Looking for a premium finish that brings out the beauty of your timber cladding and stands up to the harsh Australian climate? Cedarshield has you – and your cladding – covered.
Protect and enhance your cladding with confidence
Cedarshield is the water-based timber finish Greenspan recommends for protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of cedar-clad buildings. Australian-made, scientifically formulated for Australian conditions, and guaranteed not to crack, peel, or blister when used as directed.
Unlike traditional oil-based finishes, Cedarshield is a semi-transparent water-based coating that delivers built-in UV and moisture protection while letting the warmth and character of natural timber show through.
Why choose Cedarshield?
- Water-based, not oil-based – safer in bushfire-prone areas and cleaner to apply
- Long-lasting – won’t crack, peel, or blister for at least 5 years
- Thicker than oils – plugs and seals fine cracks and surface checks in the timber
- Built-in UV and moisture protection – scientifically formulated for Australian conditions
- Natural finish – dries clear with a warm cedar glow
What can Cedarshield be used on?
Cedarshield is suitable for:
- Western Red Cedar weatherboards
- Verandah posts and railings
- Most other timber cladding surfaces
Cedarshield is not recommended for:
- Windows or doors
- Decking
- Outdoor furniture
- Joinery
- Dressed timber
How do I apply Cedarshield?
Step 1: Prepare the surface
New timber must be sound, clean, free from dust, dirt, mould, and grease, and reasonably dry. Cedarshield can be used to overcoat acrylic finishes and most well-weathered oil finishes.
Wash down thoroughly with water and detergent using a stiff brush. If the existing coating is not sound, remove it completely (pressure cleaning on a soft setting or water-blasting works well) to ensure a clean substrate.
Step 2: Apply three coats
Stir thoroughly before and during application. Apply with a brush or roller. The coating goes on milky white and dries clear, leaving the natural warm appearance of cedar.
For best results:
- Ensure even coverage on all surfaces, including side and end grain
- Apply three coats to ensure sufficient film thickness
- Thin the first coat with 5% water (50ml per litre) in hot, dry conditions
- Allow at least 2 hours between coats
- Avoid painting in direct hot sunlight or when the temperature is below 10°C
- Avoid applying before likely rain or condensation
Tip: Don’t skip the end grains. They’re often missed and are critical for full timber protection.
Step 3: Clean up
Clean equipment with water immediately after use. If Cedarshield has dried, methylated spirits can be used. Keep the tin sealed when not in use.
Application
Stir thoroughly before and during application. For best results, apply three coats to ensure sufficient film thickness to protect the timber surface. CedarShield initially appears milky white — this clears quickly, leaving the warm appearance of natural timber when dry.
If necessary, the first coat can be thinned with 5% water (50ml per litre) when painting in hot, dry conditions. Avoid painting in direct hot sunlight or when the temperature is below 10°C. Ensure even coverage on all surfaces, including side and end grain. Allow at least 2 hours between coats, and avoid applying before the likelihood of rain or condensation.
Coverage
Depending on the texture and roughness of the timber, you can expect a coverage between 6 and 14 m² per litre.
Maintenance
Inspect periodically for signs of discolouration, fading, or timber cracking. Sand any affected areas, wash clean, and apply the required number of coats to restore the original finish.
Is Cedarshield safe to use in bushfire-prone areas?
Yes. Cedarshield is water-based and won’t support combustion, unlike traditional oil-based timber finishes. This makes it a sensible choice for cedar-clad buildings in bushfire-prone areas. For information on Cedarspan barns and country cabins designed for rural and bushfire-prone sites, see our Cedarspan acreage building range.
5-year warranty
Cedarshield is guaranteed not to crack, peel, or blister for at least 5 years when applied according to the instructions above.
Available tin sizes
Cedarshield is available in 4L, 10L, and 20L tins, ready to ship Australia-wide.

