Replies

1. 
   quinbychris | Apr 16, 2004 06:17pm | #1

   Shellac, I believe, is a good choice for this application.

2. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 16, 2004 07:52pm | #2

   With a handle like that, net, I'd think the traditional unfinished treatment would be suitable-- takes no time at all, and if the doors and drawers are closed most of the time many reckon the moisture exchange speed on the inside face of the wood is close to being in balance with a film polished exterior.

   If you do actually have a bit of time you might spray or brush on a coat or two of shellac. Dries and cures quickly and is generally neutral as far as smell and clothes are concerned.

   The finishes to avoid completely are pure oil finishes like linseed and tung. Nitrocellulose based spray finishes lingers for a while, but after a month or two works fine, and oil based varnishes linger for a year or two in my experience, so I tend to avoid them. I've never used water based varnish on interiors so I can't comment-- I don't use them for exterior surfaces either, but that's because I don't like the slightly plastic milky or coldish blue look of them. Slainte. 

   RJFurniture

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 17, 2004 01:07am | #3

   Oil-base finishes (linseed oil, tung oil, Danish Oils, varnishes, etc.) take a long time to cure in an enclosed space like the inside of a cabinet or drawer. That's why there's a long term odor.

   Better choices include lacquer, shellac, or many waterborne finishes (though some waterbornes do have a lingering odor).

   Paul

4. 
   DanM45 | Apr 17, 2004 03:56am | #4

   Thanks for the info everyone.  I can't wait to inform the customer that I have a real good reason not to apply finish to the inside of the armoire!

   N.E.T. 

1. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 17, 2004 10:23am | #5

   If you've decided to go the 'no finish finish' route net, then making the drawer bottoms out of cedar of lebanon or similar would be worth considering-- with the bonus of being almost no extra work, it being just a matter of finding a source, ha, ha.

   It's too soft for drawer sides and other working parts but will see no significant wear used as drawer bottoms and in other no load situations, e.g., panels and the like.

   The timber is traditional for use in clothes storage--- wardrobes, chests,chests of drawers and so on due to its claimed ability to keep moths and other insects away due to the nature of its resin. The characteristic smell lessens over time, but a quick sanding once every now and then releases it again. Slainte. RJFurniture

1. 
   creekwood | Apr 17, 2004 02:41pm | #6

   Is that the same as Eastern Red cedar? Here in Florida, we have alot of it, and the aroma is really something. My neighbor has a big stand of it, and every now and then he has some cut. That's where I get my supply when I need it.

1. 
   SgianDubh | Apr 17, 2004 03:31pm | #7

   I'm pretty sure it's not creekwood. Without checking my references I think eastern Red Cedar is a cypress, although I know it has a distinctive smell too. Again if memory serves me correctly, the stuff is traditionally used in chests and the like for storing clothing, etc., for the same reason as Cedar of Lebanon.

   Cedars and cypresses as names seem to be used fairly indiscriminately by woodworkers and wood sellers, probably because of common characteristics, e.g., smell, appearance, etc., but botanically they are quite different. Slainte.RJFurniture

1. 
   creekwood | Apr 18, 2004 03:18am | #8

   Thanks for the info.