How to Prepare Exterior Cedar for Behr Stain

Adding Behr exterior cedar stain does not cost a lot and it is a process that most people on a budget can do themself in not time. However, it is important that these consumers use the correct application technique to ensure that it goes on smoothly and last a long time. 

Materials

• Pressure washer


• 120 grit sandpaper


• Plastic drop cloths


• Heavy duty fabric drop cloths


• Blue painter's tape


• Behr stain


• Mineral spirits


• Extension ladder


• 3 or 4 inch oil based paintbrush

1. Buy all your materials at your local home improvement store.


2. Gather all the items you need for the job and place in one area. 


3. Pressure wash the exterior of the cedar. Start the pressure washer on the low setting and increase pressure gradually.


4. Dry the cedar completely. After drying sand the surface to allow penetration of the stain with a 120-grit sanding paper. Sand it going towards the grain of the cedar and not against it.


5. Take blue painter's tape and cover areas that you do not want the exterior cedar paint on. Use the plastic drop cloth on large areas such as the driveway, breezeway, porches and sidewalks. Place heavy-duty fabric drop cloths over the plastic ones. 


6. Use the paintbrush and apply a coat of the stain to the exterior cedar. Avoid the temptation to use a sprayer because it will only damage the exterior cedar because the stain will seep into the wood pores and cause chipping and peeling. 


7. Let the Behr stain dry for a minimum of three hours. Examine the cedar to see if you have the look you desired if not add additional coats until you achieve the look you desire. 


8. Wash your paintbrush using mineral spirits. Avoid the temptation to use water because this would damage the brush.


9. Read the safety instructions regarding extension ladder usage, if you have to reach high area of the exterior cedar.