Peter –
I am in the process of finishing a curly maple dresser with poplar as my secondary wood. I am using shellac finish on the outside and plan on sealing the inside of the drawers with shellac as well. I am padding on 2lb cut of shellac and plan on doing about 9 coats in total. I have a few questions about finishing the inside of the cabinet and the outside of the drawers
1) should I put a coat of shellac on the inside to reduce wood movement?
2) how many coats do I need?
3) do I put the finish on the runners as well or just the inside of the cabinet.
4) I have heard conflicting opionions on finishing the outside of the drawers especially the areas in contact with the runners.
Thanks for your help.
Anna
Replies
Anna,
1 & 2 If I were to seal the inside of the dresser, I would apply one coat. It is a good idea to seal both sides of a board when finishing. You just don't need much inside.
3 The only thing you need on the runners is a little wax.
4 Concerning drawers; Some people finish them, some do not. Personally, I always put a coat or two of shellac on drawers and then give them a light scuff with 320 afterwards to soften them to the touch.
The bottom edge that comes in contact with the runner; I just wax those.
In finishing there are many instances where it seems like we "split hairs" I don't think you need to be overly concerned about wood movement on the runners or the little part of the drawer that comes in contact with it. However, if it makes you more comfortable, you can certainly put a thin coat of shellac on the runners. Thin is the operative word as you just will use it to seal the wood not build a surface film.
It sounds like a nice piece. Think about posting a picture in Knots when you are done.
Peter
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