Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 22, 2008 05:16pm | #1

   I think the resins are so much a part of the wood that they could never be removed.

   The aromatic parts of the resins do evaporate into the air, that's what creates the cedar smell, so mild heat and a steady air flow to sweep them away would speed the process but it would probably take months to make any difference and resins deeper in the wood will eventually surface later.

   I'm curious about why you want to remove the resins.

   John W.

1. 
   herber | Feb 22, 2008 08:25pm | #3

   firts thank you for your answer.

   the reason ist because when i have finished a furniture, very soon the resin emerge to the surface spoiling the work and again i must return to paint it.

    

1. 
   JohnWW | Feb 22, 2008 08:38pm | #4

   You have a tough problem. The oils in cedars are notorious for attacking finishes. If you are actually getting drops of resin coming through the finish there is probably no way to seal them in.A few questions, do you know what type of cedar was used and what type of finish is on the piece now?John W.

2. 
   saschafer | Feb 22, 2008 09:34pm | #5

   The different species of wood sold as "cedar" have differing amounts of the compounds that can cause problems with finishes. Eastern redcedar, Juniperus virginiana (often sold as "aromatic cedar"--the kind of cedar most often used in cedar-lined cabinets and closets) is about the worst. Western redcedar, Thuja plicata, and Atlantic white-cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides, are not nearly as bad.

   Shellac is about as good a sealant as there is, although it's still not impervious. A good coat of shellac underneath your topcoat will do a lot to help its longevity.

   -Steve

    

   Edited 2/22/2008 1:37 pm ET by saschafer

2. 
   KeithNewton | Feb 22, 2008 06:50pm | #2

   Kiln drying Eastern red-cedar will set the resin, but it also will kill the aromatic properties.

   Having said that, you may as well choose another wood.