Trying to Refinish a cedar chest, please help?

Question

I just bough this old cedar chest at the thrift store for 20 bucks, and I would love to refinish it but I do not want to harm it at all. It has no metal strapping or anything on it, I it constructed of pure cedar that is about 1/2 thick, the interior is in perfect shape but the lid and sides need some real help. The outside has some type of finish on it. Does anyone know where I could start with this
Thanks

Answer 1

With all due respect, and in agreement with number one; some greater details would help us. Actually AGE might matter.

You don't strictly state the manner of it's construction, and in stating no metal strapping or anything; I have to wonder about a Top/Lid, and how it might be attached? OR NOT?

Sad that it has a finish; although the intent originally was for the CEDAR to be most effective INSIDE the chest. Most "HOPE" chests/Blanket chest were "LINED" with cedar veneer, OR were OVER lined on the exterior with other species; some most intricately carved.

You also don't mention detail about the "condition" and whether or not the exterior is beautifully grained/ Red/ etc.

I also agree with answer one in the suggestion of chemicals being a last resort, but without details of any damage or degradation; Or suspected/assumed finish; it's difficult to advise more than careful; tedious; sanding; gently.

If you can define "Real Help" it would help us; advise you more appropriately.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

If the chest has no detail on it , hand stripping & light sanding ( if you must) is OK on exterior.
Most likely a shellac finish, & can be tested w/ denatured alcohol.
If it gets tacky ...its shellac.
Best to keep it simple.
Probably the easiest thing to refinish with ,if built up in several thin coats w/ light rubbing in betwen w/ bronze wool.
Easier to touch up than most finishes.
Finish off w/ pastewax.
For DIY, spraycans are just fine but it can be brushed & rolled on w/ a fine roller.
If you decide on shellac ,there is "white" & "orange" .
Both dry transparent , but the orange gives a little warmer tone.
Another easy way to go if the finish is intact,is to use a Formby's restorer kit.
It cleans & reduces the old finish & is less messy overall
It will give a softer "antiquey" look if that is what you like.
About $20 for everything either way
Leave the inside bare & sand lightly to release the cedar essence if it has lost its scent.
"Rescued" a number of cedar chests when I had my shop .
$20 is a good deal on a solid cedar chest.
Best regards

Answer 3

Cavalier Cedar Chest

Answer 4

I just refinished a Cavalier cedar chest that I found in a neighbors garbage, The top was badly scratched and had water stains. I used a thick remover so it wouldn't loosen the veneer. The original finish was a shellac. I used 2 coats of remover and scraped with a plastic scrapper then sanded with 120 grit sandpaper. Wipe with mineral spirits to remove all dust then put on your finish. I used polyurethane. Sand with 220 sandpaper between coats and also wipe with a tack cloth. I used 3 finish coats and my cedar chest came out looking like a new one. Good luck!

Answer 5

i would use a liquid wood stripper such as kutzit wearing good rubber gloves and excellent ventilation or do this outdoors use fine steel wool and the liquid go with the grain of the wood . i pour the liquid into a plastic bucket and keep dipping the steel wool as you need it using small amounts at a time you can control the gunk . use old rags and wipe it as you go . it will take alot of rags but keep doing this . when your liquid gets thick or really dirty replace it and keep going over until your wood is clean. after it is completely clean let it dry if you then have scratches in your wood you can sand it by hand with a sanding sponge or a small electric sander with fine sandpaper . again stay with the grain of the wood . tape off and protect the inside so your liquid does not harm it . you will have to be careful. take your time and work on it steady. this will work and be beautiful when you finish it . when you are done sanding try wetting the wood first in a small area to get an idea of what your wood will look like with just a clear varnish. if you like that you can then apply several thin coats of a clear varnish if not apply a penetrating stain you can check a stain chart for the color you want . let it dry really good between coats and lightly sand between coats. most cedar has enough color in it so you don't need stain. be careful and good luck

Answer 6

1st...I would research and see if the chest is worth anything as an antique before I touched it.....other than that I would go with,,,, DIY doc....I've been looking at allot of his answers...he knows his stuff......

Answer 7

Hope this helps!