I m not a painter but i do install cedar siding and i always caulk all the joints.
Caulking cedar siding knots.
When deciding how to use caulk on your siding however it is generally more important to consider where you should not use it.
Make sure the siding is installed properly.
Corner boards are applied to the sheathing with siding fitting tightly against the narrow edge of the boards allowing for expansion and an adequate caulking bead.
How to repair cracks in cedar siding with wood filler.
The answer depends on the manufacturer and installation method used when the siding was first installed.
Natural siding boards are designed to expand and contract with the elements and we do not want any adhesive to prevent their natural movement.
Width is a matter of taste and proper proportion.
However if the wooden exterior of your new home is pitted with nail holes ice damage or other.
While cedar stands up to the elements fairly well on its own putting a seal or a coat of paint on it can enhance the color and protect the wood from inclement weather.
The wood s structural integrity will remain unless the wood is exposed to excessive moisture which can cause curling cracking and wood rot.
Cedar is a relatively stable wood species one of the reasons that home builders favor it for exterior applications like siding.
Caulk is most often used to seal joints and cracks.
The corner boards and the ends of the siding are nailed to the corner studs which anchors the wood for a maintenance free joint.
Preventative maintenance is the key to controlling cedar bleed.
How to caulk to fill exterior wood holes.
Generally we do not recommend caulking butt joints on cedar siding.
Grumpy chicago gutters.
Recommendations that are useful in the maintenance of your cedar siding are as follows.
If i install a non finished product i usually go with a 3m paintable caulk.
If i am installing a prefinished product which i do mostly i use a color osi match caulk.
Left unstained cedar s red hue will fade to gray within about a year.