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"How to" Stain/Varnish Items

How To Finish Cedar Log Furniture

Learn the Staining / Varnishing Process

Whether you're looking to personally finish your furniture or would like peace of mind knowing its been professionally finished, we've listed the steps it takes to finish your cedar log furniture piece like a professional.

Professionally Finished by Us
Save time and leave the finishing process to us when it comes to staining or varnishing cedar furniture. To have us professionally finish the product of your choice, just select a color of stain or varnish option and click the "add to cart" button.

How to Finish Cedar Furniture on Your Own
First things first,
You will have to go out and purchase a gallon of stain and varnish, which are about $35 each. Plus some rags and cleaning agents.

  1. Furniture should be completely hand sanded with some fine grit sand paper. It will take at least 30 minutes per item to sand each piece the correct amount.
  2. You need to wipe down the item so there is no residue left on it or it will make the finish rough.
  3. Making sure your room is completely dust free and ventilated very well, apply the varnish around the entire piece. (Let dry for 24 hrs)( Clean brush with solvent)
  4. After leaving it dry for 24 hrs, hand sand the entire piece again.
  5. Again wipe it down leaving no residue.
  6. Apply the 2nd layer of varnish. (Let dry for 24 hrs)(Clean brush with solvent)
  7. After leaving it dry for 24 hrs, hand sand the entire piece again.
  8. Again wipe it down leaving no residue.
  9. Apply the 3rd and final layer of varnish. (Let dry for 24 hrs)(Clean brush with solvent)
  10. This process of adding a varnish can and is not only costly, but most of all very time consuming if you are not professionally set up for it.

Varnishing Process TIME FRAME estimates for some example items:
  • Log Bed - approximately 5 hours NOT including the 3 - 24 hrs periods of drying time in between coats.
  • 6 Drawer Dresser- approximately 6 hours NOT including the 3 - 24 hrs periods of drying time in between coats.

And last but not least, let's not forget about the mess it makes and sometimes permanent ones.