- 1). Clean the inside of the cedar chest. Use the crevice tool on a vacuum to remove all dust and dirt from inside the cedar chest, then use a soft cloth to clean the inside of the chest. Remove a fine layer of the inside by using a fine-grit sandpaper throughout the inside of the cedar chest. Stop after you notice that the smell of cedar has been restored. Vacuum out all dust released during the sanding process.
- 2). Strip the outside of the chest by using a furniture stripping gel or compound. Apply a 1/4-inch to half-inch layer of remover with a paint brush, making sure to apply the remover to all areas of the chest. Allow the gel to penetrate the wood for at least one hour. Use a spackle knife or putty tool to strip away the top layer of varnish or stain. Push the dull end of the putty knife along the natural grain of the wood. Wipe off the end of the knife after each pass, discarding the gel and varnish that has been scraped off. Wipe down the cedar chest with a rag to remove the remaining gel and varnish. Sand down areas where varnish remains, using a fine-grain sandpaper. Allow the cedar chest to dry overnight.
- 3). Apply a varnish or wood stain to the entire outside of the cedar chest. Use a penetrating stain that will protect the exterior of the chest while allowing the natural wood grain of the cedar to remain visible. Do not apply anything to the inside of the cedar chest.
- 4). Replace the hinges and hardware on the cedar chest if needed with new replacements found at a hardware store. Make sure to take along the original pieces of hardware to match the sizes, helping to ensure a proper fit.