My cedar hot tub surround is looking rough after a few years. How should I refinish it without damaging anything?

Cedar hot tub surrounds take a beating in Metro Vancouver. Between constant steam and splash exposure, chlorine or bromine from the water, and our relentless rain, the wood breaks down faster than a typical deck. Refinishing requires some extra care because of the proximity to water and the hot tub equipment. Start by draining or covering the hot tub securely with a tight-fitting cover and plastic sheeting to prevent any chemical cleaners or stain from contaminating the water. Remove any equipment access panels if possible to get full access to the wood. Clean the cedar thoroughly using a wood-specific cleaner or an oxygen bleach solution. Avoid chlorine bleach, as it can damage cedar fibres and leave residue near your hot tub. For grey, weathered cedar, a wood brightener containing oxalic acid will restore the natural warm tone before staining. Sand lightly with 80-grit paper to open the grain, paying attention to areas closest to the water where mineral deposits may have built up. For the stain itself, choose a penetrating water-based product rated for high-moisture environments. Oil-based stains tend to get slippery when wet, which is a safety concern around a hot tub. Apply the stain on a dry day and allow at least 48 hours of dry weather for curing before using the hot tub again. Because of the harsh conditions, plan to re-stain your hot tub surround annually or every two years at most. Consider adding a bead of exterior caulking where the surround meets the hot tub shell to prevent water from pooling underneath and causing rot. A contractor familiar with both painting and hot tub installations can ensure the job is done safely.

---

Find a Painting Contractor

Vancouver Paint Contractors connects you with experienced contractors through the https://vancouverconstructionnetwork.com:

• Vancouver Hood Doctors ✓
• Heilman Renovations ✓
• Premier Grounds Contracting ✓