Seasoning a wine cooler with trays

[76GTFan]

Quick question. I have read the threads that say put a saturated sponge and let the wood season for a couple of weeks. My question is this. Is there any danger of over seasoning the trays? Or does the wood only take in a certain amount of moisture through evaporation/osmosis whatever you call it.

If I have missed any helpful threads please link. Thanks.

[Giants85]

I don't believe there is any risk, as long as you are not applying the distilled water directly to the wood (in which case if not done properly you could warp the wood).

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=620

[CigarNut]

While I would not call it over-seasoning you can get the RH too high if you leave the sponge in the humidor too long. This goes for any humidor, not just a wine cooler. That is why you need to use a good hygrometer when seasoning your humidor to monitor the RH.

Also, when the humidor is at the desired RH remove the moisture source (sponge) and then let it sit for a day -- as the RH may drop slightly.

[E.J.]

Trays delivered Tuesday, I just heated up some distilled water in a bowl and threw it in there for a day....

Loaded it up yesterday afternoon and I am at 70 rh overnight w/ the beads and sticks(which have been at 65 rh). Assume the beads will have it down to 65 rh shortly.

I wouldn't think lightly wiping down the trays and placing them inside would do any harm if you're looking to accelerate things a bit. As mentioned, "wiping wood" is generally discouraged because you don't want anything structural (humidor walls) warping. However, if you have the patience, keep w/ what you're doing imo.

Originally Posted by innova

I wouldn't think lightly wiping down the trays and placing them inside would do any harm if you're looking to accelerate things a bit. As mentioned, "wiping wood" is generally discouraged because you don't want anything structural (humidor walls) warping. However, if you have the patience, keep w/ what you're doing imo.

Agreed

[T.G]

Originally Posted by innova

I wouldn't think lightly wiping down the trays and placing them inside would do any harm if you're looking to accelerate things a bit. As mentioned, "wiping wood" is generally discouraged because you don't want anything structural (humidor walls) warping. However, if you have the patience, keep w/ what you're doing imo.

While a light wipe down might not put you at risk for warping the wood, any kind of a wipe down can risk raising the grain of the wood resulting in a cosmetically unattractive rough surface that can easily tear cigar wrappers.

[Volusianator]

Originally Posted by T.G

While a light wipe down might not put you at risk for warping the wood, any kind of a wipe down can risk raising the grain of the wood resulting in a cosmetically unattractive rough surface that can easily tear cigar wrappers.

Bingo, we have a winner! Wiping down wood is NEVER a good idea. First of all you run the risk of warpage and as T.G. stated, raising the grain is not a good thing either. When it comes to seasoning a humidor, trays or whatever, one rule should be followed and one rule only, "the slow and steady pace wins the race."

Without getting into semantics, "wiping" or cleaning your humidor, trays etc. of dust and particles is a good idea. Just as you don't want warped wood tearing your smokes, you don't want contaminating particulate matter getting into the wrappers or leaf............"wiping" down your humidor or trays etc. with anything involving excess moisture is bad. Wiping by definition is to subject to light rubbing or friction, as with a cloth or paper, in order to clean or dry......has nothing to do with moisture, and in deed can be used as a "drying" action.