How do you remove paint from textured cedar siding?

Edward Mackiel
by Edward Mackiel

What works to remove weatherbeater paint from cedar siding? Citrus weakens the cedar. The other stripper we tried just stayed on the paint and didn't soften the paint.


  11 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on May 16, 2022

    Step 1

    Scrape and peel away any loose or cracked paint that you can remove easily. Work with the flat edge of your plastic or metal scraper--do not use the sharp points, or you risk scratching the wood.

    Step 2

    Apply paint stripper to the cedar siding. Many of these products come in cans or bottles much like paint. Apply the stripper to the siding with a paintbrush, or spray it on if it comes in a spray bottle. Follow all product instructions regarding the amount to use and the proper time to wait.

    Step 3

    Allow the paint stripper to settle onto the surface for the time recommended on your product's instructions; this can be as little as 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. Waiting the appropriate time will allow the paint stripper to effectively dissolve the old paint or break the bond between remaining paint and the cedar surface.

    Step 4

    Scrape newly loosened paint from the cedar surface. Repeat the application of paint stripper, then scrape as necessary to remove all the paint.

    Step 5

    Sand the cedar surface lightly with medium-grit sandpaper (190 to 265 grit) to remove small remaining paint spots. Rinse the cedar surface in clean water to remove dust from the sandpaper as well as any remaining paint stripper.

  • Any paint stripper should work, just be sure to follow the instructions.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on May 16, 2022

    Have you tried mineral spirits or pressure washing? Scraping will help to take it off as well. Sadly, cedar may end up damaged.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on May 16, 2022

    I would start with pressure washing to remove the paint, see if that works. After that use a stiff bristled brush and sand paper.


    As an aside, we had cedar shaker shingles on our house that were quite worn and somewhat jagged. From a distance they looked nice, up close, not so much. We ended up having them removed and put on siding and are happy we did. Better insulation and protection from the elements.

  • Janice Janice on May 17, 2022

    Here's some info I found that may help. It's a time-consuming task.

    https://www.mymove.com/home-inspiration/painting/remove-paint-from-wood/

  • Dee Dee on May 17, 2022

    Removing all the paint is undoubtedly the best solution, but this will be quite a job. You can have it removed professionally with a pressure washer (I have never heard of using just air pressure), or you can remove it by sanding and wire-brushing. You can also take the paint off with chemical paint remover. No matter what method you use, it will be a lot of work. Then you can apply two coats of a suitable stain (most have preservatives in them). Painting is much cheaper and simpler, but you should still scrape off all the loose or flaking paint. Then I suggest painting on one of the latex-based

    ''heavy bodied'' shingle stains. These are more a paint than a stain, but they cover well and come in various wood-tone colors. Two coats are usually required.


  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on May 21, 2022

    You. Could sand it off .

  • Annie Annie on May 24, 2022

    Give your siding a blast with a pressure washer, just a light pass to see how much it takes off. It should work, just be as gentle as you can so it doesn't damage the wood

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 06, 2022

    Hi Edward, hope this helps you out, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNMEW3goAFg

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 23, 2022

    Scraping is the best way to go. You can low setting wash with a pressure washer. Then mineral spirits to remove the rest.