Finishing Cedar

[RayH]

Need some help, please.

I have used Teak and Danish Oil with good results on some walnut and mahogany. I like the warm un-glossy results:icon_thum. Now I have some left-over cedar (thanks, DaveO) I'll be using for some indoor ornaments. How will this soft wood finish out with the hardwood oils? Is there something better to get the same non-gloss luster?

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ray

 

[JackLeg]

Ray, General Exterior 450 is a great finish if you want to show the wood. It's completely clear, will not change the color of the wood, and holds up great outside. It's available in satin and semi gloss.

 

[DaveO]

Ray, Danish Oil (or a home brew of 1 : 1 : 1 ratio of MS, BLO, and Gloss Polyurethane) would be the best finish for them. You can actually dunk them in the finish and then wipe it off. You will get the same effects as you would on a hardwood. Seeing as they are going to be ornaments indoors they won't need a lot of protection, and I know that the DO will really make the grain in Western Cedar pop.
That is what I used on this BS box made with the same wood -

Dave

 

[Sweetgum]

I love Danish Oil on eastern red cedar. It will darken the "reds" a great deal though, and, if you do want a shine, it's easily obtainable with a bit of elbow grease and wax.

 

[erasmussen]

Danish oil and shellac thats what I used on this

 

[JackLeg]

Earl, that's a beauty!

 

[Trent Mason]

Wait a minute. :icon_scra That's NOT a segmented bowl! :eusa_naug What have you done with Earl? :rotflm:

 

[TracyP]

Wait a minute. :icon_scra That's NOT a segmented bowl! :eusa_naug What have you done with Earl? :rotflm:

Good one Trent:rolf:

 

[Howard Acheson]

Some cedars don't like oil based finishes. The aromatic oils react with oil based finsishes and the finish my not dry and harden. I would recommend you test your finish on some scrap and see if it dries and stays dry for a week or so.

 

[RayH]

Thanks to all for the information. It seemed to work okay on a scrap, so I'll give it a try.

OBTW. DaveO, can I borrow your model for next year's calendar contest? She is definitely a winner:wink_smil

Ray