treating drawers?

[alex grams]

I am working on a project with some drawers made from poplar. What do most people recommend treating it with? Just rubbing it down with some BLO?

The application is for a desk, so not heavy traffic, but i want to stop any liquids from easily being able to stain the wood, just minimal protection.

Thanks in advance.

[Richard M. Wolfe]

Shellac. Wipe or spray and 'good to go' in a half hour with no residual odor. If you finish with any kind of oil or varnish it will be outgassing - and smelling - forever. Not for high traffic or heavy exposure to moisture (liquids) - but as you said, minimal protection.

[Frank Drew]

I don't care for the looks of poplar with a penetrating oil finish, so I agree with Richard -- I'd brush on a coat or two of shellac. It would seal the wood adequately and would provide a nice base for wax if you choose to use any; linseed oil might turn the wood darker than you might like while not giving you very good sealing properties.

[Lee Schierer]

I've used brushable lacquer and water based polyurethane inside drawers. If you use solvent based finish just let it dry for a week before you put the drawers in the cabinet and close it all up. The water based poly has no odor and gives a good durable finish.