I am building a blanket chest based on an article in an older FWW. I am using Beech for the Panels and Walnut for the rails. The plans call for a plywood bottom with a lining of Cedar t-n-g. I have seen elsewhere of problems caused by cedar vapors reacting with a finish applied to the interior of the chest. I plan to use the two-step General Finished product that is an oil and poly product.
Should I only apply a finish to the outside of the chest?
If so are there concerns about wood expansion and contraction being uneven due to having one side finished and the other not finished?
Replies
You shouldn't apply any finish to the inside of the chest for several reasons:
1. It isn't needed, the wood doesn't need protection and it isn't especially visible so you don't need to make it look better.
2. Many finishes will react with the oils in the cedar and not dry properly.
3. Most finishes will leave a chemical odor that will cling to anything stored in the chest while also masking the cedar scent that you want.
As long as you properly design and construct the raised panels so they can expand and contract in their frames, and install the t+g cedar so it can move at the joints, the finishing or lack of it will make no difference.
John White
John
Thanks for the quick reply and the advice.
Russ
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