I'm not a pro and don't have the best tools, but I love building things! I recently crafted a cedar drink table for my living room and applied a clear coat to protect it. Unfortunately, it completely altered the appearance I was aiming for, making the finish much darker than expected. Is this just how cedar behaves, or is there a better way to maintain its natural color?
3 Answers
If you're open to trying something different, I mix mineral spirits, beeswax, Danish oil, and oil-based poly. It's an awesome solution and I might even experiment with adding carnuba wax for a nice sheen!
Cedar is known to darken as it ages, especially Eastern Red Cedar and Rocky Mountain Juniper. If your table is made from Western Red Cedar, it might weather to a gray or darker shade with finishes. Just keep in mind that most woods lose their brightness due to oxidation, even when finished.
You might want to check out Arm R Seal; it's easy to apply and gives a warmer tone due to the oil content. Wiping it on is pretty foolproof too!