Am working on two projects; one a cedar bench; the other a small shelf made from a Sequia root. The question is about how to clean and prepare the wood. The backrest of the cedar bench is from a cedar timber that shows the characteristics of the presence of capenter ants when the tree was timbered. The Sequia root after cutting the shape of the shelf has the outer bark in areas. Both wood pieces I would like to keep these characteristics, but have not a clue on what to clean them with without damaging the character of the wood. So before I finish them what is the best way to prepare them?
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Replies
Use an air compressor and blow off all the dust and debris, which will interfere with a finish. Other than that, you probably just want to let it be. Sandpaper is only going to scuff up the natural surface and make it look unnatural or rounded over.
I've heard of some people sand-blasting the surface to remove the top layer, but that's pretty intense and requires a sandblaster. (kind of like getting a facial to remove the top layer of dead skin, as my wife sometimes likes to do).
- Matt
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