Finishing Blanket Chest

[Bill Borchers]

Hi, I'm planning to finish a blanket chest. I'm thinking about biting the bullet and buying an Earlex or Rockler (been reading the other threads on that subject all night!). Since this is a blanket chest, it sounds like it would be unwise to use any solvent based products due to smell. Are water borne finishes or shellac my two best options? Any other recommendations?
Thanks,
Bill

[Prashun Patel]

The Rockler unit will spray shellac and Target USL easily. Personally, I find shellac the easiest and most forgiving to spray, so if this is yr first project, consider making shellac yr finish of choice. That's also a good choice for both the inside and outside of your chest.

If in the future you choose to add something more durable, many finishes can go right on top of shellac. Try to use a dewaxed variety, though.

If you don't anticipate spraying often, the Rockler unit is a good buy.

[James Ogle]

Here is a Blanket Chest I made for my wife almost ten years ago. The outside finish is 5 coats of Shellac (I think Zinsser) with two coas of Minwax Poly. The inside was finished with 5 coats of the shellac only. It is also lined with cedar. Haven't had any problem with the finish. In fact all those with lines on the top are either scratches or gouges from the 5 moves we have made. The finish is still attached and I don't even think scratched through anywhere.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad117/jamerlina/ChestTop.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad117/jamerlina/InsideChest.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad117/jamerlina/ChestSide.jpg

[Howard Acheson]

You can use any finish on the outside. Inside avoid any oil based finishes. Any shellac, lacquer or waterborne is fine inside. Most will use shellac.

[Bill Borchers]

Thanks guys. I think I'll start with the shellac. I brushed it on a night stand and have been very happy with the results. And like Shawn said, if I get better at spraying, I can always put Target USL over my dewaxed shellac.:)