Replies

1. 
   jskingry | Aug 31, 1999 07:30pm | #1

   *
   All,
   I am trying to determine the best finish for a cedar coffee table I am building. The top will be a single 2" thick slab of red cedar, it has a little of the white color at one edge of the table. I would like a finish that will not discolor the white or red part, something very clear and durable. Am considering poly, if so should I seal it first? Would shellac be a good finish, is superblonde a clear grade?
   Any help is appreciated.
   Jeremy

1. 
   Stephen_Shepherd | Oct 04, 1999 07:47pm | #2

   *Any finish is going to slightly darken your wood. If you get it wet with water that is the color it will turn. Cedar is soft and needs protection, the best finish is McCloskey Marine spar varnish. Do not use poly, it is soft and does not last. You can seal it with thinned spar varnish with turpentine and allowed to dry, lightly sand and finish with the varnish. The drying time is long so protect from dust.