how to care for exterior hand split cedar shakes in natural finish?

Answer 1

I was always under the impression that you let them age naturally. Cedar will turn silver over time--this is an oxidation process. You can treat them, I suppose, with a water repellant, but you should probably do this before they weather.

Answer 2

Its true that cedar shakes look great when aged to a natural color. But to get longer life out of them, get an electric power painter (Wagner or similar) and try spraying them with a good grade of water sealant. Cheap ones don't last, try Thompsons Water Seal. It wont change the color of the shakes.