Repairing and Painting Cedar Siding in St. Charles, IL: Cost, Process, and Before/After Results
Are you staring at peeling paint, woodpecker holes, and cracks in your cedar siding? You’re not alone. Cedar homes in Huntley, Elgin, and South Elgin are beautiful, but after years of Midwest weather, they start showing serious wear and tear.
That’s exactly what we tackled on this Huntley home—old paint peeling, “alligator” cracking, and wood damage from birds. Let’s walk through what went wrong, how we fixed it, and what you can expect if you’re facing the same issue.
Common Problems with Older Cedar Siding
- Peeling & Alligatoring Paint – Multiple old paint layers separate and crack, looking like reptile skin.
- Woodpecker Damage – Holes that not only look bad but allow water in.
- Loose or Rotten Wood – Ends of boards often need repair or replacement.
- Color Mismatch Issues – Painting white (like Sherwin-Williams Natural) over darker tones can take extra prep and coats.
👉 The truth? A gallon of paint won’t fix this. The prep work is where the real investment comes in.
Our Process on This Huntley Cedar Home
Here’s how our crew handled it step by step:
- Power Washing – Full exterior wash to remove dirt, mildew, and chalky paint.
- Scraping & Sanding – 4–5 hours just on the worst sides, removing every loose flake.
- Wood Repairs – Replaced damaged sections, patched woodpecker holes with Bondo, and recaulked seams.
- Priming – Applied Sherwin-Williams Peel Bond primer, tinted close to final color. This thick primer locks down old layers and helps smooth “alligatoring.”
- Two Finish Coats – Sprayed and back-rolled Sherwin-Williams Natural (a crisp white) for a smooth, even finish.
The Investment: How Much Does Cedar Siding Painting Cost?
This Huntley project came in around $8,000, which included:
- Labor-intensive scraping & sanding
- Woodpecker hole repairs
- Caulking and patching
- Primer + 2 coats of Sherwin-Williams exterior paint
| Service Item | Included in Project? |
|---|---|
| Power Wash & Scraping | ✅ |
| Peel Bond Primer | ✅ |
| Two Finish Coats | ✅ |
| Woodpecker Repairs (Bondo) | ✅ |
| Board Replacement | ✅ |
| Color Consultation | ✅ (free with D’Franco) |
💡 Pro Tip: White paints like Sherwin-Williams Natural can be tricky when covering greens, reds, or darker colors. Expect extra primer or coats for full coverage.
Before & After Results
(Insert side-by-side before and after image here)
This house went from tired, peeling siding to crisp, refreshed curb appeal that looks brand new. The “after” shot speaks for itself.
Why Homeowners Choose D’Franco
- We handle full repairs before painting – no shortcuts.
- Dust control & safety – HEPA vacs and clean job sites.
- Free touch-ups within the first year.
- Background-checked team – vetted pros you can trust at your home.
- Referral Bonus – Our Give $200, Get $200 program makes sharing us with friends worth it.
Is Your Cedar Siding Due for Repair?
If your siding looks like it’s been through a Midwest thunderstorm or woodpeckers think it’s their personal buffet, it’s time for some TLC.
Here are some FAQ’s about exterior paitning projects
👉 Call us today for an estimate in Huntley, Elgin, South Elgin, or St. Charles. Let’s get your cedar looking new again.
🎥 Don’t forget to check out our video walkthrough of this project to see the process in action.
📺 D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper YouTube