Ways to finish a cedar sale

lA eOnn SALES. whether for inV door or outdoor use, are naturals for add on sales of finishes and the tools to apply them.

While a customer may think he wants to leave his cedar bare to weather naturally, he will probably be happier if he gives nature an assist. Some of the drawbacks to natural weathering are uneveness of color due to variations in boards and the light and moisture to which the wood is exposed.

Wood protected by overhangs will weather more slowly than wood directly exposed to harsh weather. Cedar hit by the overspray of lawn sprinkers will color differently than that with less exposure to water.

The natural weathering process can be improved with an application of water repellent preservative. These products apply easily and allow the cedar to gradually change from its original reddish color to a lighter shade. Additional water repellent benefits include minimizing watermarks and surface checks as well as guarding against decay and discoloration caused by mold and fungal growth.

Another option is a bleaching oil applied to achieve a gray, weathered look sooner. The bleaching oil speeds up the natural color change and provides a more uniform appearance. It minimizes the initial darkening and accelerates the natural color change to the final driftwood gray.

Customers who don't want a natural finish should be euided to

Story at a Glance

How to write bigger cedar tickets.. suggestions for add on sales of finishes and tools. do's and don'ts for recommending finishes.

the exterior stains. These come in two types: film forming and penetrating.

The film forming, such as varnishes and urethanes do not penetrate the wood, so they must be refinished in a few years. They also prevent the release of moisture within the wood, causing blisters and cracks.

Penetrating stains are often recommended since they provide both a natural appearance and protection from moisture. There is no peeling or blistering. Most of them contain water repellents and in many cases rot and mildew inhibitors.

Penetrating stains come in three types. The transparent have no pigment but offer water repellent features to protect the wood and aid the natural color change. Semi-transparent stains have added pigment to modify the originalcolor of the wood while allowing the natural beauty to show through. They are more durable than transparent stains. Opaque stains have a high pigment content and hide both the grain and color of the wood.

Latex stains even though they do not penetrate the wood are acceptable if the customer wants a color. Their life span can be extended with the use of a stain resistant primer. Because they have some porosity they have more stability and allow limited moisture movement with the wood underneath.

Cedar used inside the house can be finished with either a transparent or semi-transparent finish that will protect its surface while enhancing its beauty. Clear lacquer can be used in areas where there is little moisture. lt should not be recommended for bathrooms or kitchens.

Varnish can be used on smooth surface cedar, but it tends to darken the wood. A flat finish sanding sealer is best recommended under the varnish. If varnish is selected to be used in a bathroom or kitchen. at least

Cedar Finishing Productt

Alkyd Based Primer

All-acrylic Latex Paint

Bleaching Oil

Danish 6il :.: 'r,i

Lacquer Latex Stain

Oil Alkyd Paint

Oil Based Primer

Oil Paint

Penetrating Stain

Pigmented Stain

Varnish

Water Repellent

Finishing Tools

Brushes

Caulking Gun & Compound

Cleaning Brushes

Dropcloths

Ladder

Paint Pads

Paint Thinner

Rollers

Sponge Applicators three coats should be suggested. Danish oil is a good recommendation for any room except those with high humidity such as a poorly ventilated bathroom. It is well suited to saw textured faces. Pigmented stains work well if the customer wants to accent a color scheme. They can be used on both smooth and saw textured cedar. The show of grain and characteristics can be controlled by the heaviness of the stain used.

In addition to recommending the finish which matches the effect desired by the customer, a dealer should make sure that the proper tools are purchased. High quality brushes, rollers and materials to prepare the wood for painting or staining can make the difference between a poor and excellent job.

A six page brochure on./inishing western red cedar siding and paneling is available for 50( lrom the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, Dept. 668, 522 S.W. FiJih Ave.. Portland. Or. 97204-2 I 2 2 -editor.