A coworker asked me to make him a small box to hold the ashes of his father. He provided me the cedar to make the box. What would be a reccomendation for finishing the project since I have not worked with cedar before? Are there any problems to be encountered with any residual oils in the wood ?
We get to soon oldt und to late schmart
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The natural oils in cedar (especially in aromatic cedar) really can present a problem if you're using an oil or water based finish. The natural oils will eventually lift and peel the finish off the wood.
The best finish is a film finish. Shellac is it. It's easy to apply, can go on relatively clear (depending on the type of shellac), and is easily maintained over the years. Whether brushed or padded, shellac will be the best choice for the project.
Hope that helps. Post photos when you're finished!
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