Hello, I'm very much a newbie and have little experience. We just made a dresser out of birch wood (from Home Depot), and polyurethane all the exposed wood. It has been a month and we still can't use it, as clothes take on a strong raw wood-like smell. I thought about maybe varnishing the inside to seal the wood. Would that make a difference? What would you recommend to get rid of this odor?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Ray
Please Help - My birch dresser has a strong raw-wood odor??
Feb 04, 2004
3 Replies
Generally, it is the varnish (polyurethane) that is the culprit. However, if it is truly the wood, get either Deft brushing lacquer or a clear shellac sealer made by Zinzzer. Both should be available at the local Borg. These two finishes will dry and leave no smell.
Preston.
I was always of the understanding that if you finish one side of your wood but not the other you will have problems as the unfinished side absorbs moisture at a different rate than the finished side. For that reason alone I would finish the inside and hopefully it will solve your other problem.
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