How to Prestain Wood Shingles

A well-built, well-maintained roof is essential for the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of a home. For homeowners, options abound when it comes to shingle style and type, and the range of choices can be overwhelming. Today, asphalt shingles are more common than wood, but in old houses, or new houses with a rustic look, the roof may be covered in wood shingles. Staining the shingles preserves the natural beauty of the wood while offering protection from the elements.

Things You'll Need

• Primer
• Stain
• Brushes or rollers
• Sandpaper

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Use an oil-based stain, which more deeply penetrates the wood.

   • 2

     Sand the shingles to prepare them for the stain.

   • 3

     Apply a thin coat of primer using a roller or brush.

   • 4

     Apply the first coat of stain by thoroughly covering all exposed surfaces with a brush or roller.

   • 5

     Wait until the stain has completely dried, then proceed to add a second coat in the same fashion.