Raw Cedar Trim Vs. Primed Cedar Trim—What’s the Difference?

June 19, 2025 in Wood Products

When adding a touch of natural beauty to a project, the timelessness of Western Red Cedar is unmatched. Its stunning grain patterns and rich hues have made it a favorite choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. But today, engineered cedar trim offers two compelling options—raw and factory-primed.

What’s the difference between the two?

Raw Engineered Western Red Cedar Trim vs. Pre-Primed Engineered Western Red Cedar Trim 

What are the differences between raw (FinishReady™) and pre-primed (BlueMoon™ Factory Primed) engineered AbsoluteTrim™ Western Red Cedar trim? The two options offer unique advantages, and a consumer’s choice will depend on their specific project requirements and preferences. 

FinishReady™  (Raw) Trim:

Raw engineered cedar trim is untreated for full design flexibility. It retains the natural beauty and characteristics of Western Red Cedar, with its reddish-brown hues and prominent grain patterns. This option is ideal for those who want the authentic look and feel of cedar and are comfortable with finishing the material themselves. 

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Raw trim preserves the genuine beauty of Western Red Cedar, making it an excellent choice for projects that want a warm, natural aesthetic. This option also provides full creative customization, allowing homeowners to choose the stain or sealant that best suits their design preferences. 

BlueMoon™ (Factory-Primed) Trim:

BlueMoon (Factory-Primed) Trim comes pre-primed with a two-coat acrylic system for immediate installation and painting.

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With factory-primed trim, installers can skip the priming step, reducing labor and time. The factory-applied primer ensures excellent paint adhesion, resulting in a long-lasting finish, and it provides a uniform finish that is free of imperfections, ensuring a polished appearance. The primer also offers an additional layer of protection against moisture and UV damage, extending the trim’s lifespan. 

 

AbsoluteTrim engineered Western Red Cedar trim offers a versatile and sustainable solution for enhancing details on your projects. Whether you choose raw or pre-primed trim, you can enjoy the benefits of engineered durability, stability, and sustainability. The choice between the two depends on each project’s requirements and your customers' personal preferences. Whichever option you select, engineered cedar trim is sure to elevate the aesthetics of the home while standing the test of time. 

This article was repurposed from the WoodTone blog. Weyerhaeuser Distribution is committed to delivering the reliable, consistent products you can rely on. Connect with your Weyerhaeuser representative today about siding and trim solutions available in your market.