Stinky Drawers

[RonJ103]

I used general finished Arm-R-Seal on a recent project that included drawers. I used this same finish on the inside of the drawers with a coat of shellac on top. I have let the drawers air out several times (for over a week on multiple occasions) and even tried leaving the drawers partially open. Once the drawers stay closed for a few days, they start to smell like finish. How do I get rid of this?

Thanks,
Jeremy

[Bas]

I used general finished Arm-R-Seal on a recent project that included drawers. I used this same finish on the inside of the drawers with a coat of shellac on top. I have let the drawers air out several times (for over a week on multiple occasions) and even tried leaving the drawers partially open. Once the drawers stay closed for a few days, they start to smell like finish. How do I get rid of this?

Thanks,
Jeremy

Oil based finishes can take forever to off-gas. I've heard that putting them out in the sunshine helps, but never tried that. You could also take old newspapers, shred them (preferably using a powered shredder) and stuff it in the box for a week. Replace with fresh newspaper as needed. That might help draw the odor out.

You said you put shellac on top. Shellac typically does a good job of locking odors. You could try applying a second coat and see if that improves it any. It won't eliminate the smell, but it should slow the off-gas to such a low rate you won't notice it.

[stave]

Try sealing the drawers again with shellac. This time use the wintergreen alcohol you get at the local drugstore to thin the shellac...will leave a wintergreen smell everytime you open the drawer. Try a sample piece if in doubt.

Stave

[Jeff]

Lesson learned. Interior parts like drawers and blanket chests, etc. are usually just coated with shellac (clear, amber, garnet) with or without a water based stain if you choose. True, any oil based finish will continue to off-gas for a long time and that's particularly noticeable with enclosed areas.

A second coat of shellac, as suggested above, also may help. Charcoal is also effective at absorbing odors. Maybe a broken up Kingsford briquet in a Dixie cup in each drawer just don't spill it.

[Mad Scientist]

You can also use baking soda to absorb the odor.

I would leave the drawers in the sun for a hour or two at a time to "cure" the finish and bake out any odor. And use baking soda or charcoal during other times.

[Howard Acheson]

Dewaxed shellac is frequently used in the situation you have. But, it doesn't always work. You must be sure that all surfaces and joints are completely covered and sealed. The slightest opening will allow the odor to get back into the enclosed space.

BTW, what did you used for finishing the inside of the carcase that the drawers are in? If you used an oil based finish there, you will have to try to seal the inside of that space too.

[red]

Try sealing the drawers again with shellac. This time use the wintergreen alcohol you get at the local drugstore to thin the shellac...will leave a wintergreen smell everytime you open the drawer. Try a sample piece if in doubt.

Stave

I like that idea. Will have to try it someday.

Red

[RonJ103]

Dewaxed shellac is frequently used in the situation you have. But, it doesn't always work. You must be sure that all surfaces and joints are completely covered and sealed. The slightest opening will allow the odor to get back into the enclosed space.

BTW, what did you used for finishing the inside of the carcase that the drawers are in? If you used an oil based finish there, you will have to try to seal the inside of that space too.

That is a good point. I used Arm-R-Seal on the inside of the carcass as well. I'll have to hit it all with shellac and see how it goes.