Return to the Woodworking Forum | Post a Follow-Up

o
How to finish cedar so it ages naturally but without raised grain

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings
Posted by roguepetunia (My Page) on
Sun, May 6, 12 at 22:24

I have brand new clear red cedar Adirondack chairs. I do want them to naturally age to that beautiful silvery/grey color, but I have heard that if let entirely unfinished the grain will become raised and rough.

I heard that using a clear sealer like thompson's water seal would let the color age to grey WITHOUT the grain becoming raised.

Any have experience with this? is that an accurate statement?

My goal is for the chairs to age to a silvery/grey but not have rough, raised grain... how can this be achieved?

thanks so much!

Follow-Up Postings:

o
RE: How to finish cedar so it ages naturally but without raised g

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

Any finish which can stop grain-raising will also prevent weathering somewhat. The weathering when it occurs will be spotty and uneven until the application has worn off, which will also mean the protection is gone.
Perhaps paint/stain them gray, or let them go natural.
Any really rough spots can be fixed with a small sanding sponge...
Casey

o
RE: How to finish cedar so it ages naturally but without raised g

clip this post email this post what is this?
see most clipped and recent clippings

I have an idea, but feel free to shoot it down. I'm looking into aging some pine, myself.

I've read that if you spray cedar with baking soda and water, it'll gray it quickly. Perhaps you could do that, then put your sealer on it?

o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!

Return to the Woodworking Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.