These coatings show off wood to its best advantage while protecting it from the elements. This Old House decodes the differences between the various types of stain so that you can get the look you want
Uncoated siding in coastal areas naturally turns a soft driftwood color after years of exposure to the sun and salt air. To accelerate this process without leaving siding susceptible to rot, Cabot developed a product called Bleaching Oil back in the late 1800s. Basically it's a lightly pigmented, semitransparent oil-based stain that contains a special bleaching agent. Once it's brushed onto new, uncoated softwood siding, such as cedar, fir, or cypress, the surface changes to a light gray in about 6 months to a year. Recoat every 3 to 5 years.
Contribute to This Story Below