Red Cedar Linen Box - Finish

[Mal-110]

Apologies if you have seen this before but I posted it the general section previously as I forgot where I was!
Bit of advice on finishing (even though the wood has not arrived yet).
Eventually found a reasonable source of Western Red Cedar. I am waiting for it to be roughly planed and squared off( I know I will have to take the hand plane to it later). It will be a simple box with base and lid. I chose Western Red Cedar as I have used it in small boat building previously and it has some good qualities for the blanket box in that as you know it smells good and wards off clothes moths.
I am considering not finishing the inside but am unsure of what to use on the external faces of the boards. My regular finish is usually a clear satin varnish building up over 6-10 coats.
Lots of confusing ideas out there best advice so far is stick to what you know. Thats OK up to a point but I am not building a boat now.
Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

Malcolm

 

[thetyreman]

I'd use de-waxed shellac sanding sealer you want 1/2lb cut or thinner, I usually make my own from IPA (not beer) and liberon flakes, with a sealed jar, I've found it's by far the best finish for the insides of boxes and chests, it seals the wood but doesn't really change it much and retains the natural smells of the wood as well.

 

[Mal-110]

Thank you for that, now I know IPA is not beer but what is it? Would you use the same finish on the outside. I presume the sanding sealer just holds the fibres together?

 

[craigs]

Thank you for that, now I know IPA is not beer but what is it? Would you use the same finish on the outside. I presume the sanding sealer just holds the fibres together?

Isopropyl Alcohol

 

[johnnyb]

I would not finish the inside. and I would probably use a homemade wax polish. made with real turpentine and copaiba balsamfor the smell.