Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/10/2008

Question
we are restoring this chest which was in bad shape and not sure what to put on the cedar after we sand it.

Answer
Hi Ralph
Nice to hear from you.
The outside of this chest is cedar..correct?
So if the outside is cedar then the chest is made of solid cedar boards..correct?
Keep in mind that old cedar is funny stuff when it comes to a finish.
You are going to get grain areas that are shinier than other areas, but thats just the way cedar is.
I always advise a stain before the finish.
Even if you want the wood with no color other than what it is, I still use a stain. Minwax Natural color stain.
This stain is clear but it penetrates and helps seal the wood.
Then I would use an oil finish. Tung oil is my preferance.
Both are applied with a rag.
You can check how the natural color is going to suit you by simply wetting the wood (spit on your finger). Thats the color it will be when finished.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen