JT asked 2 years ago
LOCATION: In 1950, built Cabin in North Idaho mountains. Constructed of tongue and groove Cedar, inside and out.
PROBLEM: 1950 applied tung oil every 15 years. 1970, applied latex paint, light gray in color every 15 years. In 1995, in areas of direct sun, quarter size blisters began to arise and continue today.
While dissecting these blisters, have found the underside/inside of each blister consists of a layer of Cedar wood, like a wood laminate inside each blister.
FIX:Â How to intervene in with what process?
Thank you in advance,
JT
William Stewart Staff answered 2 years ago
Hi, JT. Y
ou have stumbled into a swamp with no bottom on this one. Your problem is known, with many people experiencing the same issue. It seems that painted cedar exposed to the intense sun can blister, particularly when painted with a darker latex.
Theories abound as to the cause, although many believe it to be moisture – particularly when the bubble goes down to the bare wood as yours has. Some professionals take the cedar back to bare wood and prime it with a long oil primer like Fresh Start Moorwhite Penetrating Primer.
They then topcoat with acrylic latex. They swear by this. I’d give that a try, but as with all things, caveat emptor! Good luck.