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Cedar ceilings bring natural beauty and a warm atmosphere to any home. Since cedar is relatively soft and is prone to change in humidity, which can cause the wood to expand and contract. This can lead to warping and cracking over time.
You can avoid these problems by applying a finish to your cedar ceiling. If you want the wood to breathe, you should use the best finish for cedar ceiling which can protect the wood from denting, scratching, and staining.
It also provides a barrier against the elements, helps to prevent warping and cracking, and makes cleaning easier. We are here to share some of the top finishes for cedar ceilings that will help you achieve the perfect look for your home.
STAR BRITE Premium Golden Teak Oil
Minwax Cedar Stain
Ready Seal Exterior Finish for Cedar
Top 8 Reviews on The Best Finish for Cedar Ceiling
Cedar is a beautiful, but delicate, wood that needs to be finished properly in order to protect it from the elements and everyday wear and tear.
There are many different types of finishes that can be used on cedar, but not all of them are created equal. Here we listed the top 8 finishes for cedar ceiling to help you choose the right one for your home.
01. STAR BRITE Premium Golden Teak Oil
Are you looking for a premium oil that will help you protect and beautify your outdoor furniture? If so, look no further than Golden Teak Oil by Star Brite.
Key Features:
- Protects your cedar ceiling from fading, water, and weather damage
- Preserves the wood, giving it a beautiful golden teak color
- Contains UV absorber to help keep the wood looking its best for longer
- Ultra-refined formula yields a warm, natural color to teak wood
It is a marine grade sealer that will protect your cedar ceiling from fading, water, and weather damage. This oil will also preserve the wood, giving it a beautiful golden teak color.
If you want to protect your teak or other fine wood from the sun and weather, you need a good quality ceiling sealer. STAR BRITE ceiling sealer contains UV absorbers, as this will help keep your wood looking its best for longer.
Using this finish is easy, and it dries quickly. Moreover, it is suitable for pools, boats, and wood furniture. Its ultra-refined formula yields a warm, natural color to teak wood.
It helps to seal the wood and protects it from dirt, dust, and other debris. You need to clean the wood first to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be on the wood surface.
To apply the sealer, you can use a soft cloth, brush, or sponge. You need to apply the sealer in the direction of the wood grain so it can penetrate the wood. After you have applied the sealer, you need to wait for five minutes before wiping it with a clean cloth. This will help remove any excess sealer on the wood surface.
Pros:
- Marine grade sealer
- Easy to use
- Dries quickly
- Contains UV absorbers
Cons:
- Need to clean the wood surface
Verdict:
This top-of-the-line teak oil is perfect for those who want to give their furniture the ultimate in protection and beauty. It provides superior protection against fading, water damage, and weathering.
02. Minwax Cedar Stain
Are you looking for a durable, clear finish to protect your cedar porch ceiling? Water-Based Spar Urethane by Minwax is a great choice.
Key Features:
- Protects against fading and graying
- Offers a sleek, shiny finish
- Cleans up easily with warm water
- Protects against moisture and rain
Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane is specially formulated to save the wood surfaces against nature’s toughest conditions. Cedar stain is a unique product that contains oils that allow it to expand and contract in response to changes in temperature and seasons.
It is a water-based spar urethane that is ideal for use on a variety of surfaces, including trim, windows, doors, cabinets, bar tops, bathrooms, kitchen countertops, and outdoor furniture. It dries quickly and cleans up easily with warm water, making it a versatile and convenient option for any project
Minwax Cedar Stain is a clear gloss varnish that is designed to protect light colored woods and stains. It offers a sleek, shiny finish that gives your wood projects a modern look.
The stain contains UV blockers to help prevent fading and graying caused by the direct sunlight. Moreover, the stain protects against rain and moisture damage. It is an essential product for anyone who wants to keep their wooden furniture looking beautiful.
Pros:
- Water based stain
- Fast drying
- UV protection
- Moisture resistant
Verdict:
If you are looking for a high-quality cedar stain, this cedar stain is an excellent option. It is easy to use and provides superior protection against the elements.
