Asked on Aug 31, 2017
Your ideas and help regarding this cedar chest will be appreciated.
+41
I just received a cedar chest that is at least 60 years old. It was covered and stored in a non-climate controlled storage facility for the past 30 years. In spite of this it is fairly good shape. It is structurally sound but has some scratches, mainly on the top of the lid. After a thorough cleaning I will use it in my home. I have not yet decided if I want to refinish it. I would prefer not to as there is some sentimental attachment to it the way it is. I like the original finish, but would like to do something about the scratches (they are not deep). At this point I need to get it cleaned and inside quickly. I normally use Murphy's Oil Soap to clean. Any suggestions on cleaning are appreciated. I have read a number of things that help with scratches but have no first hand experience. Suggestions on this are also appreciated. I remember climbing on this chest as a young child so some of the scratches I may have caused. Thank you for your assistance!
Product to by would be Scratch Cover (Medium) . Home remedies include: Mayonnaise - Vinegar - Teabag - Metal Polish..........
Murphy's oil soap is the right kind of cleaner for this project, which you have done. Now, the scratches, Old English has stain that comes in two shades. Buy the one for light furniture color, and put a few drops in the spaces where the scratches are. Put enough to cover them. Let sit for 2 hrs, then wipe off with a paper towel till the paper towel comes out clean. For scratches on the sides use a Q-tip. Pour a little on a jar cap and soak the Qtip and then fill in the scratches. Wipe with paper towel several times until the towel is clean. Good Luck!
I would sand with very fine sand paper (start @ 100 grit and finish with 300 - 400 grit) and then use "tung oil" or similar product to finish and bring out the natural glory of cedar. Cedar itself is a beautiful wood.
Mix gum turps with linseed oil 2/3 gum turps rub with the grain with cloth if it is still dirty or has vergi on it use fine pot scower if more is needed oooo steel wool don't be impatient let it dry wipe with soft dry cloth if it looks ok then spray it with Howard's bees wax oil and polish to the gloss that you want do not use anything that drys the timber it needs feeding, Cedar is beautiful but it is a soft timber
Or try Howard's Restor A Finish. http://www.howardproducts.com/faqs/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIGyIbJS8bI
I have had luck with the product.
Try wiping it down with a little denatured alcohol
April, my advise does not have to do with the refinishing of your cherished cedar chest but rather the interior of it. I took a course called "saving things" which dealt with how to clean etc, valuable items (we used a book to follow along with the classes) anyway in that class we were told NOT to use cedar chests for storing valuable items. It seems the cedar exudes something that while being a bug repellant is also harmful to fabrics.
My husband used Howard Restorafinish on our kitchen cabinets and it covered the scratches perfectly and breathed new life into them.
My Grandmother had mostly cloth items stored in her cedar chest. They are still in good condition. I'm 65 now and I'm sure a few are older than me. She always laid a blanket over the top for protection or used a pretty piece of material.
I have a similar chest that has some heat damage to it, but it was my grandmothers and like you, I have sentimental attachment to the pure look of the cedar. Don't paint it!
Restore a Finish!!! It's a FABULOUS product!!
Part of the charm of something old are the dings dents and scratches that come with it. Just like the lines on our faces, each has a story! If this were mine, I would clean it with Murphy's and then put a coat of paste wax on it. Wait 15 minutes and buff. If the top is really bad, either buy or make a cushion that fits on it. It can be removable or tack it down. Good luck?
olive oil and vinegar solution will cover the scratches and make it look like new. Look on Pinterest for directions to make the solution.
the look of "old" tends to keep those memories alive! Great minds think alike!
I have used Old English for years. It has served me well. Good luck with your new found treasure. I too, have a few passed down family pieces. I wrote a note and placed it in each one so my children would know the stories behind each piece.
Use very fine steel wool & clean with a damp cloth then stain with a light stain that matches, go over the whole top with stain when dry put a few costs of top clear coat on it. Good luck
There restorative products available at big box hardware stores and Ace Hardware that will help you bring this chest back to life. DON'T paint it.
Be careful. This looks like a cedar chest we have. If it is, it's an Art Deco, waterfall chest. Although it is solid wood, the V pattern is veneered. Ours has a few pieces which have ripped off. If yours has been improperly stored, I wouldn't recommend sanding it, even lightly. Don't over wet it with polishes either.
Ours is similar to this one:
http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/cedar-chest-upcycle-8678546
http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/chipped-veneer-art-deco-cedar-chest-restore-26528767
http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/vintage-waterfall-chest-in-linen-6918174
http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bedroom/furniture/waterfall-hopechest-18675973
Ugly Duckling Cedar Chest totally ANEW!!
Chipped Veneer Art Deco Cedar Chest Restore
Vintage Waterfall Chest in Linen
Waterfall Hopechest