- 1). Prepare your wood for the stain. Clean it with a mild detergent and a stiff wire brush. Rinse well and dry before proceeding. Clean wood will more readily absorb the finish.
- 2). Apply stain with a clean paint brush or roller. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association recommends applying finish to all six sides of each plank of wood if you haven't assemble the cedar project.
- 3). Re-apply a second coat of stain if your cedar is particularly rough. Use a rag to wipe away any excess stain that the wood cannot absorb. Allow the stain to dry.
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