03. Ready Seal Exterior Finish for Cedar
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this natural stain and sealer by Ready Seal is the perfect choice for all your exterior staining projects. It gives your wood a lovely cedar color.
Key Features:
- Doesn’t need a primer to work
- Takes 14 days to reach true color
- Requires no sanding or stripping before re-application
- Can be applied in any temperature range
It doesn’t need a primer because it’s Ready Seal. In the beginning, it looks black, but in 14 days, it’ll be its true color. The product shouldn’t be applied over freshly painted or stained wood surfaces, as sealed surfaces may make them harder to penetrate.
When looking for an easy way to seal your cedar, Ready Seal is a viable option. You can apply Ready Seal exterior finish for cedar using a sprayer, roller, or brush.
One of the most important things to remember when finishing cedar is that you don’t have to back brush. This means that there’s no need to go over the area you’ve already finished. With Ready Seal, there are no runs, laps, or streaks.
If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to finish your cedar siding, look no further than Ready Seal. This product requires no wet-line application, so you can easily apply it yourself in any temperature range. It also doesn’t require any diluting or thinning, so you can get started right away.
You can’t avoid using this stain since it doesn’t require sanding or stripping before re-application. This is the only stain that can offer you this benefit.
It is also a “goof proof” application, which means that you don’t have to be perfect when applying it. You can still achieve good results even if you’re not an experienced stainer.
Pros:
- No primer needed
- Fast drying
- Effortless application
- No Streaks
Cons:
- Can’t be used on freshly painted or stained surfaces
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to finish your cedar siding, Ready Seal is the perfect product for you. This high-quality, oil-based stain is enhanced with resins that penetrate deep into the wood to protect it from rot, mold, mildew, and UV rays.
04. Varathane Interior Cedar Wood Finish
This water-based finish by Varathane is perfect for giving your cedar wood a beautiful satin sheen. It delivers a smooth, even finish that will enhance the wood’s beauty.
Key Features:
- Provides protection from stains, scratches, and damages
- Dries to the touch in 30 minutes
- Covers up to 31.25 square feet
- Clear formula that will not yellow over time
Varathane Interior Cedar Wood Finish dries quickly and cleans up easily. It provides protection for wood surfaces indoors from stains, scratches, and other damages, such as wood trim, cabinets, and windows.
With a durable, clear formula, it resists stains and scratches well. It dries to the touch in just 30 minutes, so you can get your project done quickly.
You can cover up to 31.25 square feet, so it’s great for medium to large cedar ciding. after the first coat, wait 2 hours before applying a second coat for the best results. Plus, it has excellent clarity, so you can see the natural beauty of your wood grain.
This cedar wood finish provides a classic and natural look to interior projects like doors, windows, furniture, cabinets and trim. It offers the most effective stain and scratch protection for interior wood surfaces.
Also, it is a low odor and cleans easily with soap and water. The oil finish is crystal clear and does not yellow.
Pros:
- Water-based formula
- Dries quickly
- Easy to clean up
- Good clarity
Cons:
- Low odoor
Verdict:
The clear formula is ideal for letting the natural wood color shine through, while the satin finish gives it a subtle sheen. As a result of its easy application and durability, this product is a great choice for lasting protection.
05. Furniture Clinic Finishes for Cedar Furniture
Are you looking for oil finish to help restore the luster of your raw wood furniture? If so, you need Boiled Linseed Oil by Furniture Clinic.
Key Features:
- Suitable for all types of wood
- Protects furniture from cracks and moisture
- Suitable for concrete, terracotta tiles, and other stone items.
- Dries and hardens quickly to form a tough, hard-wearing finish
This natural oil is perfect for polishing and protecting all types of wood, including indoor and outdoor furniture. It’s easy to use and will help your furniture look its best. The size of the finish is 8.5 oz/250ml, so you can be sure to have enough for your needs.
Linseed oil is a great furniture polish because it protects the wood from cracks and seals it against moisture. It makes the wood look shiny and new again, and can revive old, dry furniture. It dries and hardens quickly, forming a tough, hard-wearing finish.
