Staining Question

[Jerry Bittner]

I've completed assembly of a coffee table that includes four drawers. Question is when staining is any practical purpose to be gained by staining the interior of the coffee table -- the drawer cavity? Someone told me it helps preserve the wood and if so, I'll do it but as far as aesthetics, no purpose is gained from my viewpoint.

Thanks for your help.

[Steve Schoene]

Absolutely no benefit from staining the interior of casework. A coat of shellac to slow watervapor transfer might be of some value, but virtually all of the antiques which survive from the 18th. century and before have never had any finish at all on interiors.

[Dennis Peacock]

Jerry,

Steve is right on. I don't stain the inside of my pieces either unless they will be ready visible when a cabinet is opened on the front, like an entertainment center. I do clearcoat the inside of my pieces like I do the outside to help better equalize the moisture transfer between seasons. Other than that? Like Steve said....no value whatsowever.