[Craig315]

Hi Guys,
Im a novice furniture maker I just finished my first red cedar chest an was wondering if I should finish the outside or leave alone. The chest will be used for linens and be inside...If anyone can help me please do...Thanks... I put some pics of my project if I do decide to finish the outside what should I use?

 

[Steve Neul]

I would finish the exterior and leave the interior unfinished.

 

[GeorgeC]

I am a fan of leaving cedar unfinished: inside or outside. However, I think how the chest looks is a personal choice.

George

 

[wood_chucker]

I too would finish the outside. Some blo really makes the contrast between the heart and sapwood pop.

 

[Brian T.]

I have been carving western red cedar for 10+ years.
Some carvings are fully or partly painted.
If I see really interesting grain & color, I'm using 3-4 coats of
MinWax Tung Oil Finish, about a week apart. Quite satisfied.

 

[neater cedar]

Craig i have been coating cedar for years and i would leave the inside untouched and i would use spar-varnish for the outside. i use a hv lp sprayer and i put about a table spoon of mineral spirit in it when i shoot it and coat after coat it comes out beautiful . in between coats after its dry i willl buff it down with 000 steel wool and re shoot it and the coating gets that great luster look. hope this helps
neater cedar:smile: