- Dust your Lane cedar chest on a regular basis with a soft, lint-free cloth to help keep the finish clean.
- Remove any wax build-up on a Lane cedar chest.
- Rub paste wax on the exterior finish of your Lane cedar chest with a soft cloth, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain to add a high-gloss shine.
Similarly, how do you care for a cedar chest?
- Vacuum the inside of the cedar chest using the hose with a long, angled attachment with a narrow opening.
- Mix a solution of 3 tablespoons liquid chlorine bleach to 1 cup water.
- Rinse the cleaning cloth with water and wring it out.
- Wipe the inside of the chest with the cloth.
Likewise, how much are cedar chests worth? Online auction sites, antique shops and secondhand stores often sell Lane cedar chests — based on their age, condition or rarity — starting at $99 and as high as $700 or more for older chests. But most chests, on average, are valued between $200 and $400.
Additionally, how do you renew a cedar chest?
As Carol said, the best way to renew the scent of the cedar is to sand it lightly with fine sandpaper. Sometimes the chest can have a musty smell. For that, sprinkle generously with baking soda and fill the chest with crumpled newspaper. Leave it for a few day.
What can be stored in a cedar chest?
Cedar chests are used to store everyday items such as blankets, sheets and clothing at the change of seasons. Photographs and other memorabilia can also be stored safely in a cedar chest.
Related Question Answers
Why are chests made of cedar?
Cedar chests sometimes are made from a different wood on the outside, but lined with cedar. Cedar is a preferred wood for storage because it repels insects and fungi, and has a fresh aromatic scent.
How do you deodorize a cedar chest?
How to Get Bad Odors Out of a Cedar Chest
- Remove all contents from the cedar chest.
- Sand the interior wood with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Wipe the inside to remove all dust left from the sanding.
- Place an open box of baking soda inside the chest and close the lid for 48 hours.
- Open the lid and smell for any remaining odor.
How do you clean an outside cedar chest?
Clean the outside of your old cedar chest with mild soap and water. Wring out the cloth until almost dry and wipe the surface, corners and crevices. For small corners or decorative details, use a cotton swab. Wipe the exterior of your cedar chest a second time with mineral spirits if the surface is particularly dirty.
How do you refresh cedar?
How to Refresh Cedar Blocks
- Sand all six sides of the cedar block lightly with 120-grit sandpaper to cut the wood's pores and expose new oil pockets.
- Continue lightly sanding the cedar block until each side turns red, indicating fresh cedar oil.
- Wipe the entire cedar block with a wet cloth.
How long do cedar chips last?
Exodust Cedar wood shavings used in pet beds (not as “bedding” for small, caged pets) will last 2-3 months and can be refreshed by occasionally adding more.
How do you date a Lane cedar chest?
Usually Lane cedar chests have serial numbers that are stamped or applied to the bottom of the chests. You can read the serial number BACKWARDS to determine the production date. For example: serial number 753150 would have been produced on 05/13/57.
What is the best finish for a cedar chest?
Lacquer is the best topcoat for cedar chest finishing. Most contemporary cabinets, trim and interior woodwork are finished with lacquer. Lacquer dries fast, lays down flat and it's durable. Spray it over any type of stain after it's dry.
What is a good finish for cedar?
Cedar accepts most finishes well, including penetrating oils, such as tung oil and linseed oil. Penetrating oils are especially effective for sealing the grain while leaving the wood looking raw and natural.
Should I varnish cedar?
Latex stains do not penetrate the surface and are not as durable. Caution: Transparent, non-flexible, film-forming finishes such as lacquer, shellac, urethane, and varnish are not recommended for exterior use on cedar. Ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the transparent film and degrade the wood.
How good is tung oil?
Among natural finishes, tung oil—an extract from tung-tree nuts—surpasses shellac and linseed oil in hardness, durability, and water resistance. It's also food-safe, once cured. Pure tung oil takes two to three days to harden, and needs at least five coats.
How do you stain cedar?
Open the can of stain and mix thoroughly with a stir stick, scraping along the bottom to ensure the color is mixed thoroughly. Dip the natural bristle brush or a staining rag into the stain and apply the color to the wood. Brush or rub on the stain, following the grain of the wood.
Can tung oil be used outside?
While tung oil can be excellent to waterproof the wood, the best form of protective finish you can use is our new Outdoor Defense Oil. Made from Pure tung oil, pine oil, and zinc, it offers natural and non-toxic weather protection. Apply to the wood coat after coat till the wood is full .
How do you restore an old wooden chest?
How to Refinish a Wood Chest
- 1 Clean the Chest Up. Place the chest on a work surface at about waist height.
- 2 Remove the Hardware. Use a screwdriver to remove hinges and latches.
- 3 Repair Cracks + Splinters.
- 4 Fill Dents + Scratches.
- 5 Sand the Chest.
- 6 Nooks + Crannies.
- 7 Final Sanding.
- 8 Wipe On, Wipe Off.
How do you sand and stain a cedar chest?
Sand the exterior of the cedar chest with 200-grit sandpaper and a sanding block. Sand in the direction of the wood grain to create a smooth, even surface. If you have to remove old stain from the chest, you may need to start with a 120-grit sandpaper and then follow it with 200-grit.
How do you remove water stains from a cedar chest?
If the water stains are white, make a paste of common baking soda and water and use a damp sponge to rub out the marks. If the stains are black, you'll have to strip the top and bleach the stains out – use oxalic acid for this (available at most paint stores and home centers.)
How do you make cedar smell stronger?
Apply a few drops of natural cedar oil to a clean cloth and rub the wood to enhance the natural aroma even more.
Are Lane cedar chests still made?
The last Lane cedar chest to be manufactured in the United States rolled off the production line in the summer of 2001, and the plant closed for good.
What does a cedar chest look like?
Appearance – Rather than serve as a boring storage area, a cedar chest offers a distinct, beautiful look that could easily become the highlight of your room. Its rich reddish-brown color, heavy grain, and knots makes each wood furniture piece look unique.