How to Redo Cedar Furniture
Rustic cedar deck and patio furniture provides comfort and functionality to your back yard setting. Cedar is a durable wood that will hold up to moisture and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. Penetrating oil-based wood stain/sealer is often used or recommended by manufacturers of cedar furniture. Over time, the stain and sealer will fade and its water and UV resistance will become compromised. Clean the furniture and allow it to dry before applying a fresh coat of stain and sealer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood cleaner
- Nylon scrub brush
- Oil-based wood stain and sealer combination
- 2 Natural bristle paintbrushes
Instructions
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Preparing Furniture
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1
Mix a solution of wood cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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2
Wet the furniture with water, then apply the wood cleaning solution to the wet wood. Allow the cleaner to sit on the wood for 15 to 30 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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3
Scrub the furniture down vigorously with a nylon scrub brush.
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4
Rinse the furniture thoroughly with water. Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.
Applying New Finish
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5
Apply a single coat of penetrating oil-based wood stain and sealer to the furniture using a natural bristle paintbrush. Apply as much stain as the wood will absorb. Maintain a wet edge as you work in the direction of the furniture's wood grain.
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6
Allow the stain to soak into the wood for about 15 minutes.
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7
Go back over the furniture with a dry paintbrush and remove any excess product that has not completely penetrated into the surface of the wood.
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8
Let the stain dry for at least 24 hours. Then rub the furniture down with a dry rag to remove any residual stain sitting atop the wood.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The UV protection in stain is derived from the pigments in the product. For longer lasting protection, select a darker stain.
If the furniture darkens after cleaning, use a wood brightener containing oxalic acid to return the wood to its natural color and luster.
Wood cleaner contains chemicals that can be harmful to skin and eyes. Wear protective clothing including goggles and long sleeves.
Be careful when disposing of rags used to clean or apply oil-based stain. Some of the natural oils used in wood stain can spontaneously combust. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding proper rag disposal.
