How to Keep Cedar From Fading

Mix the oxygen bleach with water in the bucket according to the package instructions. Wash all surfaces of the cedar wood by saturating the scrub brush and passing it back and forth over the cedar surface to remove dirt and grime. Do not scrub too hard with the bristles or you could damage the cedar wood. Allow the cedar to dry completely before you proceed.

Sand the surfaces of the cedar thoroughly with the sandpaper to make it perfectly smooth. Wipe the cedar with a rag after you sand to remove dust.

Apply the semitransparent stain to the cedar with the paintbrush, coating the cedar evenly.

Wait for the stain to dry completely. If you applied water-based stain, sand the cedar lightly with the sandpaper, wipe down the cedar surface and apply a second coat of stain. Oil-based stain does not require sanding between coats.

Apply a second coat of stain after waiting at least 24 hours. Apply a third coat after performing the same process, if you desire.

Clean, sand and reapply the stain every 12 to 24 months to keep the protective coating over the cedar. With this regular maintenance, the cedar should resist fading.