How To Refinish An Old Cedar Chest

What You Need

Refinishing an old cedar chest is a great way to bring back its original beauty and charm. To make sure you have everything you need to get the job done, here is a list of supplies and tools you should have on hand:

Cedar Chest
Sandpaper
Stain
Sealant
Paintbrush
Rags
Protective gloves
Protective goggles
Workbench
Vacuum

Preparing the Chest

Before you begin the refinishing process, you need to make sure the cedar chest is completely clean. Begin by wiping it down with a damp cloth. If there are any areas that are particularly dirty or stained, use a mild detergent and warm water to remove them. Once you have finished wiping down the chest, let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Next, use sandpaper to sand down any rough spots. This will help to smooth out the surface and remove any existing finishes. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles to protect your eyes and skin from the dust created by the sandpaper.

After you have finished sanding, use a vacuum to remove all of the dust from the chest. This will help to ensure that the finish applied in the next step adheres properly.

Applying the Stain

Now that the cedar chest is clean and prepared, you can begin to apply the stain. Begin by stirring the stain to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed properly. Then, use a paintbrush to apply an even coat of stain to the chest. Be sure to use long, even strokes to ensure an even finish.

Once the entire chest is covered with a thin coat of stain, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping off any excess stain with a rag. Let the chest dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Applying the Sealant

The sealant will help to protect the chest from moisture and keep the stain from fading over time. Begin by stirring the sealant to make sure all of the ingredients are mixed properly. Then, use a paintbrush to apply an even coat of sealant to the chest. Be sure to use long, even strokes to ensure an even finish.

Once the entire chest is covered with a thin coat of sealant, let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping off any excess sealant with a rag. Let the chest dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Finishing Up

Once the chest has had time to dry, you can move it back to its original location or store it away for future use. To keep the chest looking its best, be sure to wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Refinishing an old cedar chest is a great way to bring back its original beauty and charm. With a little patience and the right supplies, you can make an old cedar chest look as good as new. Good luck!