It was recently reported to Cabot that the south coast cypress species has been known to retard the drying time of oil-based stains, but as of this writing, we do not have sufficient data to confirm that. For incense cedar, we recommend 100 percent acrylic solid-color stains. Two-coat acrylic paint systems may last 15 years or more. We would expect normal weathering effects with oil-based products, and the worst weathering would take place on the southern exposure. With routine cleaning and maintenance, there's no reason why these products can't endure.
Light colors reflect more energy away from the coating and substrate.
Heat absorption causes thin beveled siding or shingles to expand. Older, brittle coatings applied to these substrates will crack when their expansion capability or elongation rate is exceeded. Subsequent cracks in the coating will allow moisture to infiltrate the wood. Additional moisture-related problems will result. A substrate finished with a paint that is chipping is assumed to be an older, hard, oil-based coating or a latex coating not necessarily recommended for exterior siding.