
Best Paint for Cedar Shakes
Acrylic Latex Paint
Premium 100% acrylic latex paint is the best choice for cedar shakes. Acrylic latex offers excellent adhesion, flexibility, breathability, and UV resistance. It moves with the wood as cedar expands and contracts with seasonal moisture and temperature changes, which is critical in Minnesota where these swings are dramatic.
Look for paints specifically labeled for wood siding that contain mildewcide to resist mold and algae growth. Top brands including Sherwin-Williams Duration, Benjamin Moore Aura, and PPG Manor Hall all offer excellent formulations for cedar.
Sheen Selection
Satin is the ideal sheen for cedar shake siding. It provides a soft luster that enhances the shake''s dimensional texture while offering good durability and moisture resistance. Flat finishes can also work on cedar but require more frequent maintenance. Semi-gloss is typically too reflective for the rustic aesthetic of cedar shakes.
Application Techniques for Cedar Shakes
Brush Application
Brushing is the traditional and often preferred method for painting cedar shakes because the brush works paint into the irregular surface texture, gaps, and edges of each individual shake. Use a high-quality 3 to 4 inch synthetic brush and work paint into each shake with firm, deliberate strokes. This method is more time-intensive but delivers excellent penetration and adhesion.
Spray and Back-Brush
For efficiency on large cedar shake homes, our crews at Weatherguard Construction use airless sprayers to apply paint quickly and evenly, then immediately back-brush each section with hand brushes to work the paint into the surface texture. This combination method provides the speed of spraying with the quality of brush application.
Number of Coats
Apply two coats of paint over primer for the best coverage, protection, and longevity. Cedar''s porous, textured surface demands two coats to achieve full, even coverage. The first coat seals and provides a foundation, while the second coat builds the protective film to its optimal thickness.
Maintaining Painted Cedar Shakes
Annual inspection of painted cedar shakes helps catch issues early. Look for signs of peeling, cracking, mildew growth, and wood deterioration. Wash the siding with a gentle cleaning solution every two to three years to remove dirt and mildew. Address any peeling or bare spots promptly with spot-priming and touch-up paint to prevent moisture from reaching the wood.
Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or book a free estimate. We serve Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to paint or stain cedar shakes?
Both are valid approaches. Paint provides a thicker protective film, lasts longer between maintenance coats, and offers unlimited color choices. Stain allows the natural wood grain to show, requires more frequent reapplication, and offers a more rustic aesthetic. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize protection and longevity or natural wood appearance.
How long does paint last on cedar shakes?
With proper preparation, quality primer, and premium acrylic latex paint, painted cedar shakes can last 7 to 10 years before needing a maintenance coat. Homes with heavy sun exposure or north-facing shaded areas prone to mildew may need attention sooner.
Can you paint over previously stained cedar shakes?
Yes, but the surface must be properly prepared. Clean thoroughly, sand to remove loose stain and create a profile, apply stain-blocking primer, and then paint with two coats of acrylic latex. The key is ensuring the primer bonds firmly to the previously stained surface.
How much does it cost to paint cedar shake siding?
Professional painting of cedar shake siding typically costs $3 to $6 per square foot, including preparation, primer, and two coats of paint. Cedar shakes cost more to paint than smooth siding due to their textured surface requiring more labor and material.
