Finishing a toy box

[Dave Laukkonen]

I am just completing a toybox for my niece made out of some beautiful aromatic cedar. I wondering what would be a good, durable finish to put on this. It will not be stained, and I'm sure it will be abused frequently.

[Jim Becker]

Since I'm "me", I'd spray it with water borne, but any quality varnish will work just fine. Consider only finishing the outside for two reasons: 1) the cedar smells nice and you don't want to lose that and 2) if you put any form of oil-based finish on the inside, it's going to smell "forever". Wipe on is easier to apply, but slightly thinned varnish brushes easily, too.