yes

Cedar? Stain it, it will be lovely! I don't think painting cedar is something that is done? https://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/staining-cedar-siding Staining is going to be much easier to do. You don't want to paint cedar? It is a very durable wood, that is why people choose it, to avoid paint expense. Read more about it online. I am sure you will find many resources that can help you make the right decision with more information.

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The cedar siding was already painted when I bought the house. I do plan on having a backyard deck built in Western Red Cedar that I won't be painting just because it WILL be "lovely" to see that gorgeous cedar! But, as for the existing, already painted cedar, I'm happy with it being painted. I DID have cedar shingles stained and added to the top of the gable walls (I.e., where the steep roof comes to a point) and I will have the 3 garage doors replaced in metal that looks like stained wood. I've seen a garage door on TV just like what I want. So, I hear ya--about the beauty of the stained cedar, redsilver! Thanks for your comments everyone! Please note, it's not a yes/no question. It's a "which finish: low lustre vs. semi-gloss" question. Thanks again!

I assumed it was never painted before. Understood. Sorry for overthinking the dilemna.

Redsilver, No apology is necessary. :) You're right about the beauty of stained cedar! Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks again.

cat_ky & redsilver, Thanks so much for the advisement to go with a satin finish! Yes, it'll be easier to keep clean.

Are you sure it was painted? Paint is the wrong thing to use on cedar because it peels. A solid color stain is best because it is less likely to peel and has better lapping properties. It may look like a paint when it is done with no shine. We are not talking about a semi-transparent stain here where the wood still shows. A solid color stain is very much like a paint.

Full body stain is what you're talking about, right? That's the terminology with which I'm familiar, if we're talking about the same thing. I had the handrail of my main staircase banister stained black with a full body stain. I'm pretty sure it's paint on the cedar siding though. Thanks for the education on cedar and paint. There's been no peeling but I will think twice now about finishing a cedar fencing I will be having installed! THANKS so much. I really appreciate it.

P.S. I just recalled seeing a picture recently of my chimney, taken (among other photos) by the roofing co. in preparation for their estimate. Come to think of it, there was some peeling there. But since that's the only place I've seen peeling, and the rest is painted (too costly to strip off all that paint now), I'm going to have it painted again. Is there anything that helps the paint to adhere better (for the chimney where it's peeled)? Thanks again, paintguy22

I've never heard it called full body stain but yes we are probably talking about the same thing. It's either solid color stain or semi-transparent stain. The solid color stain will appear like a paint and it's a bit looser bodied when you are applying it. After you are done it will have little to no sheen. My favorite primer for peeling wood is PeelBond made by Zinnser.

Yes, that sounds like what I am familiar with. It's beautiful and definitely not paint. As for the paint primer, I've used Zinsser before, long ago. Just Googled Zinsser. Clear and Triple Thick are choices...and I would think the latter would be the option for my cedar. Sound right? Thank you, in advance, for your reply! I super appreciate this important info.

By the way, what's your best advice on having new gutters and downspouts painted with Benjamin Moore Aura, my house's new paint? One person told me she orders white gutters (factory finish) then has a professional paint over that. BTW...Are you in Manhattan?

Gel stain. ?? Is what we call it and it is a mess! Remove and treat the cedar right or you will be at war with 2 coats of gel stain in a short time. Ask the experts who know..not the retailer that sells it again and again.If you don't remove all old the new will have a short life. Good luck!

Thank you redsilver for wanting to help. You came into the middle of the discussion, I'm afraid, so you need to know we're not talking about using gel stain at all. :) I'm only going to have painted cedar siding that's already been painted. (But, I'll keep that in mind if I ever think of using a stain.)

Paintguy22 I forgot to put your name in the last couple messages, so IDK if you were notified of my replies. Anyway, I should've said the full name for those Zinsser products--which includes "Peel Stop." So, it's either "Triple Thick" or "Clear" as my Peel Stop choices, according to my online search. Which do you recommend?

the factory finish for gutters is better than having them painted. There are scores of colors to choose from

Thank u Diane R for your comment and the photo. Your house is ultra-charming! I love it. :)

UPDATE: I'm going with a Satin finish in the Benjamin Moore Aura line. Thanks, everyone for your input. I feel very comfortable going with Satin, as it will be more cleanable. I learned a lot about cedar too! Special thanks to paintguy22 who recommended a product I've researched and will buy, for a spot way up high on the chimney where the paint has peeled. I buy things on Houzz and now I'm also very grateful for Houzz.com's discussion forum. Thank you Houzz!

Paintguy22 I realized later I had missed reading a key part of your reply, "Peel Bond." It is made by Rustoleum, the same co. that makes Zinsser. Zinsser has the "Stop Peel" in Clear (milky is what reviewers say) and Triple Thick. While the reviews are very good for Stop Peel, I'll check out Peel Bond. Many, many thanks!!! I'll appreciate your tip forever (as this is my Forever House), I'm certain! LOL

Late to the party, but I just wanted to give you my $.02 worth vis-à-vis painting the gutters. The gutters on my house get a fresh coat of paint each time the house does, which is every five years or so, and they always look great (well, as great as gutters can look, anyway). No peeling, chipping, flaking, chalking, etc...and they’re 25 years old!

Sorry, I meant Peel Stop and I always buy the triple thick, but I can't imagine that makes a huge difference if you get the stuff that isn't triple thick. Aura is a great paint for gutters but of course it is preferable to not paint gutters unless you absolutely have to. The factory finish is maintenance free and comes without brush and roller marks so they look the best that way.

Gutter material with a baked enamel finish often has a 25 year guarantee on the finish and you don't have to pay to have them painted.