The 3 Types of Cedar Cladding Coating To Look Out For
The three types of cedar coating used commonly in New Zealand are:
What’s the best coating for cedar wood?
A true migrating oil like Dryden WoodOil will migrate into the cedar and protect it from the inside out, unlike a film-forming coating or solvent-based stain or trim paint,’ which remains on the surface only, offering limited protection and potentially compromise the natural beauty of the cedar.
Featured Guide: The 4 Best Products for Cedar Maintenance in New Zealand
What helps prevent common issues faced by cedar exteriors
Because Dryden WoodOil is a water-repellent, non-filming timber protector, it will help minimise common cedar cladding issues like; warping, cupping and splitting, as these issues are caused by high moisture content and exposure to extreme temperature changes.
Enhanced UV Protection to Cedar Coating with Colourtone+
When you add Colourtone+ to Dryden WoodOil it becomes a superior solution that provides cedar exteriors with UV protection which helps minimise silvering and weathering. Plus, with 37 colours available, you can select a tone that complements your home’s style.
Check out this ultimate guide on cedar maintenance to understand how you can effortlessly protect your cedar with Dryden WoodOil.
1. Test Using Methylated Spirits (a.k.a The Solvent Resistant Test)
The solvent resistance test is the most standard test you’ll come across, as methylated spirits are readily available from a supermarket or hardware store.
All you need to do is apply a small amount of methylated spirits onto a clean rag and rub it on the cedar surface.
If the area tested becomes soft, and the coating slightly dissolves or comes off onto the rag, you’ll know that the cedar coating is acrylic paint.
On the other hand, if the existing coating goes gummy and sticky quite quickly, it will most likely be a water-based stain.
2. Appearance Test
You can also tell the type of cedar coating you have by simply judging its appearance. If the semi-transparent coating on the cedar cladding has a shiny or plastic appearance or is clearly flaking, then it’s most likely a film-forming stain.
3. Burnish/Dry Rub Test
A burnish/dry rub test will help tell you if your coating is a migrating oil, such as Dryden WoodOil, or a stain.
Use a clean rag to burnish/dry rub a small area of the cedar coating for approximately 15 seconds to see how easy it is to remove the pigment. If the pigment is easily removed, then this is evidence your existing coating may be a migrating oil or stain.
These tests are not foolproof and are indicative only. The best option is to get a professional opinion, so get in touch with us, and our experts will be able to advise you on how to get an accurate idea of what your existing coating is.
Adding colour to your exteriors is easy and straightforward with Dryden Colourtone+, which comes with over 37 shades to choose from. It helps enhance cedar cladding’s
UV protection while complementing your timber’s character and colour without hiding the grain.
*Will silver as product weathers overtime
Dryden WoodOil colours and finishes shown here on Western Red Cedar are representative only. The colour you choose and the amount of oil applied may change the final achieved colour.
