+- Woodnet Forums (https://forums.woodnet.net)
+-- Thread: Cedar Chest (/showthread.php?tid=7326100)
Cedar Chest - tuneswoodshop - 12-10-2016
Hello Fellow Woodnetters,
I searched the forum and haven't really found the answer I am looking for.
I am building a solid aromatic cedar quilt display chest and looking for recommendations for a finish. My original plan was using min wax tung oil finish for the outside and leaving the inside bare. Just curious what your guys thoughts are for a finish. Thanks
RE: Cedar Chest - Herb G - 12-10-2016
Every cedar chest I ever saw had either shellac or varnish on the exterior as a finish.
I don't think I'd use oil of any kind. It might react with the oils in the wood.
I remember seeing one chest that someone oiled & it turned to gummy sludge.
I can't remember what kind of oil it was though.
Leave the interior unfinished.
RE: Cedar Chest - MikeBob - 12-10-2016
(12-10-2016, 08:29 PM)tuneswoodshop Wrote: Hello Fellow Woodnetters,
I searched the forum and haven't really found the answer I am looking for.
I am building a solid aromatic cedar quilt display chest and looking for recommendations for a finish. My original plan was using min wax tung oil finish for the outside and leaving the inside bare. Just curious what your guys thoughts are for a finish. Thanks
Obviously leave the inside bare. Out side what ever you want and like working with.
RE: Cedar Chest - fredhargis - 12-11-2016
Min wax "Tung Oil Finish" is actually just a very thin (really very thin) varnish. It will work fine if it otherwise meets your criteria. if you;re interested in more info on that finish, check this out. You might wnat to wipe it down with a solvent just before applying the finish in case there are any oils present on the surface. (I've never finished aromatic cedar, just suggesting a cautious approach).
RE: Cedar Chest - MsNomer - 12-11-2016
I'm guessing this piece would be cherished for a long time. Use shellac which can so easily be spiffed up as needed.
RE: Cedar Chest - cputnam - 12-11-2016
Shellac on the outside, bare inside. I would leave shellac as the top coat because any dings get repaired by adding shellac. If you have to, you can topcoat over the shellac with pretty much anything.
RE: Cedar Chest - tuneswoodshop - 12-12-2016
Thanks for the input. I am gonna give shellac a try. How long is the shelf life of shellac after I dissolve the shellac flakes in DNA?
RE: Cedar Chest - fredhargis - 12-12-2016
You can safely figure on 6 months, though I've had some last much longer. If in doubt, try a drop on a piece of glass and see if it dries....if so, it's good.