With spring here to stay and summer following close behind, we have reached the best time to stain cedar siding. Whether you have home siding that has never been stained or have an older home in need of some attention, staining it preserves the lifespan of the build. But, homeowners often have busy schedules that get in the way of big maintenance projects outside the home. So, that’s where Van Tuinen Painting comes in.
The team at Van Tuinen Painting has years of experience providing exterior staining to homeowners. We understand the commitment that it takes for upkeep of homes. That’s why our team strives to assist homeowners and relieve some of the load that they bear when it comes to taking care of their property. So, when professionals come to stain your cedar siding, how long does it take?
Previously Stained Wood Siding
Wood siding that has previously received staining can, at times, take longer to adhere. This happens when the previous, aged stain, has not been properly stripped. So, to avoid this time delay, the one working on the siding should apply a proper stain stripper. Because homeowners may not know the history of their siding’s previous staining or have time to deal with it, Van Tuinen Painting provides professional services to properly prep the wood for new staining. Knowing our professional team has all the best products available saves you time of handling the work yourself and trying to choose the right staining and stripping products.
Inspect and Prep the Siding
An important step to ensuring a proper staining job comes with cleaning the staining surface. Wooden siding faces a lot over the years, and that often includes mold, mildew, and dirt. All of these create a barrier between the stain and the wood, stopping staining from properly sealing when they aren’t removed.
The team at Van Tuinen Painting inspects siding to look for any of these problems before starting the staining process. This guarantees a perfect seal, helping to preserve the lifespan of your siding while providing it with a great new look. When cleaned and prepared correctly, siding staining looks better and lasts longer.
The Right Environment to Stain Cedar Siding
Summer is a great time to stain siding because the temperature often fluctuates in the proper range. Most stains require a temperature outside between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit to properly seal into the wood. Too hot or too cold, and you run the risk of the stain not adhering as it should.
You also want to make sure that your siding will have dry conditions when staining. Siding staining that faces rain shortly after application won’t absorb correctly. Added moisture may wash away some of the stain, meaning the siding’s protection won’t stay as strong as it should.
How Much Time Does it Take?
So, knowing the conditions of the wood and weather, how long should standard cedar siding staining take? The real answer is that the time to stain siding widely varies based on how thorough you are with the execution of the staining. However, having proper preparation for staining, having the right equipment for staining, knowing the condition of the wood you’re working on, and knowing the weather that your siding will face during and after staining ensures a faster, and better, staining experience.
Stains often take, at minimum, a few hours to dry. However, the recommended time to dry often comes to around 8 hours. So, between the work and drying time, siding is best stained when given time to dry overnight. This gives plenty of time for it to absorb before facing any harsh elements from the weather.
Looking to save some of the time it takes to stain your siding? Consider working with Van Tuinen Painting, a local, trusted provider of staining services for homeowners and business owners. When you stain cedar siding, it typically lasts a little under 5 years. So, if you have noticed fading or wear and tear, simply give us a call. We are already scheduling out into August for exterior home services, so make sure to contact us soon to schedule a consultation and receive a free estimate!
