Replies

1. 
   desertrat | Apr 15, 2005 02:53am | #1

   In a word or two; clear shellac!

2. 
   nikkiwood | Apr 15, 2005 04:10pm | #2

   <<"What is a good finish to use on the inside of drawers?">>

   Shellac is good, or you can also use a waterbased polyurethane.

   Any wipe-on oil or regular poly will leave a residual smell -- that takes a long time to dissipate.

   "I would never die for my beliefs because I might be wrong."
   -- Bertrand Russell

3. 
   Gretchen | Apr 16, 2005 05:13pm | #3

   In addition to the other suggestions, leave it bare.

   Gretchen
4. 
   Pondfish | Apr 17, 2005 03:53pm | #4

   shellac is perfect in that it is fast to apply, simple to repair, odorless, clear and seals the wood against changes in humidity which could cause warpage and sticking drawers.

1. 
   willy | Apr 17, 2005 04:48pm | #5

   T.Y. to all!

1. 
   Jon_Cummings | Apr 18, 2005 06:52am | #6

   I am making a matched set of side tables (basically Shaker) for my daughter. Trying some different stuff. For instance...walnut drawers with cherry front (tables are cherry). Doing all the snooty stuff, bookmatching everything, handcut dovetails, dust cover and ebony knobs.

   For the inside of the drawers (and outside surfaces) I cut to size, sanded to 220, raised the grain, 0000 steelwooled to remove all "swirls" etc, cut dovetails, made certain raised panel drawer bottom fit, put drawer together to check fit (not permanent yet), resanded with 0000 to remove any stray mark and then put on three coats of wax as the finish. Then put drawers together permanently.

   The drawers look real good. Something different.

   I agree with the others above...most drawers you can leave unfinished or shellac to avoid oil smell.

   I have two shaker chests of drawers inherited through family....made about 1840-1850 and the drawers received no finish except on the outside of the front. Drawers are still inperfect shape after 160 years of use.

   So...I suppose you pay your money and take your pick

                                                                   Dick Cummings

                                                                   Ocean Springs, Mississippi