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I have just finished a chest lined with aromic cedar, sides and bottom. I read where it is not wise to apply finishes to the inside of such a project because the finish will inter act with the cedar and become soft. My question is what to apply to the underside of the solid cherry lid and the sliding tulip popar tray.
thank you
Chet okon9@verizon.net
Hi Chet,
I like to use Toung oil I would do the tray, and the underside of the lid. The rest Id leave alone and not finsh. You don't want to put anything on the cedar.
I've not finished a chest but I have finished a lot of aromatic cedar pieces like hangers and tie racks with a wipe on polyurethane/ oil mixture with excellent results. I think the reason to not finish aromatic cedar in a chest like yours is because the finish will prevent the great cedar smell from coming out of the wood. It stands to reason that a similar finish could be applied to the poplar and cherry components of your chest without worry. Ron
Thanks for your responce. I do not want to finish the cedar, just the inside of the top. I have read in many articals that aromic cedar and most finishes are not compatable, the finish will turn soft and gooly I will probably go with tung oil for the inside of the top. Chet
Hi Chet. How are you planning to finish the exterior of the trunk? I'd recommend using the same finish on the underside of the lid, so changes in humidity will affect both sids of the lid equally. As for the sliding shelf, I'd apply one of two coats of blonde shellac. Unlike oil finishes, shellac dries to a hard film, so it's easier to keep clean; it's also less likely to attract dust. I hope this helps. —Tim