Finishing cedar

[Trka2002]

I have been making a lot of my projects out of cedar because I came across a stock pile of it that will last me a very long time. The problem I have is with the finishing. I've been using a spray polyurethane but it takes a lot because it just soaks in, especially the end grain. I was wondering, for those who use cedar, what you use for a finish?

[NC Scroller]

Try sanding sealer.  It is a brush on product.  Many companies make it.  You can get it in Lowes, Home Depot and even Walmart.

[Falcon]

I agree with Scott and I think there is a 2 hour window after you put the sanding sealer on to put your finish over it.

[lawson56]

Yea,about that long,works great.though it's been awhile since I used it.

[WayneMahler]

I agree fully on the sealer. Works great on pine and poplar too. Keeps things from getting blotchy. I normally let mine set over night which means it is the last thing I do in my shop before closing up for the day. If you use a water based product gently wet it down first then lightly sand it when dry, this will eliminate the little raised pieces and give you a smoother finish. 

[Dan]

I use BLO/mineral spirit (50/50) on cedar. You can dip, wipe or brush it on. The first coat or two really soak in but additional coats will provide a nice, low luster finish. 

[Trka2002]

Thanks for the advice. I tryed it and it did make a big difference. 

[hawkeye10]

On 6/25/2017 at 7:58 PM, Falcon said:

I agree with Scott and I think there is a 2 hour window after you put the sanding sealer on to put your finish over it.

Jerry I didn't know about the 2 hour window. More than likely I didn't read the instructions. I can't believe that.  

[Jim Finn]

I work mostly in  cedar.  I slop on a coat of shellac (lacquer also works) as a sealer.  let it dry a few hours and sand it  with 180 grit, tack cloth it and apply two  or three coats of wipe on poly.