I have just finished an interior hall bench of red cedar;Usually would not worry about what I finished it with but I think I did a pretty good job for a beginner and don’t want to mess it up. It dents so easy I’m wondering if I should use a poly protection finish? I went to great pains to pick out all dark wood because I like the look of it so I’m really worried about screwing it up. sure would appreciate some advice with this, PS If I was to build another one I would use a harder wood.
Thanks a million, bob
Replies
Bob -
You might not agree with my approach to finishing this type of wood but, as you say, it's quite soft so - I don't think personally there is a finish that will provide the kind of protection necessary to keep it from eventually getting dents and dings. I'd be glad to be proven wrong. Thus I'd opt for a penetrating oil finish, something that would let the inevitable scratches and dents become part of the 'character' of the piece. Plus it's a lot easier to wipe on a new coat of oil from time to time to keep it looking in the best condition.
Just my opinion, as I say.
From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
Dennis
Bob,
A hard finish won't make the bench less prone to denting, the film, no matter how stiff, is way too thin to have any structural strength. What will happen is that the wood will still dent and the hard finish will separate from the wood and either flake off or form an opaque spot.
Basically if you choose a soft wood for a piece of furniture, you have to accept that it will get dinged up over time. I'd suggest just giving the bench an oil, or an oil and varnish finish like Waterlox. With these types of finishes you can lightly sand and refinish in the future if the bench gets too beat up looking.
John W.
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