
How to Clean and Refresh Your Antique Cedar Chest?
- Step 1- Clean Cedar Chest Before the restoration process can begin, you will need to clean your antique cedar chest nicely from the inside. ...
- Step 2- Sand and Vacuum Now sand the interior of the chest gently with fine-textured sandpaper. ...
- Step 3- Use Natural Cedar Oil Inside ...
- Step 4- Refinish the Chest from Outside ...
What is the best finish to put on a cedar chest?
Lacquer is the best topcoat for cedar chest finishing. Most contemporary cabinets, trim and interior woodwork are finished with lacquer. Lacquer dries fast, lays down flat and it's durable.
How can I redo a cedar chest?
- The Gel Stain Method – This is the method I’ll show today. ...
- Strip and Refinish – Using a chemical stripper (I like Citri-Strip,) strip the finish off the piece. ...
- Sand and Refinish – If the finish is thin, with a little persistence (and a power sander) you can sand the finish and any stain off without using a chemical ...
How to reupholster a cedar chest?
How do you cover a cedar chest with fabric?
- Remove the padded seat top. The top of the chest is two pieces, the padded seat and the wood top.
- Cover the seat with fabric. Lay the seat upside down on the wrong side of the fabric and cut the fabric.
- Re-attach the seat to the top. Using a drill or screwdriver replace the 8 screws to re-attach the seat to the top.
How to make a cedar chest smell good again?
Photo Credit: Etsy
- Cedar Chest Oil – Use a lint-free cloth or clean cloth and apply a light layer to the interior of your chest.
- Cedar Essential Oils – Use a lint free or clean cloth and wipe the interior of your chest
- Dry Odor Absorber – Set inside for a few days, remove, sniff, and repeat if necessary
- Lightly Sand the Interior – Same Instructions as Step 8

How do you refresh cedar cedar chest?
11:4623:19Revive Cedar Smell | Blended Stencil Look On Lane Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want to refresh your cedar. The only thing you need to do is sand it. So i'm going in with aMoreIf you want to refresh your cedar. The only thing you need to do is sand it. So i'm going in with a 220 grit and i'm going to sand it but you need to remember to wear a mask or a respirator. Because
How can I refinish my chest?
Apply stain to the exterior of the chest, using a paintbrush. ... Repeat application of the stain if the color is too light, until you achieve the intensity of color you desire. ... Apply at least two coats of a clear sealer, such as varnish, to protect the cedar from moisture and stains.Allow the chest to dry overnight.
How do you distress an old cedar chest?
2:0310:58Whitewashed Cedar Chest | Faux Driftwood Top - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then we'll be ready for distress. I've got my random orbital sander we brought the cedar chestMoreAnd then we'll be ready for distress. I've got my random orbital sander we brought the cedar chest out into the garage I'm gonna sand that top all the way down I'm using 80 grit sandpaper.
What can you do with an old cedar chest?
18 Fantastic and Creative Ways Uses for a Cedar ChestCoffee table. Coffee tables provide the perfect spot to rest your cup of Joe while relaxing after a long day. ... Nightstand for a Bedroom. Nightstands are ever so handy! ... TV Console. ... End of the Bed. ... Entry Way. ... A Catch-all – Organization Space. ... Resilient Storage. ... Window Seat.More items...•
What do you seal a cedar chest with?
Lacquer is the best topcoat for cedar chest finishing. Most contemporary cabinets, trim and interior woodwork are finished with lacquer. Lacquer dries fast, lays down flat and it's durable. Spray it over any type of stain after it's dry.
What is an old cedar chest worth?
Generally speaking, an antique cedar chest may value, somewhere between $99 to $400. However, if you deal with rare and unique models, the price can range higher than $700. This is especially true if the cedar chest comes with the original hardwares and is in excellent condition.
Is it OK to paint a cedar chest?
Two coats of white paint can now be painted on to your Lane cedar chest with your favorite Cling On brush. Make sure to lightly sand in between coats. You can great white chalk type paint as well as glazes, stains and sealers online HERE.
Can I spray paint a cedar chest?
Not all cedar chests are cedar on the inside and out. Check to see if yours has a veneer or different type of wood on the outside. And even if yours is cedar on the outside, you can still paint it.
How do you clean an old wooden chest?
0:154:14How to Clean & Hydrate Old Wood and an Antique Art Box TourYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI also like to use microfiber cloths. Because they don't shed very much. You can use a lint-freeMoreI also like to use microfiber cloths. Because they don't shed very much. You can use a lint-free cloth as well and you want to just rub it into the wood the vinegar cleans the wood.
Can you refinish a Lane cedar chest?
Since cedar chests are often passed down as treasured family heirlooms, the finish can dull or scratch after extended use. To restore these chests to a bright, polished finish, owners can restain them with a wood finishing product.
How do you refinish a wood trunk?
Lightly sand the stained wood surfaces with steel wool. Remove all of the sanding debris and apply another coat of stain. If you put primer on the trunk, apply paint directly on top of the primer; sanding is not necessary. Refinish the trunk with as many coats as you need to reach your desired finish.
Can you paint an old cedar chest?
An old cedar chest is turned into a stunning makeover by adding some WoodUBend details and a little paint.
Step 1 - Remove Hardware and Clean Chest
Empty any contents from the cedar chest. Then, with a screwdriver, carefully remove hinges, locks, handles, and any other hardware on the outside....
Step 2 - Strip Finish
Put on a pair of rubber gloves, soak #000 steel wool in remover of choice, and use it to carefully scrub off any finish remaining on the wood. If t...
Step 3 - Use Paint Remover Wash and Smooth The Surface
After the remover completely dries, clean the surface with a paint remover wash. This prepares the wood for the finish of your choice by getting ri...
