The stain is a deep red stain and it is rather dark.
How to lighten dark cedar siding.
Paint is your best option for treating cedar if your only intent is protection.
Removal can be done with a commercial mildew remover or with dilute solutions of liquid household oxygen based bleach followed by thorough rinsing with clean water.
Cover about a 4 by 8 foot section with the liquid and let it sit on the siding for about 15 minutes.
One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine.
Add some bolder trim not sure what s there now and let it accent the rest of the house.
Lighter colors last longer since they reflect light more efficiently than darker colors.
We have a home that has stained wood siding.
Tips for restoring blackened cedar shake siding.
Mix the oxygen bleach in a ratio of 2 cups of powdered granules to 1 gallon of water or based on the product and manufacturer s instructions on the label pour the mixture into a cleaned out lawn and garden sprayer.
Once the cedar is dry you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.
Treating cedar with primer and paint.
Use a synthetic cedar siding stain to prevent.
Brighten the surface of the cedar siding with deck and fence brightener or apply a new coat of stain to restore a vivid color and luster to the siding.
After these preparations scrub the surface with a stiff bristle not wire brush and water and rinse with clean water.
Surface dirt should be removed from cedar shake siding before attempting to remove black spots from the mold.
Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution.
You could use a white wash by mixing 1 part paint with 3 parts water add more water for less color test on a small area.
We would like to change the color of the siding to a lighter more neutral color like gray or beige.
Shingles if needed can go architectural and stand out a bit more.
Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution and wipe it on the bleached wood.
Paint s solids ward off light and light is the main contributor to the deterioration of cedar.