If you’re looking for a sealant that will work on all types of wood except exterior oak, then Furniture Clinic is the perfect product for you. It also makes a great furniture polish, making it suitable for concrete, terracotta tiles, and other stone items.
Furniture Clinic finishes for cedar furniture are a beautiful, subtle gloss that gives your furniture a good housekeeping seal of approval. The Good Housekeeping Institute has rigorously tested this linseed oil and found that it is an excellent choice for protecting your furniture from everyday wear and tear.
Pros:
- Subtle gloss finish
- Dries fast
- Hard-wearing
- Suitable for all types of wood
Cons:
- Not suitable for exterior oak
Verdict:
If you want your furniture to look its best, you should use Furniture Clinic linseed oil. Furniture Clinic is the perfect choice for exterior surfaces.
06. General Finishes Wood Stain for Cedar
This Wood Stain by General Finishes is a great choice for staining cedar. Cedar is a beautiful, natural wood that can be tricky to stain evenly due to its varied colors and textures.
Key Features:
- Walnut color gives your cedar a rich and even finish
- Water-based stain, so it is easy to apply and clean up
- High-quality pigments that produce rich, dark colors
- Can be applied by hand or sprayed
This stain is perfect for this, as it is a walnut color that will give your cedar a rich and even finish. It is also a water-based stain, so it is easy to apply and clean up.
With 1 quart of stain, you will have plenty to cover your project. This is a great product for anyone who wants an easy to use and beautiful wood stain for their cedar project.
When it comes to staining cedar, General Finishes has you covered. Their stain is formulated with high-quality pigments that produce rich, dark colors. You can either apply it by hand or spray it. It is your choice which method works best for you.
Unlike oil-based stains, this formula provides excellent workability, so it goes on smoothly and provides great coverage. This stain will bring out the natural beauty of your cedar, while protecting it from the elements.
You can only use this stain indoors, so make sure to keep that in mind when choosing a location for your project. General Finishes wood stain for cedar is a great choice if you are looking for a low odor, low VOC product. It is also water cleanup and noncombustible.
Pros:
- Walnut color
- Water-based
- Noncombustible
- Water cleanup
Cons:
- Can only be used indoors
Verdict:
If you are looking for a quality finish that is easy to use and provides great coverage, then water based stains is the right choice for you. This is a great product for anyone who wants an easy to use and beautiful wood stain for their cedar project.
07. Hope’s Pure Tung Oil Cedar
Are you looking for a natural wood finish and sealer that is waterproof? Look no further than Pure Tung Oil by Hope’s. This oil finish is perfect for sealing any unfinished wood.
Key Features:
- Gives a beautiful hand-rubbed finish
- Resistant to moisture, oil, alcohol, and everyday wear
- Non-toxic when dry to keep your family safe
- Ideal for food contact surfaces
Hope’s Pure tung oil cedar is an easy to use wood finish that gives a beautiful, hand-rubbed finish to all fine woods. It is made from natural oils and cures at room temperature, so there is no need for any special equipment or skills.
This Pure Tung oil Cedar finish is a unique product that differs from other finishes. Through deep penetration, it quickly cures into a non-oily solid that becomes part of the wood itself. It comes in a 32 fl oz gallon size, so you will have plenty to finish your project.
It is resistant to moisture, oil, alcohol, and everyday wear, making it a great choice for lasting beauty and protection. The durability of tung oil is higher than that of mineral oil and wax, making it a wise investment for your woodworking projects.
Basically, this Tung Oil can be used on almost any surface. It provides beautiful, durable results on new unfinished wood, stripped wood, weathered wood, countertops, concrete floors, brick, cast iron, and stone.
This tung oil is perfect for food contact surfaces as it is non-toxic when dry. It is great for butcher blocks, countertops, cutting boards, wooden utensils, and wooden bowls.
Pros:
- Cures at room temperature
- Non-oily solid
- Non-toxic
- Deep penetration
Cons:
- Takes a long time to dry
Verdict:
Hope’s Pure Tung Oil is also an excellent choice for those who are looking for a more environmentally friendly option. As it is made from natural oil, it is a renewable resource.
