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Expert: - 6/12/2011


Question
We are about to install cedar log cabin siding on our home.  We live in extreme Northern Maine on a small lake.  We don't get alot of moisture off the water as the wind usually blows away from the home.  
My question is about sealing the wood, we want it to look as natural as possible.  We have noticed other homes that seem to have turned a yellowish color and don't want to do this.  
Can we use a tung or linseed oil outside, will it seal as well, how long will it last????  Thanks

Answer
Hi Joyia, Cedar has a natural pitch in it that will repel water and insects , but the wood will eventually dry out to the point that it will need something. When new, it's not wise to apply anything to it. It has to weather a bit  first. Tung or Linseed oil will add an amber/brown hue to the wood, and in the case of Eastern Cedar would cause the color you're describing...I would recommend a product like one of Floods CWF line. They're available in clear or colors, and it is a penetrating oil modified product that won't chip, flake or peel. I would thoroughly look into what others have done with the cedar in your area, and why they made the choices they did, and also talk with the supplier of the Cedar and see what they recommend. Because it is a fairly soft wood, it will soak up anything you coat it with, and that will change the appearance, so you'll have to accept and work with that eventuality. Hope that helps a little- post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.flood.com/wood-care-solutions/products/view-product.jsp?productId=3

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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