Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Finishing cedar

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Expert: - 5/27/2009


Question
QUESTION: I have a slab of cedar I want to use as a coffee table.  What is the best finish to maintain the color and character of the wood?

ANSWER: Hi Mike
Nice to hear from you.
Short and sweet question which I'll answer the same way LOL.
Minwax oil based fast drying poly in a satin sheen.
Regards
Eileen


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: A short follow-up, when should tung oils be used?

Answer
Hi again Mike
Tung oil is a great product. I use a lot of it.
While it could certainly be used without harm on your cedar slab table it would take an awful lot of coats to get the protection you can with 3 coats of Minwax poly.
Basically tung oils can and are used when we refinish old furniture.
Its the finish of choice for most folks because its fool proof and so easy to apply besides looking great.
The only time I recommend a poly is on table tops. Never on old furniture.
Regards
Eileen

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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

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I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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