08. Watco Wood oil Finish
The Rust-Oleum Danish Oil by Watco is a high quality wood finish that protects and enhances the natural attributes of wood. It is easy to apply and dries quickly, providing a durable finish.
Key Features:
- Protects and enhances the appearance of wood
- Ideal for use on a variety of indoor wood surfaces
- Covers up to 170 sq ft for large projects
- Project can be completed in less than an hour
Watco danish oil is an oil-based product that is designed to preserve wood that has been stripped or sanded. It works deep within the pores of the wood to provide ultimate protection. This finish is ideal for use on a variety of indoor wood surfaces, but you should avoid using it on floors.
It is a unique product that enhances the natural look. You can touch it up by 6 hours, making it a quick and easy solution for your wood finishing needs. This product also covers up to 170 sq ft, so you can use it on a large area without worry. It comes in quart size and is available in natural finish only.
Watco wood oil finish is an easy-to-apply, fast-drying finish that protects wood against abrasion, spills, chipping, and peeling. In most cases, the project can be completed in less than an hour.
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Dries quickly
- Protects against abrasion
- Covers up to 170 sq ft
Cons:
- Not for use on floors
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a durable and long-lasting natural finish, Watco is a great option. You will love the rich, warm glow it creates that really enhances the natural look and feel of your wood.
Factors to Consider When Buying Finish for Cedar Ceiling
A cedar ceiling can be a beautiful addition to your home. It can add character and a natural look to any room. However, choosing the right finish for your cedar ceiling is important to maintain its beauty and durability.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting the best finish for your cedar ceiling:
Drying and Cure Time:
When it comes to choosing the best finish for a cedar ceiling, two important factors to consider are drying time and cure time. Drying time is the amount of time it takes for the finish to dry completely, while cure time is the amount of time it takes for the finish to reach its full hardness.
Most manufacturers will list the drying and cure time for their products on the label or in the product manual. Once you’ve determined the drying and cure time for your chosen finish, it’s important to allow ample time for the finish to dry and cure completely before putting the cedar ceiling to use.
Type of Finish:
There are various types of finishes available for cedar ceilings. Deciding what kind of finish to use on your cedar ceiling can be a tricky business. You can choose from oil-based, water-based finishes.
There are pros and cons to both oil and water based finishes, and it really depends on your personal preferences as to which is best.
Water-based Finishes:
Water-based finishes provide a durable barrier against dirt and dust, while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. They also tend to be less yellowing than oil-based finishes, making them a good option for rooms that receive a lot of natural light.
Oil based Finishes:
Oil based finishes provide a deep, rich color that enhances the natural grain of the wood. They also create a protective barrier against dirt and dust.
If you’re looking for a finish that will give your wood ceiling a beautiful, deep color, then an oil-based finish is a good option. There are different oils that can be used for this type of finish, such as tung oil or linseed oil.
Tung oil and linseed oil are two of the most popular finishes for cedar ceilings.
Tung oil:
Tung oil is derived from the nuts of the tung tree, and it has a number of benefits that make it ideal for finishing wood. For one, it penetrates deeply into the wood, providing a durable finish that is resistant to scratches and moisture. Tung oil also dries quickly, making it a good choice for busy households.
Linseed oil:
On the other hand, linseed oil is derived from flax seeds. It has a slower drying time than tung oil, but it produces a beautiful patina that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
Linseed oil is also less likely to yellow over time, making it a good choice for rooms with lots of natural light. You will also find raw linseed oil, and boiled linseed oil to be effective in this process as well.
Sheen Level:
Achieving the perfect wood sheen finish for your project can be tricky. There are so many different types of wood sheen finishes for cedar ceilings on the market, that it can be hard to know which one to choose.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of wood sheen finishes for cedar ceilings, so you can make the best choice for your project:
Satin: Satin finishes have a soft, velvety shine. They’re often used on cabinets and trim, as they’re easy to maintain and look great for years.
Semi-gloss: Semi-gloss finishes have a shiny, reflective surface. They’re often used on doors and trim, as they’re easy to clean with mineral spirits and stand up well to wear and tear.
