Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Oct 30, 2006 02:50pm | #1

   For your purpose, no finish is the best finish. If the walls get dirty, sand them periodically.

    

1. 
   scrubplane | Oct 30, 2006 05:20pm | #2

   I have thought of that, whoever I would love to bring out the richness of the wood a little. when sanded up, the surface is so soft and seems to need some kind of thin sealer to tighten up the surface. I know it sounds counter productive to seal the surface while still wanting the natural oils in the wood to be allowed to come out. I feel there is some sort neutral oil that will suit both needs. Commercal walk-in humidors seem to have some sort of finish and the smell seams to come forward... who knows, might just be all the boxes stored in the room.

1. 
   jackplane | Oct 31, 2006 03:22pm | #3

   You could try mineral oil, which will not dry to a hard protective film, and should add depth. 

1. 
   scrubplane | Oct 31, 2006 03:51pm | #4

   Excellent suggestion!!! I'll try that on a sample today. Thank you so much...

1. 
   BruceS | Oct 31, 2006 04:06pm | #5

   I don't think I would use mineral oil.  It never dries, It will attract dirt and dust and probably get grimy looking.  I would probably go with a wipe on poly.   And make a poperee(SP) bowl  and put cedar shavings in it.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   Ricks503 | Oct 31, 2006 04:26pm | #6

   I would not finish it if you want the aroma.  The wood inside a cedar chest and that used to line closets is not sealed.

   This is a case of either/or.  Either you have the odor OR you seal it to bring out the color of the wood.   If you want to seal it, I would use shellac.

    

    

   " There'll be no living with her now" - Captain Jack Sparrow

3. 
   PeteBradley | Nov 01, 2006 01:21am | #7

   Seems to me you're going to have to compromise. Leaving the wood bare in a bathroom will likely last only a few weeks before it looks ratty. Sealing it with shellac or poly will eliminate the smell. A coat or two of linseed oil will breathe a bit, but it has its own smell. It would be worth testing a piece with a coat of linseed oil and seeing (and smelling) what you get after 2 weeks. No matter what you do, the smell will fade over time if left in the open so your best bet may be to chop your scraps into potpourri.

   Pete

1. 
   scrubplane | Nov 01, 2006 02:21pm | #8

   joining this forum has been a good move.... lots of great input from you folks. I plan to try out a bunch of different samples today.