Cleaning and Refinishing Cedar

[Wood Gnome]

I have a cedar chest that belonged to my grandmother. During a recent fire it suffered substantial smoke damage. What is the best way to clean and, possibly, refinish cedar? Are there any special tips anyone has? The finish has been blacked from smoke but the piece suffered no actual fire damage.

 

[woodywoodpecker]

Wow, that's a tough question. A good airing is the first order of business, somewhere it's out of the weather. Then I'd start stripping the old finish. You know you're going to have to do some sanding too. But that depends on how badly it is smoked. Good luck and with a little hard work, I'm sure you'll have it back to it's former glory in no time.

 

[oldnamvet]

If the finish has been affected by the smoke, you would have to refinish it. A professional may be needed depending on the finish. Cedar chests should not be finished on the inside if you want the protective odor of cedar for the contents. If you have lost it, a sanding of the inside would be needed to bring back the odor of cedar.

 

[angelicwriter]

Before you refinish it I would do a really thorough cleaning with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water or Murphy's Oil Soap. It has been known to work wonders for wooden furniture that's been in a fire.

 

[Taggart]

Good luck with the project. This probably doesn't affect how you restore it, but I was wondering if it's solid cedar or is it made with veneer?

 

[heretoday]

Yes, I've heard some great stuff about Murphy's when it is mixed with white vinegar, it sounds as though it can do just about everything but cook dinner!