Replies

1. 
   Eef | Oct 11, 2010 05:58pm | #1

   pack,

   the scent of linseed oil, when rubbed into the inside of drawers, hangs on for a LONG time.  i used to spray finish onto drawer interiors when making kitchen and bathroom cabinets.  that did not smell.  but, you know, what's stored in an old drawer could easily impart nasty odors, if  "sealed" in there long enough.

   eef

2. 
   SteveSchoene | Oct 11, 2010 06:04pm | #2

   All of the above, where "other" means no finish needed.  Remember that waterbased finishes raise grain adding a bit of work.  . I like shellac.  For a pleasant "antique" smell add a few drops of tincture of benzoin (benzoin resin dissolved in alcohol) to the shellac.  Used in spirit varnish recipes in the 18th and early 19th centuries (under the name benjamin), it is still used today by surgeons as a water resistant adhesive. 

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 12, 2010 08:03am | #3

   Hi Steve,

   The reason benzoin has that pleasant fragrance is the minor vanilla component it possesses. A simple alternative is to put a couple of drops of vanilla extract into your shellac and have at it.

   Besides it's fragrance, benzoin was used was to add a little more sheen to the shellac but due to it's softness only small amounts were added.

2. 
   swenson | Oct 13, 2010 11:30am | #5

   tincture of benzoin

   As a kid I remember using benzoin for blisters and to prevent blisters. A little, poured in the palm helped prevent a blister at the start of a long canoe trip, or if one big palm blister had developed, a bit poured on that would burn like hell, but would toughen the skin enough to keep going. Every time I smell it it brings back memories of a long trip in 1956 up a chain of lakes in NY state.

   To stay on subject, I don't finish the insides of my poplar drawers.

3. 
   flairwoodworks | Oct 13, 2010 03:15am | #4

   Shellac's my pick

   I find that lacquer's smell lingers for a while.  I haven't used water-based urethane enough to say, but shellac would be my first choice.