If left unfinished, cedar will turn a silvery gray for a rustic, weathered look. However, a quality stain can enhance both cedar's good looks and natural durability.
It responds beautifully to oil-based stains in your choice of tinted transparent finishes for a natural effect, or lightly pigmented semi-transparent finishes. Look for a coating that offers good mildewcide and ultraviolet shielding properties, as well as additional preservatives to protect its youthful complexion. Varnishes and other film-forming coatings which can crack and peel and are not recommended for use on cedar.
We recomend Cabot SPF 48 Golden Tan or similar product.