Interior Cedar

• 1). Scrub the inside of the closet or chest with a damp rag to remove all surface dirt, and allow it to dry completely.
  
  
• 2). Apply a commercial paint stripper to remove paints and stains. Following the manufacturer's instructions (which are generally included), apply the chemicals with a brush, allow it to sit for two to four hours, scrape off the stripper and old paint with a paint scraper, and wipe the surface with a wet rag. Allow the cedar to dry completely.
  
  
• 3). Sand the cedar surface, rubbing in a back and forth motion by hand or with a belt sander using fine-grit sandpaper, following the grain of the wood. Immediately follow with an extra-fine-grit sandpaper sanding.
  
  
• 4). Wipe the surface with a tack cloth to pick up sawdust.
  
  

Exterior Cedar

• 1). Apply paint stripper to the surface of the cedar using a brush to remove old paint and stains. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. Scrape away old paint and stain, and rinse thoroughly with plain water.
  
  
• 2). Wash siding, decking or outdoor furniture with a commercial cedar cleaner or oxygenated bleach. Apply the cleaner with a long-handled brush or broom, scrubbing lightly, allow the cleaner to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with plain water. These cleansers remove stains, brighten and restore color to cedar. Do not use chlorine bleach, as it will permanently discolor the cedar.
  
  
• 3). Allow the cedar to dry thoroughly.
  
  
• 4). Apply two coats of water repellent oil stain made especially for cedar surfaces, with a paint roller or paintbrush. Allow each coat to dry completely between applications, generally four to six hours.