Replies

1. 
   DabblerBabbler | Jan 23, 2006 02:14am | #1

   I wouldn't. Shellac, after all, is the active ingredient in BIN stain/killer and sealer. It's meant to stop penetration dead. Same idea with Danish oil, which is really a varnish. Might as well take out the cedar. I'm sure the drawers look fine. Don't obsess.

1. 
   DabblerBabbler | Jan 24, 2006 08:49am | #6

   I second that tip another made about danish oil off-gassing and stinking up your clothes, You only want those heady phenols from the aromatic cedar swirling about your skivvies. Leave wood from interior drawers au naturel. Your clothes will thank you.

1. 
   Snekker | Jan 28, 2006 08:24pm | #7

   I agree with Gretchen and the rest of the gang regarding smelly drawers. I did the same thing because I didn't know any better. My drawers are made of cedar which I varnished with an oil based polyurethane and the bottom of the drawer I left unfinished. It didn't take long before it started to smell like vomit.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 23, 2006 02:14am | #2

   Don't use either. The shellac and the danish oil will both mask the aroma. In addition, you never want to use an oil or oil based finish inside drawer or a carcase that will contain cloth or clothing. Oil based finishes off-gas almost forever and the odor will permeate any cloth.

   Now, who's going to see the cedar when the cloths are in the drawers?

   Howie.........
1. 
   GregV | Jan 23, 2006 03:04am | #3

   Very good points, thanks...  but that brings up a mistake, uh oh...  I did put poly on the insides of the drawer side.  Should I shellac over the poly to seal, or do I have to just live with the smell? 

   GVA

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 23, 2006 04:50pm | #4

   Shellac over it. The smell will be there "forever".Gretchen

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 23, 2006 07:51pm | #5

   You can try using shellac.  It generally works, but not always.  Let the poly fully cure for about 3-4 weeks.  That way you will have a much better chance of the shellac sealing in the odor.Howie.........