How to refinish cedar chest

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/finish-ideas-cedar-chests-91957.html

Sand to take away the shine. TheN You can paint it any color you want. You can leave it like that or you can shabby it with sandpaper. Another idea is to antique it by painting first, then painting or gel stain. A little are a t a time, then quickly wipe of with a rag. An old t-shirt it the best. A more labor intensive way is sand all the existing finish off, then stain the color of your choice. Then seal with a water based wood finish.

Clean it thoroughly. Lightly sand off any bumps or knicks. Paint with chalk paint and apply contrasting wax when done. Be careful to not get any paint on the cedar boards, as painting them will take away their purpose.

Family heirloom? Had it appraised? If you plan on keeping it, I'd hand sand it with 600 grit paper in the direction of the grain. Leave the interior as is. You can use wipe on gel stain with a rag and then seal it with wipe on polyurethane (which is oil based) for a wonderful finish in either satin or gloss. I prefer the beauty of the wood, but you can paint it and then use wipe on polyurethane. Lane made solid, excellent quality chests what are hard to find now. My mom is 88 and still has hers. Best of luck.

Sand it down and Wax

I'll share with you something I learned in a class about taking care of things. Cedar chests are not good for storing woolen things. I think the book was called "taking care of things" and it is full of advice.

Lane cedar chests in good condition are in demand. Id check with an antique appraiser first before I did anything to the chest.

Sand it down and I would use Mix Wax on it.

If it old it has good do not spoil it by painting it. NO WAY