Step 4 - Stain and Protect
If you have decided to stain your cedar chest, apply one thin coat with a foam brush. Allow the stain to sit for five minutes, and then wipe off th...
Step 5 - Clean and Refinish Hardware Or Replace It
Determine whether the existing hardware is reusable. Then, strip the hardware with an appropriate stripper, using a toothbrush and #000 steel wool,...
Why do people refinish cedar chests?
However, as they move from household to household and generation to generation, cedar chests can become worn, scratched or coated in paint and other finishes. Refinishing a cedar chest brings back the natural beauty of the wood and can be accomplished in a few easy steps.
How to stain a chest?
Apply stain to the exterior of the chest, using a paintbrush. Work in sections, applying the stain first and then wiping off the excess with a soft cloth. Repeat application of the stain if the color is too light, until you achieve the intensity of color you desire. Allow the stain to dry overnight.
Why does cedar wood smell?
If your cedar chest has lost its natural scent, this may be due to dust and dirt clogging the wood’s pores. Lightly sanding the surface of the cedar chest’s interior with 200-grit sandpaper opens the pores and rejuvenates the wood’s natural oils. If the interior scent doesn’t return with sanding, rub some cedar oil into the wood with a soft cloth. This replenishes the natural oils and refreshes the scent.
How to get a soft finish off wood?
Alternatively, if there is little to no finish on the wood, proceed to the sanding. Scrape the softened finish away, using a paint scraper. Work carefully to avoid gouging the wood.
How to smooth wood finish?
Sand the wood with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and to remove any traces of finish that remain.
How to remove finish from cedar chest?
Put on a pair of rubber gloves, soak #000 steel wool in remover of choice, and use it to carefully scrub off any finish remaining on the wood. If the cedar chest was previously finished with shellac, use denatured alcohol as a remover; if it was finished with paint or lacquer, use lacquer thinner.
How to sand cedar chest?
Before re-assembling the cedar chest, gently sand the interior of the chest with 220-grit sandpaper to raise the cedar oils to the surface. Wipe with your tack cloth. Then, finish up by putting any old hardware you're reusing back into place and installing any new hardware per the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to clean wood after stripper?
After the remover completely dries, clean the surface with a paint remover wash. This prepares the wood for the finish of your choice by getting rid of all stripper residues to avoid interference with the final finish.
How long does it take for a stain to dry on a chest?
Allow the stain to sit for five minutes, and then wipe off the excess with a clean rag. Let the chest dry for the next 24 hours. Re-apply your stain in this manner until the desired color is reached.
How to clean reusable hardware?
Then, strip the hardware with an appropriate stripper, using a toothbrush and #000 steel wool, and clean the pieces with paint remover wash. Apply a protective coating and leave it to dry.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
In the day of painting furniture, I'm one of the fortunate ones that can paint or remove paint for clients. Most of my local business is primarily stripping and restorations. It's not as popular to share as painting is. But, it's always a long and tedious job while I take pride in my work and try to make the project better than asked for.
Cedar Chest Restoration
In the day of painting furniture, I'm one of the fortunate ones that can paint or remove paint for clients. Most of my local business is primarily stripping and restorations. It's not as popular to share as painting is. But, it's always a long and tedious job while I take pride in my work and try to make the project better than asked for.
How to get the smell of red cedar back?
The oil is distilled from aromatic red cedar, and if sanding is not enough to bring back the smell, the oil certainly will. Simply apply the oil to a clean cloth, and rub it over the unfinished wood. Besides bringing back the smell of fresh aromatic red cedar to an old lined chest, it will also deter insects, and it can be applied to any type ...
How to keep old chests from smelling?
They are quite aromatic, and work well to refresh the smell of an old chest. If you do not want to invest in oil, after lightly sanding and cleaning the interior, place a few blocks or discs inside. Close the lid and before long the chest will smell like new. Each time it is opened the smell of aromatic red cedar will waft through the room and keep your stored fabrics free from insects for many years to come.
What does a cedar chest smell like?
One of the best features of a cedar chest is the aroma. Newer chests have the typical cedar smell that is unmistakable, but when the chests become old they sometimes lose some of the odor that once filled the room when opened. You can refresh the aroma of an old chest in a number of easy ways.
How to get rid of the smell of cedar?
One of the least expensive and easiest ways to refresh the smell of an old cedar chest is to lightly sand the interior. Using fine-grit sandpaper, sand along the grain of the wood, and vacuum out the dust.
Can you use 100% pure cedar oil on unfinished wood?
Did you know you can buy 100% pure oil of cedar? The oil is distilled from aromatic red cedar, and if sanding is not enough to bring back the smell, the oil certainly will. Simply apply the oil to a clean cloth, and rub it over the unfinished wood. Besides bringing back the smell of fresh aromatic red cedar to an old lined chest, it will also deter insects, and it can be applied to any type of unfinished wood.
How to restore cedar wood?
The restoration process is simple. You merely have to sand the cedar wood with coarse sandpaper. Sand until the aroma returns or the wood turns red again (sunlight and air turn it brown.) Never seal cedar with anything! The only restoration liquid you should ever apply is natural cedar oil extract. It will soak into the wood and give off an intoxicating aroma!
How does cedar oil help insect larvae?
It can easily be restored. Air and sunlight work together to clog the tiny pores of the cedar. This stops the natural evaporation process of the cedar oil. It is this oil in the air that acts as a natural appetite suppressant to the insect larvae. The restoration process is simple.
Can you line a chest of drawers with cedar?
You can construct a full-size cedar closet. You can line the inside of a chest or armoire. You can even line the inside of a drawer or a complete chest of drawers.
