cedar siding

[dogneck]

I'm installing cedar bevel siding next week.   What should I use to backcoat it?
Someone said Thompson's waterproofer plus clear wood protector.
Another said use an oil based primer?    Is this oil based primer clear? What brand name?

[glenn kangiser]

Defy Clear or near clear has UV protection.  If totaly clear they won't provide UV protection to stop it from turning color although my cedar is plain and still looks good.  Cedar is pretty weather resistant on its own.

http://aloghomestore.com/finish.shtml

[John_M]

I am siding my cabin with beveled cedar siding.  I however am not backcoating it.  Just installing it and then staining it.  I really am not concerned about the back side so much.  If it were pine or being painted, I would be concerned.  But I think doing it this way will be all right.

I did stain it with Sikkens stain.  It is an oil based stain.  It looks real nice.

Here it is before being stained...(since my pictures never get posted right...you can go right to my blog: www.ourlittlecabin.blogspot.com)

[ScottA]

What you gain by sealing the back and ends of the boards is to make the wood moisture stable. I'd use the same thing on the back that you're planning to use on the front. I'm doing mine with oil stain.

[rwanders]

I used Behr's stain on all sides and edges-----staining or sealing all 6 sides very recommended by Western Red Cedar website. Easy to apply with roller or brush and dries fairly quickly. Much much easier to do before you install siding---do two coats if you want to maximize durability.

[dogneck]

Thanks everyone.  I will use a roller to do the boards before putting them on.