Finishing Cedar

[bmuir]

Note: I think I posted this in the wrong place (finished projects). Sorry.

I am finishing up a nine-pot plant stand for a friend's wedding anniversary. It's made from cedar and will be kept outside through Michigan winters.
Should I apply a finish to the cedar? If so, what kind?
Or, should I noy apply any finish and let it turn gray?
Any hints on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Bill

[RayintheUK]

If you want it to retain its natural color for longer, then an oil-based finish is probably the way to go, as it won't be prone to flaking or chipping as some of the "harder" finishes will be. Some Danish oil variants have a degree of UV protection built in now, so you might want to look for those.

I'm assuming that this is Western Red Cedar - apply the oil with a rag, be fairly generous. Wait about 15 - 20 minutes, then wipe off any excess. The more you repeat the process, the deeper the sheen (and slightly deeper the color, too).

Repeat with a single coat, annually. If not treated again after the initial application (i.e., by your friends), the wood will still turn gray eventually, it'll just take a bit longer. HTH

Ray.

[linear]

I use Penofin and it is awesome.

[JR]

Here is the rotten truth about wooden outdoor furniture. It takes work to keep it looking good.

Even if you go the "graceful aging to grey" route, you'll need to sand it periodically as the grain raises due to exposure. Then you've got a partially-freshly-sanded item that needs to re-age.

If you go Ray's oiled route, you've got to sand it and re-oil at least once a year. It's not difficult, but if you're picky it can be maddening, because it will eventually be less than perfect, as your patience with that chore ebbs.

I've tried UV poly urethane on redwood, with decidedly mixed results. My hope was to get a permanent new-look finish. It just didn't hold on some parts of the bench and I find myself refinishing once a year. I don't know that it's any more or less difficult than refinishing danish oil, but it's still a fair amount of work.

Fine Woodworking recommends an epoxy primer, with marine-grade poly topcoat for a permanent look. I haven't tried it yet, but I imangine it would work reasonbly well.

Or you can paint. I haven't tried this on any nice furniture, but I have a pair of cheap adirondack chairs that want to be painted every year. Now that is a PITA!

So there it is. If your outdoor projects need to look good, it's going to take work. Personally, every Spring I set up a refinishing station outside my garage. I lay down a big tarp, get out the jitterbug sander, give everthing the onceover (dining set, patio cart, two benches, whatever LOML wants - screw those Adirondack chairs!), oil 'em up liberally, and put 'em back in service. It takes about a week of evenings.

Oh, yeah, back to your project. Throw some oil on it. It will look great and your friends can decide the maintenance level they prefer.

YMMV.

JR

[cabinetman]

Try a good teak oil. look for a good brand like Watco or equiv. There is also a teak oil sealer that can be used in conjunction.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[Ken Weaver]

I got lazy and put deck sealer on the Adirondacks when I do the deck every other year or so. Does fine for outside.

[MilDoc]

I used General Finishes Outdoor Oil on my red cedar planter and was very pleased - really brought out the red! But it will have to be redone at least yearly.