[newcarver]

Need advice/suggestions on how to finish my first red cedar walking stick.
I have stripped the bark and now need to sand it and finish.
What is the best coating to use that will maintain the natural beauty of this wood.

Any help appreciate by this carving newbie........

Pete in SC..

[squbrigg]

I find a mix works best for mine. 50% Boiled Linseed Oil, 25% Turpentine, 25% Gloss Spar Varnish, flood the stick with the mixture and wipe off excess with a rag, let stand till dry, and hour later, do it again. Next day do it again. Apply any time you need to in the same fashion.

Dispose of rags carefully, or they will combust.

Bob

[GeorgiaCarver]

Bob's ideas are good (I will have to try that Bob). With Cedar I like to bring out the color as well... I use Watco finish, natural. I will put 4-5 coats on over a 5 day period of time allowing time for each coat to dry. As with Bob's recommendation whenever the finish starts to need some work just apply another coat.

Greg