Well, we remodeled kitchen and bath-now its outside we go. We have a ranch with cedar shakes. Not well taken care of. We ar trying to decide to paint, stain or side. Estimates are so varied. So painters said they will power wash and then paint or stain the next day but I am reading that the shakes need to dry. Any imput??? If we stain we will probably go with semi transpartent-not solid. Is there anything we should be asking our painting contractors-our 1st home was alum sided so this is a first for us THanks

Hi Cat,
If it was me...

* Solid paint is less maintenance. Assuming good/clean/dry/not-degraded-too-badly Cedar!
Priming would be a MUST, followed w/ TWO finish coats.
* Solid/Semi-solid stains show more of the woods' texture, but not much graining is visible.
* If the cedar isn't in good shape, you may have to replace segments of siding. Crappy wood, even if clean, isn't gonna hold anything for long!!

You're correct on drying...pressure-washing is fine IF the tip is kept a FOOT away and pressure down to <1,000 psi!!!
* Next day staining...dear Lord...a p/w forces some water into the wood.
* This can take DAYS to wick back out, assuming lower humidity. Escaping vapor just pushes-off coatings.
* You might want to check out Sikkens products. Log & Siding (a TWO-COAT Satin-sheen here), or SRD (a Flat, 1-coat penetrating oil). Both do require maintenance coats every few years.

Faron