Replies

1. 
   stancalow | Jan 26, 2004 05:22am | #1

   Why-knotwood.  I was hoping more experienced folks would reply, but if you don't mind second-hand advice, it seems that the general consensus is that shellac is the best no-smell finish for the inside of a box.  I am assuming you're not talking about a red cedar blanket box in which case the answer would be no finish.  Somebody correct me if I'm wrong. 

1. 
   woodwoman18 | Jan 26, 2004 06:14am | #2

   I am making my box out of cherry, and if I need to resort to oil I will just end up putting cedar on the bottom to take away the smell.

1. 
   jroy | Jan 26, 2004 07:06pm | #3

   I just finished a replica of an 1836 shaker blanket chest and i used shellac, one coat on the inside and six coats on the outside w/a topcoat of wax.  The wood of choice was cherry and the (blonde) shellac did a nice job of highlighting the wood grain without obsuring it, and there is no residual smell left on the inside.  If you want a darker (more antique) look then start with two coats of blonde and then use garnett shellac...  

2. 
   stancalow | Jan 27, 2004 05:16am | #4

   W-KW

   Seems to me that the only purpose for oil is to highlight the grain.  There is no reason to highlight grain on the inside of a a box.  Plus, oil will blotch cherry, and smell. 

   "danish oil" is usually just linseed oil and varnish, as far as I can tell.