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- 1). Roughen the surface of brand new cedar shingles with 50- to 60-grit sandpaper. Roughening will help the shingles absorb the finish or paint you plan to use, without detracting from the smooth appearance of the shingles.
- 2). Treat slightly weathered and unfinished shingles by first cleaning away dirt and residue with a scrub brush, mild soap and then rinsing with water. Thoroughly dry the shingles so they don't warp. After the shingles dry, roughen them by running 50- to 60-grit sandpaper over the surface to help absorb the paint or finish.
- 3). Scrape off old paint if you're planning to refinish/repaint and reuse old shingles. Use a paint scraper to remove the paint, and a heat gun to get rid of stubborn paint. You will need to start with a clean surface, otherwise your paint will not stick and you will have to redo the job in a matter of months.
- 4). Remove old stain with fine, 150-grit sandpaper. Sand away the surface of the finish until the cedar shows through. Wipe dust from the surface with a damp cloth, and dry the cedar shingles before refinishing or painting.
- 5). Treat shingles with a coat of water-repellent preservative to protect them from weathering.
- 6). Add a coat of primer to your shingles before you paint. Primer will help provide an absorbent surface and ensure even coating when you begin to add your coat of paint.
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