1 gal ProLuxe SIK42077 Cedar Log & Siding Exterior High Performance Two-Coat Wood Finish, Transparent Satin

This stain is the best product you can buy. We have used this on our cedar pergola and our cedar storage unit with great results. Don't worry about the price, since nothing else performs as well.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Exceptional wood finish that brushes on easily and penetrates well. Have used only on rough saw cedar and the results have been fabulous. Definitely a two coat product. First coat requires some effort as it really gets absorbed into wood and results in a somewhat dull finish after drying for 24 hours. Second coat flows on with ease and results in a superb clear/transparent robust finish that brings out the natural wood colors. Sets up over 48-72 into a very hard protective finish very much like an epoxy would produce. Great product but very expensive - I think worth the price.

In 2001 I had my builder pre-coat every red cedar (rough) clapboard siding on all 6 sides before installing. Then a coat of 2-3. Two-foot soffits to help protect siding. Other than light power washing, no maintenance coated needed for 10 years. Then approx every 5 years it gets a power wash and coat of 2-3. Nearly 25 years in, the siding looks nearly new.

I've used the Cetol 2-3 product for years on my log home and am now applying the Maintenance product. Nothing on the market that I know of even comes close in terms of protecting the wood or in terms of durability! Life expectancy between coats is at least 5 years and then we just power wash & recoat. I wouldn't even consider using anything else!