Blanket Box & Camphor

[John Saxton]

Not having had a lot to do with Camphor Laurel in the past I have acquired a cubic metre of dry planked timber for use in furniture.

I intend to use this in a number of projects but have in mind some blanket boxes along the way.

In regards to Blanket box's being lined with Camphor,can the timber in the application be left in an unfinished state as far as a polish or lacquer is regarded.
Also if the timber is finished with a polish etc does that detract from it's intended purpose in keeping the area relatively
insect free.

TIA Cheers

------------------
Johnno

[ubeaut]

Finish the outside with shellac and wax. Natural finishes that should enhanse the timber nicely. Use brown or golden shellac for a warm traditional colour or white for a natural timber colour.

Leave the inside unfinished this will not only allow the timber to give off its protective fragrance but will also allow it to drawing of any moisture that may be in the blankets, etc. Thus preventing mold and other moisture problems.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers - Neil

[JackoH]

If you buy one of those carved sandalwood Chinese Chests from the likes of David Wang or one of those stores that specialise in oriental stuff, you will find that it is made of a very soft wood (not sandalwood!!) and will have a small strip of camphor laurel tacked along inside somewhere. This eventually loses it's scent. I relined the lid of ours with some offcuts of C.L. about 2years ago and it still smells nice.
Regards John H.

[John Saxton]

Thank-you Neil,& John,for your responses.
I will take on board what you have said and will get some of the boards dressed down soon.

Neil,you mentioned Shellac and Wax...would Shellawax your product suffice as the finish then as I have new stock of this on hand.

Cheers

------------------
Johnno

[ubeaut]

Sorry Johnno - you really need to use shellac.