Finishing Cedar

[Brian McLean]

 

Hi Everyone - I'm truley amazed at the depth of people here (love the what is your real job forum !!)

 

I just recently built a really large dresser (with my handy new Kreg of course!)  to fit in a closet for our linen. I'm lining the drawers now with Cedar and will put a piece of pine around the top of the drawer to cover the joint so urgently need to know about the finish of the cedar.....

Do I do anything but sand the cedar liner? I cannot really find any info on this and have to assume any kind of finish could either rub off on the sheets or take away from the smell.

Anyone have some advice??

 

[Thomas Adderley]

If you are using aromatic red cedar on the inside don't put a finish on it just sand smooth. Putting a finish on it will seal the cedar and diminish/eliminate the cedar smell.  Over time the smell will diminish naturally from age and polutants. To bring the smell back all you do is lightly sand to refresh the surface.  If you wish to seal it I would use a polomerized tung oil finish (tung oil mixed with varnish - formbys tung oil finins is good). I like it because it dries in about 4-6 hours and additional coats can be applied which will build the sheen to the level you desire.

[Michael Campbell]

I would do nothing to the cedar,  I do agree with Thomas as far as sanding to bring back the smell,  be sure to wear a mask when sanding cause cedar will cause a sinus infection