Replies

1. 
   notDusty | Nov 23, 2005 06:21pm | #1

   BCPA ,

                  Whether or not to stain cabinet interiors is entirely up to you and the person you are making them for . Also the type of cabinets may determine your question . Display type cabinets and openings with glass doors and china cabinets and such typically look better if the same in and out . As far as a chest of drawers or other pieces that the insides may not be seen , you can stain them but it is not necessary to do so . Personally I do not stain the insides of kitchen and household cabinetry unless glass or open display is there , nor do I stain the drawer boxes .

                     dusty

2. 
   JohnWW | Nov 23, 2005 06:57pm | #2

   Be careful that whatever you use to finish the interior of a cabinet doesn't have a lingering odor because the smell will last for years and contaminate anything stored in the cabinet.  Oil and varnish finishes will have an odor problem.  Shellac over a water or alcohol based stain would be the safest route to go.

   John W.

   
   

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   Edited 11/23/2005 12:17 pm ET by JohnWW

1. 
   Sancho | Nov 26, 2005 08:15pm | #3

   I use a clear w/b finish. I like the natural wood grain ,even though I make my boxes out of shop birch. No problem with orders. I use a flat or very flat to give it the unfinished natural color. 

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | Nov 27, 2005 04:38am | #4

   I usually stain everything but drawer cabinet interiors. I do stain those back about 8" so that you see the stain color when the drawer is open. If the drawers are more like pull-outs, I'll stain the entire interior.

   Paul
   http://www.finishwiz.com

4. 
   wrudiger | Nov 27, 2005 05:39am | #5

   For kitchen/laundry/bath cabinet cases I use pre-finished plywood - problem solved!  It's Nova finish - 2 coats UV cure clear epoxy.  Great for drawer boxes as well.  Doesn't cost a whole lot more than unfinished ply, and when you factor in the labor and finish materials it's cheaper IMHO.

5. 
   UnclePaul | Dec 04, 2005 02:49am | #6

   I second the use of pre-finished plywood (maple)when appropriate. I generally don't put any finish on the insides of things I've built unless I think there would be a problem otherwise. If I do it's usually a little bit of shellac then wax.

   -Paul 

6. 
   jazzdogg | Dec 04, 2005 05:18am | #7

   One consideration not already mentioned by others is light & color.

   I like to keep interiors light in color, and reflective, if seeing what's stored inside is important. On the other hand, some interiors - like A/V cabinets - are better off dark because they don't call attention to themselves.

    

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie