Cedar Finish

[Dave Fritz]

I'm making some pillar candle holders for the family and would like to finish just the top with an oil finish. I'm afraid of capillary action wicking some of the finish down into the rough section of the cedar. Do you think that might happen and if so is there anything that can be done to stop it? Thanks for your help.

 

[Randy Anderson]

Looking at it I would just apply oil to the entire piece. Why not? It's not a surface finish so will soak in and add some tone to the entire piece. My opinion.

 

[Drew Sumrell]

If you have a scrap piece of the cedar, carefully make a cut with a sharp knife right along the dividing line between the two textures and then carefully apply your oil up to the line. The line should help curtail the wicking and also give you a nice separation of the textures.

 

[Brian Horais]

I'm making some pillar candle holders for the family and would like to finish just the top with an oil finish. I'm afraid of capillary action wicking some of the finish down into the rough section of the cedar. Do you think that might happen and if so is there anything that can be done to stop it? Thanks for your help.View attachment 42535

I agree with Randy, apply oil to the whole piece. The oil will enhance the turned section and will make the unturned section look more dramatic. Here's a piece of Cedar I turned off-center and then carved leaf-like surfaces - leaving the base area untouched. I used Watco oil on the entire turning and was happy with the look.

 

[Dave Fritz]

Thinking of using Chestnuts Yorkshire Grit and Hampshire Sheen instead of oil. Want to see the rough natural finish compared to a modified top rather an a monochrome look.