Installation Guide

USE & CARE
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Finish Description Effect Application Maintenance
Clear Water
Repellent with
Mildewcide
Clear finishes that
modify weathering
characteristics and
let color and grain
show through.
Minimize weather
and mildew attack.
Helps eliminate
redwood’s natural
darkening. Areas
exposed to direct
sun and rain may
eventually bleach to
gray.
Apply with brush
or roller. Two coats
recommended for
new wood. For best
results, coat cut
ends, backs and
edges before nailing
in place.
Reapplication required
after old finish has lost
effectiveness. Reapply
every 12–18 months
depending on climate
and old finish retention.
Bleaching or
Weathering Stains
Low maintenance,
natural appearance
with a gray-toned
finish.
Provide for low
maintenance and
give redwood boards
a uniformly gray or
naturally weathered
look.
Apply with brush or
roller. Use one or
two coats according
to manufacturer’s
directions. Bleaching
is aided by sunlight
and moisture.
Bleaching oils and
stains provide nearly
maintenance-free
performance. Reapply
finish only if wood
begins to darken or
bleaching is uneven.
One refinish coat
should be enough.
Semitransparent
Stains
Penetrating finishes
available in a variety
of semitransparent
colors including
redwood hues.
Oil-based stains
recommended.
Provide color in a
finish that lets wood
breathe naturally;
allows the wood
grain to show
through but presents
a uniform single
color.
Apply with brush
for best results,
next best is a roller.
Avoid drips and lap
marks. Two coats
usually required for
new wood — follow
manufacturer’s
directions.
Refinishing may be
necessary every 3–5
years. Color may
wear away gradually
with weathering. One
refinish coat is usually
enough.
Solid Body Stains
Film forming
finishes available
in a wide variety of
opaque colors. Oil-
based stains are
recommended.
Provide color in a
finish that lets wood
breathe naturally.
Opaque stains will
obscure the grain
but highlight the
texture and have an
appearance more
like paint.
For best results use a
brush. The next best
applicator is a roller.
Avoid drips and lap
marks. Two coats
usually required for
new wood — follow
manufacturer’s
directions.
Refinishing may be
necessary every 3–5
years. Color may
wear away gradually
with weathering. One
refinish coat is usually
enough.
Paints
Durable, attractive
finishes for
traditional exteriors.
Quality paints are
generally worth the
extra cost.
Provide attractive
colorful finishes
which obscure grain
and texture of the
wood.
Apply with brush for
best results, roller is
next best applicator.
One prime coat and
two top coats are
recommended for
new wood. Back-
priming is highly
recommended.
Refinishing may be
necessary every 7–10
years. Sand or scrub
with stiff bristle brush.
Paint and varnish
removers may also
be used. If sanding,
countersink nail heads
to protect coating.