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To protect its natural luster or add a touch of colour to a project, proper steps should be taken to finish and subsequently maintain the beauty and performance of Western Red Cedar. |
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Interior Wood Requires Less Protection
Cedar used in the interior requires less protection than exterior siding, trim and decks, consequently a much wider range of finishes, including many not recommended for outdoor applications, may be used. Conversely, not all finishes acceptable for exterior use can be used inside. The finishes' suitability for interior use should be verified with the manufacturer.
In most interiors, cedar needs nothing more than protection against abrasion and stains from water and other liquids that may be splashed on the surface and absorbed by the new wood. Finishes also provide an easily cleanable surface as well as modifying cedar's color to complement a decorative theme.
The rich beauty of cedar's natural colors can be enhanced or modified by applying any of a number of commercial finishes. If cedar is left in its natural state, some darkening of the wood can be expected as it ages and the color variation will become less pronounced. Application of transparent finishes
will a lso darken cedar to some degree but they form a protective surface that is easier to maintain.
Bleached
Bleached finishes result in a sunbleached driftwood look. It can be achieved with commercially available bleaching agents. After bleaching, the cedar can be left in its natural state or given a coat of clear sealer.
RIGHT: A whitewood effect can be achieved with commercially available bleaching agents or by applying a tinting medium then quickly wiping off. |
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Clear wax
Clear wax is a finish option for smooth cedar. Few finishes bring out the inner luster of cedar so well. There are also unpigmented liquid waxes on the market which incorporate a penetrating vehicle.
RIGHT: The rich beauty of cedar's heartwood and sapwood tones can be protected and enhanced by a coating of clear wax.
Clear Plastics
Clear plastics are a new generation of non-yellowing polyester and are available in flat (matte), satin (semi-gloss) and gloss finishes from a number of manufacturers. When choosing a brand it is important to specify a non-yellowing formula unless an amber tint to the cedar is preferred. High-gloss polyurethanes provide the most durable finish but the highly-reflective surface may be objectionable to some. These products are not suitable for exterior use.
Danish Oil
Danish oil tends to darken wood more than sealants. It is easily applied with a brush to textured cedar or smooth cedar.
Clear Lacquer
Clear lacquer can be used for smooth surfaces. It is an unobtrusive finish which helps to retain much of cedar's natural beauty. It is not recommended, however, for kitchens and bathrooms or areas which will require more than a light dusting.
Because of their fast drying characteristics, some lacquers are best when applied with an air-less sprayer rather than brush. For best results two or more coats are recommended, sanded with the grain between applications. For optimum surface durability, the first coat may be of high gloss lacquer followed by one or two coats of matte or satin lacquer. On smooth cedar, a final coat of wax will impart a rich sheen to the wood.
Clear Varnish
Clear varnish is recommended only for smooth surfaces. It will inevitably add a richer, darker tone to cedar. Two coats applied by brush are acceptable for most areas but additional coats should be added for kitchen and bathroom use. The surface will be slightly brittle and may show scratches but these can be touched up with a tinted wax. Varnish-finished surfaces can be scrubbed, cleaned with soapy water, or wiped with thinners.
Varnish Stains
Varnish stains are varnishes to which color pigment has been added. Although more difficult to apply than wax stains, they are available in a broad choice of tones and tints. |
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