Wood finishing the interior of wooden boxes

[Elwood]

Hi all, Amateur carpenter here, and wood finishing is a right confusing subject to me, one I'd like to get some help on.

I'd like to seek out some input regarding the finishing of hand made wooden boxes. Would you recommend waxing the interior of a wooden box once finished, or leave it as bare wood? I've always used Briwax to wax the exterior and found the idea of waxing the inside is usually not done, as the wax would leave a lingering odour, not to mention stain whatever is inside the box.

What are your thoughts are finishing the interior of wooden boxes, or even book shelves? Leave it bare wood, wax it, or another wood finish?

I love briwax, it is a great finish, really appealing. Just, as soon as you write a letter on top of a waxed surface, the paper gets stained with wax on the underside, not to mention the wax table getting your letter indented into the wax finish. This is why I don't wax tables, or interior of boxes. The wax would no doubt stain whatever is stored inside.

 

[marcros]

i would finish the inside of boxes and drawers with a simple coat of (white shellac) sanding sealer, although the cellulose one would probably do the same job- I have never used it though. Ideally it would be left unfinished, but the sanding sealer does seem to stop anything catching, and should dust or anything get inside makes it easier to wipe out.

 

[Andrewf]

Its normally easier to finish the inside of boxes before you put them together.

 

[marcros]

I tend to line them with something actually- thin leather or pig skin really adds a touch of luxury to jewellery boxes.