inside drawer finishing - Woodworking Talk

harlo01 · 03-03-2009, 09:06 PM

I am refinishing some bathroom drawers (pine, I believe) and would like to know if the raw wood on the inside should be finished , and, if so, with what. I do not want to paint the insides if they need to be sealed. Thanks

beanie · 03-03-2009, 09:35 PM

Welcome to the forum. I think it would be personal preference if they are painted or sealed, but they should be finished. When I make drawers I use a prefinished asian birch. Painting drawers is a pain.

Kenbo · 03-03-2009, 10:18 PM

Welcome to the madhouse!! In answer to your question, I would put a finish on the inside of the drawers just to make cleanup a little easier, if for nothing else. As far as what to use, I'm not sure if there are any technical reasons for what product to use so maybe one of the other fellas could help out in that subject.
Ken

Tony B · 03-03-2009, 11:30 PM

Why? Because I havent seen any finish on higher end modern production furniture, older production furniture or antique hand crafted furniture. I don't know for sure why but I can only guess. Heat and humidity does strange things to some finishes and maybe it might affect clothing. Raw wood breathes.
I personally have never had a problem with raw wood
drawers.

scribbles · 03-04-2009, 12:59 AM

I never finish drawers.

gregL · 03-04-2009, 01:29 AM

I personally like to use a clear finish on the drawer insides, if for nothing more than to protect against stains that could possibly happen. You mentioned that you were building bathroom drawers. My bathroom drawers are more likely to have things in them that could spill, not to mention a location where more moisture will be there from long hot showers.

GeorgeC · 03-04-2009, 07:21 AM

I usually finish the inside of drawers with the same finish I am using for the rest of the inside of the unit.

G

RussBoyd · 03-04-2009, 09:09 AM

Very simple and surprisingly quick is to brush on some shellac. I had no problems with runs etc.. I Usually spray on what ever the carcass is using, but the shellac works for a painted unit. Russ

cabinetman · 03-04-2009, 09:42 AM

I finish all drawers inside and out. You could use shellac. Lacquer or waterbased polyurethane also work well and dry very fast. All three of those finishes will leave the drawer pretty much odorless. Oil based finishes like oil, varnish, oil based polyurethane, and oil based paint will leave an odor for a very long time, and take longer to cure.

harlo01 · 03-04-2009, 08:58 PM

First time I used this site and I really appreciate your immediate and expert replies. I will be back. Thanks