Help a newbie with finishing a red cedar table?

[Bloomin Heck]

Hi everyone,

I've recently inherited a varnished red cedar kitchen table that needs some restoration. The current varnish is very chipped and worn in places and it really isn't bringing out the wood's natural beauty (it's a kind of yukky orange colour).

The joinery looks like it needs some attention but it's still very sturdy.

I would really like to use it as a functional kitchen table at the moment without having to completely strip and re-varnish it (a project for the future, when we don't have little kids) and was wondering how to regenerate it and keep it looking natural. I've used wax and wire wool for a natural look on pine, etc. before - Is this a suitable method for red cedar also? And would this still allow me to sand and varnish it in the future?

Many thanks!

[Toymaker Len]

How about a few photos ?

[Bloomin Heck]

Here are a few photos. As you can see, it's definately not the grandest table but it has some sentimental value for us. :)

[nine fingers]

I don't think its red cedar, looks more like pacific maple (meranti), could be wrong. NF.

[Bloomin Heck]

Yes, I wasn't totally sure it was red cedar so any other information is welcome. :)

[AngelaPetruzzi]

Hi if you are after a natural finish for your table top, try the Livos Kunos countertop oil from Livos. Easy to apply and is food safe to boot. It gives you anatural look to your table without the plastic coat type of finish. Good luck with whatever you choose.