I have built a kitchen cabinet out of birch plywood. The face frame and doors are Red Oak. I have applied oil stain to all surfaces. I’m going to finish with an oil based polyurethane. Is it necessary to apply the poly to surfaces that wil not be seen, such as the back and the bottom for the purpose of uniform moisture absorption control?
Thank You
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If there is a food preparation work surface below the bottom of the cabinet and a space so the bottom will be visiable, I would apply a couple of coats of finish. It will make it much easier to clean if anything gets on it. No need to finish the back at all if it is hidden by the placement of the cabinet.
And might not want to finish the interior?
With case goods, uniform moisture control is not as essential as with unsupported items like tops of trestle tables. And, in closed spaces, the oil based finish can give off odors that can linger for years. But some finish is called for. I'd consider doing interior surfaces with a waterborne acyrlic to avoid the odor problem.
My preference for the exterior finish is a non-poly varnish. If a darkish varnish is acceptable then consider Waterlox. I'd do half a dozen coats of wiped on Sealer/Finish, and then finish with a couple coats of the Satin.
By the way, for the future, considered making the boxes of pre-finished plywood. It costs only a small amount more, but gives an excellent non-odor bearing finish.
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