Replies

1. 
   crt2cu2 | Apr 08, 2003 09:37am | #1

   Mouf,

   Good topic!! I have been wondering about this also. Lately I have been finishing both inside and outside of drawers just cause I think it looks better and because in the future life of the piece maybe it will stand the tests of time longer. But it is an extra step that takes some time to do well. Thus I wonder if it is really worth it sometimes. that means, I wonder if customers really notice the difference?

   sawick

2. 
   LeeEschen | Apr 08, 2003 10:37am | #2

   Unfinished or a light wash of shellac is the norm for most cabinet work. Kitchen cabinets are usually unfinished, while fine cabinetry usually has the shellac. Read some of James Krenov's works ("A Cabinetmaker's Notebook", etc) for the philosophy behind such selections.

   It is highly suggested that you not use an oil finish inside drawers or other cabinetry. The aroma will multiply and knock your socks off.

   --

   Lee in Cave Junction, Oregon

   Gateway to the Oregon Caves

1. 
   DougF | Apr 08, 2003 05:30pm | #3

   I think it depends on the ultimate useage.  As a rule I always spray mine with laquer since it is quick drying you can apply 2-3 coats with light sanding in between and produce a drawer that needs no lining or will not snag clothes or other fabric items.  I often use a different finish for the drawer fronts without any problems from mixing different finishes.  You just need to be careful to mask off areas where the finishes might be incompatible.  Anyway, that's how I do finish drawers.

   Doug

2. 
   grin | Apr 08, 2003 05:35pm | #4

   Lee,  Thanks much for your reply.  I'm finishing up a small cherry night stand with two drawers and will probably go with unfinished.  I have first hand experience with "getting my socks knocked off", so I know what you mean.  Thanks again. Eric

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 08, 2003 07:50pm | #5

   The key is not to use any oil based finish inside a cabinet or drawers that will contain clothing or food. Oil based finishes off gas almost forever and the odor never fully dissapates.

   The choices are, no finish at all which is what most older furniture used, or to use shellac or waterborne.

4. 
   WorkshopJon | Apr 08, 2003 08:51pm | #6

   "Do you recommend leaving them unfinished or using the same finish as used on the rest of the piece?  I'm leaning towards unfinished.  Any input is greatly appreciated."

   I just did a quick read of the other responses to your post. I think that most are on track, that is: to finish the insides, but to try to stay away from oil based varnishes (they do off gas/catalyze for a long time, but not forever) Only variant I would recommend is that if you decide to spray on a finish, if possible, brush the first coat as it works the finish into the wood better vs. creating a bridge over the pores (as opposed to in the pores).

   Jon

5. 
   mrles | Apr 09, 2003 04:54am | #7

   A coat of lacquer sanding sealer works nicely. Dries fast and easy to apply

   God Peace

   les

6. 
   biosf1 | Apr 09, 2003 07:47am | #8

   Unfinished wood dried out after time and so does plywood, A sanding sealer or a light coat of clear finish and litlly sand it to take the roughness off, even the furniture factories finished the drawers with something, use your own judgment

7. 
   pauld | Apr 10, 2003 07:39am | #9

   For dressers, bedside tables, and the comparable items, I like to resaw aromatic cedar to roughly 1/8" and install it on drawer interiors (unless the end-user objects to the fragrance).

   It's a fairly easy task to resaw aromatic cedar and cut it to standard sizes that fit within the drawer box sizes I usually make. If I entice a customer with a fragrant sachet of aromatic cedar shavings, they'll purchase the cedar lining as an upgrade enough of the time to make it worthwhile (I'm guessing 20% - 30%).

   A light pass through the finishing sander renews the fragrance immediately before installation and delivery.

   The exteriors usually receive shallac, diluted, but with more solids than a typical "wash coat."

   Hope this helps,

   Paul