Main finishes for humidors

Cedar wood is essential for the interior of humidors, while there is a wide variety of options for the exterior finish of humidors. From natural and varnished woods to roots, lacquers, and composite woods, the choice depends on personal style, the placement location, and the desired aesthetics. Below, we present some of the most commonly used finishes for cigar humidors.

One of the most common finishes is using woods that harmonize with the surrounding environment. To enhance their resistance and durability, they are often varnished, giving them a natural, simple, and at the same time, elegant appearance.

What can these varnished woods be? Here are some of them:

• Mahogany: A highly durable and versatile tropical wood, mahogany originates from Central and South America, as well as other tropical regions. Its colour ranges from reddish to dark brown, often with lighter streaks. One of its distinguishing features that makes it particularly elegant for the exterior of humidors and other furniture is its natural sheen, which can be polished to an exceptionally glossy finish. Additionally, mahogany is highly resistant to rot and insect damage.
• Bubinga: Also of exotic origin, bubinga is extremely durable due to its resistance to moisture and wear. Native to the tropical regions of Africa, it can be found in countries such as Angola, Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon. This wood comes in a wide range of colours, from pinkish and reddish tones to darker browns. It also possesses a natural lustre, which enhances its elegance when given the right finish.
• Cherry: From the Prunus genus, cherry wood is native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. Its colour varies from light pinkish tones to deeper reddish-brown hues. It is a moderately hard and durable wood, less prone to warping and cracking than some others, though it is not as resistant to abrasion. Cherry wood takes well to various finishes, including different varnishes and oils, making it a timeless choice for furniture and, in this case, humidors.

• Oak: One of the most widely used woods in carpentry, oak is valued for its durability, versatility, and beauty. Belonging to the *Quercus* genus, it is found in various parts of the world. The most commonly used varieties for furniture include white oak, native to North America; red oak, found in both North America and Europe; and European oak. It comes in a wide range of shades, from light to dark brown, sometimes featuring slightly darker grain patterns. With its medium-high density, oak is an excellent choice for humidors, as it offers strong resistance to moisture and insect damage. It is also highly resistant to warping and cracking, giving humidors a more classic appearance.
• Walnut: Another highly durable and versatile wood, walnut is particularly prized for its beauty, making it a perfect choice for humidor exteriors, where it adds warmth and elegance. From the *Juglans* genus, walnut is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, with different species found worldwide, including American walnut, European walnut, and black walnut. Its colour varies from light to dark brown, sometimes with darker streaks in the grain. Like the other woods mentioned, walnut has a high medium density, making it highly resistant to moisture and insects. It is also less prone to warping and cracking.

All these woods are perfect and elegant choices for enhancing the exterior of a humidor. A varnish is applied to protect them from external factors and to enhance their natural colour, grain, and texture. This also helps prevent or slow down physical damage caused by humidity, sunlight, and general wear. Various finishes can be applied, including satin, matte, gloss, and water-based varnishes.

Special woods and roots

The use of less conventional woods can give humidors a distinctive and exclusive character. Below are some notable options:

• White Ebony: While the term “ebony” is typically associated with dark-toned woods, white ebony refers to lighter varieties that retain the density and durability characteristic of traditional ebony. In cabinetmaking, this type of wood is highly valued for its strength and ability to achieve high-quality polished finishes.
• Ciricote Wood: This unique wood originates from Central and South America and is scientifically known as *Cordia dodecandra*. It is distinguished by its striking grain patterns and colour variations, which range from yellow to dark brown, often interwoven with black streaks, creating an original and distinctive aesthetic. Its hardness and density make it highly resistant to impact and wear, making it an ideal choice for high-quality furniture.
• Composite Woods: These woods are manufactured through industrial processes that combine natural wood fibres with resins or other adhesives, creating materials with specific properties and varied designs. Their dimensional stability and ability to replicate different wood species offer sustainable and customisable options, making them a great choice for the exterior finishes of humidors.
• Root Woods: Using roots in humidor manufacturing adds unique textures and patterns due to the natural irregularities of these tree parts. Once treated and polished, this material provides a distinctive and sophisticated aesthetic, enhancing the exclusivity of each piece.
• Brushed Woods: Brushing is a technique used to treat the surface of wood to highlight its natural texture. The resulting finish is both rustic and elegant. This process accentuates the wood’s grain and intrinsic characteristics, adding depth and character to the humidor’s design.

The incorporation of these woods and techniques in humidor craftsmanship not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also reflects the artisanal skill and meticulous attention to detail that goes into their creation.

Lacquered humidors, the perfect option to match any style

Another way to finish humidors is by lacquering their exterior. The most common options are black and white lacquers, but they can be lacquered in any colour from the RAL colour code. This latter option is particularly popular among those who want to match their humidor with the room where it will be placed. Lacquers can be matte, gloss, or high gloss. It is a very elegant and modern finish.