NYW Pine Chest Finish??

[Josh Reid]

I am to the finishing stage on the new Yankee Workshop blanket (gonna be a toy) chest for some really good friends that just had their first son. As from the title I used pine to build the chest. I don't want to stain the pine as it wouldn't match their current furniture in the room, natural looking pine. After that I am really open to any type of finish. I want something really easy and simple for this project plus will have some durability since there is a good chance it will be used as a toy box. What kinda suggestions would yall have for a newbie? Thanks for all the help.

[Todd Burch]

If that is the paneled chest, that is a great design.

Shellac is a good choice. Not the amber, but the clear (for that chest, in my opinion). Denatured alcohol cleanup and thinning, very forgiving and each to fix mistakes.

[Josh Reid]

yah its the panel chest. best looking one that i could find for my simple taste.

[Jim Rimmer]

i have the plans for that chest but built another one for my daughter. The frame was poplar and I painted it. The panels and lid are cherry and I used Danish oil.

[Jim Rimmer]

I tried to load a pic and it didn't work. Trying again.

[Howard Acheson]

If cloth or clothing items will be stored inside, do not use any oil based finish on the interior. Oil base finish off-gas forever and the odor will permeate any cloth items stored inside. Either leave it unfinished or use shellac or a clear waterborne finish.