How to Apply a Sealer on Composite Cladding

You can seal the surface of your composite cladding to give it extra protection from the weather. If you have made your mind to seal the surface of your wood-plastic cladding, you should read this write-up to know how to. We have explained in detail how property owners can apply a sealer on their composite cladding. This write-up provides a step-by-step guide in cleaning your composite cladding and applying the sealer or stain to the surface. It also provides recommendations on the kind of sealer to use to coat your plastic wood cladding. 

What Is a Sealer? 

A sealer is a liquid product applied to the surface of wood or porous material to coat it. The essence of applying a sealer to wood or absorbent material is to protect it from damage. The sealer coat the surface of the material it is applied on to form a layer of protection. A sealer may prevent the grain of wood panels from rising or may add colour to the material. Of course, sealing composite cladding is optional, but some homeowners are opting to seal it. This gives them the chance to add extra protection to their cladding and prevent it from absorbing moisture. If you have made your mind to seal your wood-plastic cladding, follow the steps we highlight in the following heading. 

Applying a Sealer on Your Composite Cladding

Step One – Clean the Cladding

The first step to applying a sealer on the surface of your wood-plastic cladding is to clean the surface. Cleaning the surface of your cladding means removing all traces of dirt from the surface. You must be thorough about cleaning your wood-plastic composite cladding at this stage because once coated, removing any dirt that is stuck under the cladding will be impossible. So, you should be prepared to scrub your plastic wood cladding surface if you have to. 

Most homeowners will use a power washer to spray all traces of dirt from the surface of their cladding. You can use a power washer when cleaning your wood-plastic cladding. It will make your cleaning task a lot easier and faster. Remember that your composite cladding is installed high up the wall of your home, and it might not be easy for your hands to reach it. When using a sealer to clean your plastic wood composite cladding, you should not bring it too close to the panels. 

Bringing the nozzle of your power washer too close to your plastic wood composite cladding can peel the surface. Another thing to avoid when cleaning your plastic wood composite cladding is using bleach. Bleach will not do any good to your cladding, but it will erode the attractive colour and make the cladding less attractive. Homeowners can use a simple soap in water and use it to clean their cladding. 

Step Two – Get the Sealer Ready

Now that the surface of your composite cladding is clean, you have to get the sealer you will use ready. You can purchase a sealer from a store—the kind of sealer you use on your composite cladding matters. Property owners should use water-based sealers to seal their plastic wood cladding instead of solvent-based sealer. The reason is that solvent or alkyds sealers will alter the colour of your composite cladding after you have applied it. 

Also, solvent-based sealers contain alkyds resins that serve as food for mould and mildew. This means that if you seal your wood-plastic cladding with solvent-based sealer, mould will eventually grow on it. And remember that the reason for sealing your cladding in the first place is to prevent mould and mildew from growing on the surface. The water-based stain will not alter the colour of your cladding and is easier to work with. 

Step Three – Apply the Sealer

Now that you know the sealer to use on your composite cladding, the next step is to apply it. You have to go through the instructions on the can before you start applying the sealer. This will enable you to know how many times to apply the stain, how long before your cladding dry and how many coats to give your cladding. Property owners can spray their cladding or use a roller to apply the sealer. But ensure you use a brush to press the stain so that it sticks to your cladding and to prevent over applying it on one part of the cladding. Then homeowners should wait until their cladding becomes dry. 

Conclusion

How to apply a sealer on composite cladding using the best sealing material has been explained in their write-up. Follow the instructions to coat your plastic wood cladding surface.