Tool Chest Finish

[Kurt Cady]

I got about 75% of the way thru a plywood version of the Dutch Tool Chest. My plan was to paint the outside with milk paint and likely cover that paint with a home brew of MS/BLO/poly. My question is whether I should also coat the inside with the MS/BLO/poly mix, shellac, something else? Or should I leave it natural? I know some folks leave the inside unfinished - does using plywood change that?

[Chris Griggs]

I'd leave it uncoated or at most coat it with a seal coat or two of Bullseye SealCoat dewaxed shellac (well really any shellac, premixed stuff is just nice for stuff like that). Oil based finishes will take forever to cure closed in a tool chest and it will stink every time you open it.

[Christopher Charles]

second that. an oil finish will stink forever. and Congrats! C

[Jim Matthews]

Why not just use the same stuff for kitchen cabinets?

It's designed to resist chipping, and repel dirt.
I like water-based eggshell enamels.

Some people like the gloss stuff, because it's harder but I don't like the bright sheen.
Seal with Zinser Bullseye shellac first, two coats brushed on.

[Kurt Cady]

User two votes for shellac. Anyone have experience as to what the shellacked surface looks like after use and applying oil to planes?

Wonder if I could just apply a paste wax and what that would look like after use and applied oils

[Prashun Patel]

Personally, I'd just use BLO + poly. It'll be easier to apply in this instance than shellac. Because this is a tool chest and not a kitchen cabinet, IMHO, the off-gassing won't be so objectionable. Also, a softer oil or oil/varnish finish is IMHO more appropriate than a brittle finish like shellac here.

[Chris Hachet]

User two votes for shellac. Anyone have experience as to what the shellacked surface looks like after use and applying oil to planes?

Wonder if I could just apply a paste wax and what that would look like after use and applied oils

I would do a light coat of shellac and wax. I use it on all kinds of stuff, and it works great. no reason it wouldn't work fantastic here.

[David Turner]

I finished the interior drawer unit with BLO but the case of reclaimed pine was left unfinished. I have had no rust issues with any of the Img0066.jpg metal tools stored in the bottom in the 4 years of use.

[steven c newman]

One other item that should go on the iside of any chest for tools, a Desicant to absorb any rust producing moisture inside. Ask for a bag full of the packets down at the local drug store. They come with the larger tubs of pills, and need to go SOMEWHERE when all the pills have left. Acouple in each tool space will do, whether it is a till, or a tray, or a drawer. Change as often as you think it needs it, to stay rust-free inside.


Plywood box? maybe something like what goes on those "Corn Hole" game boards around here, something that can stand up to a bit of abuse...

[Kurt Cady]

Thank you to everyone that responded. I think that I will probably go with a coat of shellac and then wax.