Replies

1. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Jul 04, 2001 04:51am | #1

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   Shellac is quick, easy, smells nice, is durable enough for inside a cabinet (except maybe the shelf where the dishes sit), dries quickly, is food-safe, and makes the grain of the wood look great. Is there something else you want it to do? Oh yeah, you can get it at any hardware or paint store.

   If you're looking for color you could use a water-based aniline dye, in natural or vibrant colors, and seal it with shellac.

   Mike

1. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Jul 04, 2001 04:58am | #2

   *Spray on a couple three coats of lacquer and go on to your next job.How much extra did you make/charge that you can dawdle?Alright............ Seal the inside, dust off those fine sable brushes and paint up something unique that the homeowner can point to with pride while pulling out the fine china.Can you do butterflys? They are a retro fad now. How about a few ivy leaves peeking out from around the stiles? Maybe an exotic flower - Bird of Paradise? An orchid or two (rare ones). Little grouping of roaches peeking over the lip of a shelf? Sugar ants all in a row following the sweet trail? Row of cups or glasses on the back panel so someone will be surprised when they realize they finally have to wash some to get a drink. A small window on the back panel, complete with curtains, and a view to the outside (all painted, of course) that looks like what is really on the otherside. Be neat if it was the bathroom - you could gather a group of friends plus one who has never seen it before and all stand around laughing and pointing after he or she comes out of the privy.NEXT!

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Jul 04, 2001 05:03am | #3

   *You could decorate the shelf edges. I've used contrasting wood plug, brazing rod, copper pipe and colored epoxy set into wood to make interesting patterns. You could paint the edges several different bright colors, but you don't want to go dark on the interior. Woodburning a design or adding a decorative molding (rope?) to the edges would be simple and fast. You could stencil patterns inside the doors. Faux painting is pretty easy, esp, stuff like stippling or sponging, but time consuming, especially in corners. Rose-maling, if you have a Skandanavian bent and know someone who can do it well. The natural wood can show through behind, but a clear coat is still needed to protect the artwork and the wood itself, allow for cleaning. Crackle paints kits are pretty cool, but you definitely have to like the cottage-chic look for a long time--it's not easy to "take it back". If you have any glass panels, you could sandblast a design in them. I did a kitchen where i made the wood panels removable so i could change the wallpaper on the inside surface to match the walls.

1. 
   TLTRACY | Jul 05, 2001 10:52pm | #4

   *Can anyone offer advice on the HELP spray guns that run on a standard air compressor? I want to use it to spray latex enamel etc on projects around the house. I already have an aimless sprayer for the bigger jobs. Also how's the best way to hang a new bedroom door when the opening isn't square any more. Thanks in advance Terry

1. 
   splintergroupie_ | Jul 05, 2001 11:05pm | #5

   *Terry, use the Search button at the top of the page to look up previous posts on HVLP guns. Many posts are in "Knots", the Fine Woodworking equivalent of "Breaktime", which is where you are right now.If you don't want to go to the trouble of truing the door opening, you trim the door to fit. Install it plumb on the hinge side, or it will open and close of its own accord.

2. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Jul 05, 2001 11:05pm | #6

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   Hi guys,

   I'm finishing up on a kitchen cabinet building job and was looking for some new or unique ideas for finishing them inside other than painting or poly. Anyone have any ideas?

   BTW, they're made from paraply with a nice, sanded finish inside so something with keeping the natural wood appearance would be nice.

   As always thanks in advance.

   Mike Rimoldi