High Gloss: Gloss finishes have a high shine and are very reflective. They’re often used on floors and furniture, as they’re easy to clean with mineral spirits.
Water Proof:
If you are planning to install a western red cedar ceiling in your home, one of the most important considerations is how waterproof the finish is. Waterproof finishes are essential for exterior surfaces, where moisture is likely to be present.
UV Rays Resistant:
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best stain or finish for your cedar ceiling. One is the level of UV resistance.
A UV resistant finish will help to protect the wood from the sun’s harmful rays and keep it looking its best for longer. So always keep this in mind when making a decision on the best finish for western red cedar ceiling.
VOCs Compliant:
VOCs compliant finishes are always a good choice for both interior and exterior projects. This is because they’re low in emissions and won’t pollute the indoor air quality of your home.
If you’re looking for the best finish for your cedar ceiling, look for one that is specifically formulated to be low in VOCs. This will ensure that your finish is safe for both you and the environment.
Odor:
When choosing a finish for a cedar ceiling, low odor is an important consideration. The strong smell of some finishes can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to impossible to remove the smell from the room once the finish has been applied.
Low odor finishes are available that will not cause these problems, and they are well worth the investment. In addition to being more pleasant to work with, low odor finishes also tend to be more durable and long lasting.
How to Finish Cedar Wood?
If you are lucky enough to have some cedar wood, you may be wondering how to best finish it. Therefore we will give you a quick rundown of the best ways to finish cedar wood.
Step 01. Celan The Surface:
The first step is to clean the cedar surface of the wood. You can do this with a brush and some soapy water. Be sure to rinse the soap off afterwards.
Step 02. Sand The Surface:
After cleaning the cedar surface, sand the wood surface. You can use a grit sanderpaper to sand lightly. Follow the grain when sanding.
Step 03. Apply A Primer (Optional):
After you have sanded the surface, you will need to apply a primer. This will help the paint to stick to the wood better.
Step 04. Apply the First Coat:
Now you are ready to apply the first coat of paint. Be sure to use a brush, paint pad, or roller specifically designed for use with latex paint. Let it dry completely. This usually takes around several hours.
Step 05. Apply The Second Coat:
You will need to apply the second coat. Again, be sure to use a brush or roller specifically designed for use with latex paint. Remove excess oil using paint thinner and mineral spirits. You have to wait to dry the finish completely.
Step 06. Apply Final Coat:
After the second coat has dried, you will need to apply the final coat of the cedar finish. This can be either a clear coat or a color coat.
Now you need to allow the final coat to dry and cure. This usually takes around 24 hours. Once it is dry and cured, you can enjoy your newly finished cedar wood.
FAQs:
Q: Can You Use Tung Oil on Cedar?
The short answer is yes. This oil is a great choice for finishing cedar furniture, as it penetrates deep into the wood and brings out its natural color. It also provides a durable and water-resistant finish that will help to protect your furniture from the elements.
Q: Can You Use Polyurethane on Cedar?
Polyurethane is a type of clear finish that can be applied to wood to protect it from scratches, stains, and water damage. It can help to prolong the life of your cedar furniture by providing a layer of protection. In addition, polyurethane can give cedar a beautiful glossy finish.
Q: How Many Coats of Boiled Linseed Oil Should You Use?
The number of coats you should use will depend on the type of wood and the desired finish. Generally speaking, 3-4 coats of boiled linseed oil will suffice. However, if you are finishing a piece of cedar furniture, you may want to use more coats to really bring out its beauty.
Q: Should I Stain Cedar Ceiling?
If you have an old cedar ceiling that has started to fade, you may want to consider staining it. This will help to refresh the color and give it a new lease on life. However, if your cedar ceiling is new, you may not need to stain it.
Conclusion:
A cedar ceiling can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it can be a pain to keep looking nice. You can keep it in good condition for a long time using the proper cedar finish.
If you follow our review, you can find out the best finish for cedar ceiling and apply it to keep your ceiling looking good as new. Our wood cedar buying guide will also give you all the information that you need to know about cedar finishes.
You will need to apply at least two coats of paint, and you may want to consider using a clear coat or stain to really make your ceiling pop. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.