Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Jul 15, 2021 04:44am | #1

   There is absolutely no reason to finish the inside. Unless it bothers you. It won't make the chest of drawers better in any way, and you'll never see it.

1. 
   user-7836037 | Jul 15, 2021 04:47am | #2

   Thanks for the response, I guess I was considering the possibility of uneven moisture loss etc?

1. 
   john_c2 | Jul 15, 2021 05:41am | #3

   It's not a thing. Until the advent of spray finishing in the 20th century, the insides of chests of drawers were never, ever finished.

2. 
   ericmeyermaker | Jul 15, 2021 10:47am | #8

   On a case, any issue with moisture exchange should be mitigated by the joinery.

   On something like a table top it would be a good idea to finish the top and underside to equalize the moister exchange, but for a case piece it is typically not needed.

2. 
   DRBWWing | Jul 15, 2021 08:46am | #4

   I don’t finish drawers, just wax on runners and side.

3. 
   bergenfurniture | Jul 15, 2021 08:51am | #5

   I think if you finish from inside, the drawer chest will get stronger and it will remain in good condition for a long time.

4. 
   jc_clark | Jul 15, 2021 09:09am | #6

   I like them finished on the inside.
   Just like dovetails, it's not really needed but does imply quality.
   (some people do notice)

5. 
   cl810 | Jul 15, 2021 09:16am | #7

   Use shellac to finish the inside of drawers. It leaves a much more pleasant smell than oil finishes. If you apply the shellac before assembly any glue squeeze out will come right off. I dilute Zinseer's Sealcoat 50-50 with denatured alcohol and just wipe it on. It dries almost instantly and 2-3 coats are all you need and it will only take 10-15 minutes to do it.

1. 
   user-7627473 | Jul 15, 2021 07:44pm | #12

   What do you use for wiping cloths with the the Sealcoat mix btw?

1. 
   cl810 | Jul 18, 2021 10:28am | #17

   I cut up old 100% cotton tee shirts.

1. 
   user-7627473 | Aug 03, 2021 06:54am | #18

   thanks

6. 
   jc_clark | Jul 15, 2021 12:43pm | #9

   He said "Not the drawers themselves" just the case.
   Read the question!

7. 
   jc_clark | Jul 15, 2021 12:48pm | #10

   It's a good idea to always finish both sides of wood the same.
   That way it will be expand and contract equally from seasonal movement.
   Sealing on just one side is begging for warping or cupping.
   And yes, a lot of furniture gets away with it without problems
   but why not do it, it takes such little effort.

1. 
   john_c2 | Jul 15, 2021 02:22pm | #11

   It's really not true. The former chief furniture conservator at the Smithsonian has said he never saw a single case piece made before the early 20th century that was finished inside. Boards don't warp or cup because of the finish, or lack of finish.

8. 
   elmaduro | Jul 15, 2021 08:07pm | #13

   From Tom McLaughlin’s Shaker Dresser project:

   “All interior surfaces, the back boards, and the underside of the dresser are sealed and finished with two thin coats of clear shellac”

1. 
   Rob_Sp | Jul 15, 2021 08:36pm | #14

   I agree. I have done quite a few traditional pieces, casework over the years. My joinery allows for wood movement and would be probably ok without finish, however I always put finish on the inside. Shellac is the best finish regarding water vapor. The old growth timber in the 1700/1800's was superior to what we have today. So, why not? It's easy and another reason is to provide a slick surface with the addition of wax to allow the drawers to slide on. This Shaker inspired piece was finished with Shellac inside and out.

   
9. 
   jc_clark | Jul 17, 2021 09:28am | #15

   A lot of antique furniture self destructed when homes went to central heat.
   Most of it could not hold up to the dry air of heated homes.
   Something to think about.

10. 
    mikefm101 | Jul 17, 2021 10:07am | #16

    At a minimum if the chest has panels they should be finished both sides.

    Many times I have had a panel I’ve only put finish on one side left in a humid basement and a week later when I finally had time to get back to it it had cupped.

    I’m sure museum curators know their stuff but honestly it isn’t that much more time and materials to do both sides. It is cheap insurance considering what you already put into Making the piece.

    Also, no oil On the inside. Use shellac or water base poly. Oil will smell for months.

    Mike