Of all the options you have when it comes to building a fence, it has been established that cedar fencing is one of the best choices.
Cedar fencing is ideal because of how sustainable it is overall when compared to other kinds of fencing. Among other things, cedar fencing is renewable, biodegradable, does not require any chemical treatments, and the oil in it repels all kinds of pests and natural forms of rot.
And, in our opinion, it looks stunning as it is. There is something about Western Red Cedar lumber that captivates and enchants. But, many people want to add their own flair to their fence. This begs the question - can cedar fencing be painted?
In this short article, we’ll cover all you need to know about whether or not you can paint cedar fences. In general, we don’t recommend this - but you can stain your fence if you do want to add a bit of color and flair. We’ll cover all this and more in-depth below - let’s not waste any more time!
Quality Cedar Products can meet all your cedar board needs. This blog is informational only and not a replacement for expert advice. Please consult a professional before starting any building project as your needs and specifications may vary and it may not reflect the most current building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
Can Cedar Fencing Be Painted?
When answering the question “can cedar fencing be painted,” there is a short answer and a long answer.
The short answer is “yes, but it won’t look as impressive as you had hoped.”
The long answer has to deal with how much it costs to paint cedar fencing, as well as the long-term effects paint will have on your cedar fencing. Painting your cedar fencing is possible, but if the coats of paint you apply are not consistent, the paint will start peeling sooner than you’d like.
Because of this, you’ll need to treat your cedar fencing more often with sealant. Treating cedar fencing is actually optional if you consider staining rather than painting. Staining is a better option in almost every way than painting when it comes to cedar fencing. Here’s why:
Why Staining Is A Better Option Than Painting
Can cedar fencing be painted? Yes, it can. That has been established. But there are better options out there. One of these options is staining. There are a few reasons why staining is a better option than painting when it comes to preparing your cedar fencing.
First of all, staining is cheaper. If you want to paint your cedar fencing, you’ll need to spend roughly $36 per gallon of paint, and this assumes that you are very skilled at painting and keep the mistakes you make at a minimum.
Stain costs a third as much at just $24 per gallon. While this also assumes that you are able to successfully stain your cedar fencing without making too many mistakes, the fact remains that it is less costly either way. In most cases, you’re going to need primer when it comes to painting anything, fencing included. This is not the case when it comes to staining.
Paint is also prone to peeling, especially if you do not take the time to apply more than two coats to your fence. There is a reason why many professional painters take the time to apply three coats of paint to fences. It is to ensure color uniformity as well as to prevent peeling as much as possible.
The only areas where paint is better than stain is color/finish selection and drying. Paint can dry practically anywhere, but for your stain to dry, it will need to be warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, no rain can touch the stain for at least two days after it gets applied. So if you do decide to stain your fence rather than paint it, you’ll need to be a bit more strategic in how you go about it. Allow us to explain:
How To Paint/Stain Your Cedar Fence
Whether you choose to paint or stain your fence is up to you. Here are some basic instructions when it comes to both since they are similar. You’re going to want to do either on a warm, dry day. This will prevent moisture from developing as you paint or stain.
Make sure there is no vegetation around your fence this way it doesn’t get in the way as well. The clearer everything is around you, the more room you’ll have to maneuver and get the job done right.
If there are areas that you do not want to paint or stain, use blue painter’s tape to cover those areas so you do not accidentally paint on them.
Remember that painting requires a primer and staining does not. Get this primer ready before painting. Do this by opening your primer with a putty knife. Prepare your paint roller and use one for your primer and one for your finish.
Empty your primer halfway into a 5-gallon bucket. This will allow you to dip your roller into it without getting paint everywhere. Using your roller, begin applying the primer, and later, then the finish. Again, use a separate roller for the finish. Go from left to right, smoothing every run you come across.
Clean your roller with warm water while massaging through the brush so that you get all the paint out. Wait a couple of hours for the primer to dry, then do the exact same thing you did with the primer using the finish.
When it comes to staining, you can skip the steps for the primer since staining does not require a primer. Don’t forget that stain is a bit thinner than paint so you’ll need to be a little more attentive. You will also need to apply at least two coats to accomplish color uniformity.
Can Cedar Fencing Be Painted? Final Thoughts
Cedar fencing is one of the best choices for your home. It is extremely sustainable, meaning it is eco-friendly. You will hardly ever need to maintain it. It also looks every bit as impressive as any other kind of fencing. And most importantly, it will last incredibly long.
But can cedar fencing be painted? You now know that yes, it can. But you can also stain it instead of paint it, and that is typically the better option. Staining your cedar fencing costs less, requires no primer, and doesn’t peel at all compared to paint.
Painting or staining your fencing is as simple as making sure you do so when it is warm and dry outside, making sure everything you need is set up and organized properly, and making sure you take your time and are precise.
And, whichever approach you take, you need to ensure you have the quality cedar fencing you need for a beautiful, long-lasting, maintenance-free fence.
Quality Cedar Products has you covered when it comes to the lumber you’ll need for cedar fencing. As the best Cedar lumber supplier in Canada, we have everything you need.
We have everything involving cedar fence boards you could possibly ask for and just recently, cedar posts have been added to our catalog.
Come to us if you are ready to put in new cedar fencing in your home. We’ll set you up properly and unquestionably provide you with everything you need.
Quality Cedar Products does not assume any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information provided in this blog post. The reader is solely responsible for any actions taken based on the information presented. Any reliance on the information is at the reader's own risk. Quality Cedar Products is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of following the suggestions, tips, or recommendations provided in this blog post. Building projects involve inherent risks, and it is essential to exercise caution, obtain proper permits, and engage qualified professionals to ensure safety and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The inclusion of external links, references, or recommendations in this blog post does not constitute endorsement or guarantee the quality, reliability, or suitability of the linked sources. The reader should independently verify the information and assess its relevance to their specific circumstances. The author reserves the right to modify, update, or remove the content of this blog post at any time without prior notice. It is recommended to check for the most recent updates or consult with professionals to ensure the information is current and applicable. By reading this blog post, the reader acknowledges and accepts the above disclaimer and agrees to use the information provided responsibly and at their own discretion.
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