I am currently building a box which is 12 1/2 “L x 8″W x 6.5″H. This box will have a hinged lid. The material is 5/8” quartersawn red oak. The box will be stained golden oak to match existing furnishings and topcoated with water based poly.
My question is this. What is the best way to finish the interior? Should I finish the interior prior to assembling by masking off the joints or should I assemble and apply all the finish after the assembly?
My intention is to spray the poly with a HVLP gun. Spraying the interior with the HVLP seems to be inviting a mess. Please advise.
Thanks
Replies
I have made jewel boxes - 3 drawers - and applied flocking to the inside of the drawers rather than trying to apply a finish. Flocking Kits are available from Lee Valley.
Edited 8/30/2008 7:00 pm ET by willy
I'd use canned spray lacquer (clear?)
Separate both halves. Mask the exteriors. Place each on a revolving table ( Lazy Susan ,or, old phonograph turn table) build up a few layers and air dry before re assembly. Remove masking before completely dried to avoid stuck on tape.
I forgot! turn as you spray Steinmetz.
poly stinks inside a box. Use shellac or lacquer if you must.
Pre-finish the interior with your waterborne acrylic if you can mask off the joints. Otherwise, I would finish the interior with brushed or padded on shellac. Or just leave the interior unfinishes.
Yes by all means pre-finish first and then assemble.
Edited 8/30/2008 11:37 pm ET by Joe
I use rattle can shellac for drawers and boxes.
Oil finishes and most oil based finishes leave a chemical smell which lasts forever inside a wooden box. This can add an unpleasant smell to linens or a bad taste to food. You can leave it natural or use clear shellac. I use Japanese kimono cloth attached to cardboard or thin plywood for the bottom.
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