Painting Cedar Shakes and Shingles: A Minnesota Guide

Painting cedar shakes and shingles requires specialized knowledge and techniques that differ significantly from painting flat siding. Cedar shake homes are a beloved architectural feature across Minnesota, particularly in established neighborhoods of Stillwater, Woodbury, and Minneapolis where natural wood exteriors complement the region character. At Weatherguard Construction, our family-owned team has 25+ years of experience maintaining and painting cedar shake exteriors, and we understand the unique challenges this material presents in our harsh climate.

Why Cedar Shakes Need Special Attention

Cedar shakes and shingles are individual pieces of wood with exposed end grain, textured surfaces, overlapping installation patterns, and natural oils that present unique painting challenges. Unlike flat lap siding, shakes have complex geometry with deep shadow lines, tight joints, and varying thicknesses that require more paint, more preparation time, and specialized application techniques.

Cedar also contains natural tannins and oils that can bleed through paint if not properly sealed. This tannin bleed appears as brown or reddish stains on the paint surface and is one of the most common problems homeowners encounter when painting cedar without proper preparation.

When to Paint vs Stain Cedar Shakes

Choose Paint When

Paint is the right choice when you want a uniform, opaque color that completely covers the wood grain. Paint provides maximum color selection, hides repairs and replacement shakes, and creates a clean, polished appearance. If your cedar shakes have been previously painted, continuing with paint is almost always the best option.

Choose Stain When

Stain is ideal when you want to preserve the natural texture and character of the cedar. Semi-transparent stain allows the grain pattern to show through while providing UV protection and water repellency. Stain is often preferred for rustic, cabin-style, and lakeside homes where natural wood beauty is part of the design intent.

Preparation Steps for Painting Cedar Shakes

Inspect for Damage

Check every shake for splitting, warping, rot, and loose nails. Replace damaged shakes before painting. In Minnesota, moisture damage is common on north-facing walls and areas where snow accumulates against the siding.

Clean Thoroughly

Cedar shakes trap dirt, mildew, and debris in their textured surfaces and overlapping joints. Professional cleaning with appropriate detergent and controlled-pressure washing removes contaminants without damaging the wood. Avoid excessive pressure that can splinter and erode shake surfaces.

Allow Adequate Drying Time

Cedar absorbs and retains moisture more than flat siding materials. Allow a minimum of 72 hours of dry weather after washing before priming. Use a moisture meter to verify the wood is below 15 percent moisture content.

Apply Stain-Blocking Primer

This step is critical for cedar. Use a high-quality stain-blocking primer designed for cedar and other tannin-rich woods. Oil-based primers like Zinsser Cover Stain and Sherwin-Williams ProBlock provide superior tannin blocking compared to latex primers. Apply primer to all surfaces, including edges and end grain, for complete tannin sealing.

Caulk and Seal

Caulk around window and door trim where it meets shake siding. Do not caulk the overlapping joints between individual shakes — these joints are designed to allow water drainage and must remain open for proper moisture management.

Application Techniques for Cedar Shakes

Spray and Back-Brush Method

The most effective technique for painting cedar shakes is spraying paint onto the surface followed by immediate back-brushing. Spraying delivers paint into the complex textures, shadow lines, and tight joints that brushes and rollers cannot reach efficiently. Back-brushing works the paint into the wood grain and ensures adhesion on all surfaces.

Multiple Light Coats

Cedar shakes absorb paint unevenly due to varying density, grain patterns, and end grain exposure. Two lighter coats provide better coverage and a more uniform appearance than one heavy coat. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.

Paint All Exposed Surfaces

Ensure paint covers the face, edges, and underside lips of exposed shakes. Missing these areas creates entry points for moisture that leads to premature paint failure and wood deterioration.

Best Paints for Cedar Shakes in Minnesota

Premium 100 percent acrylic latex paints perform best on cedar shakes. Sherwin-Williams Duration and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior provide excellent adhesion, flexibility, and durability on textured wood surfaces. Their advanced resin formulations resist cracking in Minnesota freeze-thaw conditions and provide superior color retention.

For finish selection, we typically recommend satin or flat finishes on cedar shakes. The natural texture of shakes provides visual interest on its own, and higher-sheen paints can look artificial on heavily textured surfaces.

Maintenance After Painting

Painted cedar shakes in Minnesota typically need repainting every 5 to 8 years. Extend the interval by keeping vegetation trimmed away from siding, maintaining gutters to prevent water splash-back, and addressing any damage or peeling promptly before moisture penetrates the wood.

Annual inspection is important. Walk around your home each spring and fall, looking for peeling, checking, or bare spots. Early touch-ups prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs.

Trust Weatherguard for Cedar Shake Painting

Weatherguard Construction is the trusted choice for cedar shake painting across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO. Our experienced crews understand the specialized techniques cedar requires. Call (651) 439-4320 or book your free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to paint cedar shakes?

Painting cedar shakes costs more than flat siding due to the increased material usage and labor-intensive application process. Expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more per square foot compared to flat siding. The exact cost depends on home size, shake condition, and preparation requirements. Contact Weatherguard Construction for a free estimate.

Can I paint over previously stained cedar shakes?

Yes, but proper preparation is essential. The stained surface must be cleaned, lightly sanded, and primed with a stain-blocking primer before painting. If the stain is a semi-transparent oil-based product, an oil-based primer provides the best adhesion bridge between the stain and acrylic topcoat.

Should I replace damaged shakes before painting?

Absolutely. Painting over damaged, split, or rotting shakes wastes paint and allows water infiltration to continue. Replace all compromised shakes before preparation and painting begin for the longest-lasting results.

Is it better to paint or stain old cedar shakes?

For previously painted cedar, continuing with paint is almost always best. For bare or previously stained cedar in good condition, both options work well. The choice depends on whether you prefer a uniform opaque look (paint) or a natural wood appearance (stain). Our team evaluates each project individually.