Paint or covering considerations for interior of combo open back guitar cabinets

[Planobilly]

Hi Guys,

I need to build some open back combo cabinets. They will be built from white pine and or baltic birch. Is there any reason not to finish the inside with paint or varnish or tolex?

I don't see this in most cabinets and always assumed it was not done due to sound issues. I never liked the unfinished look but perhaps there is a good reason for it being unfinished.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Billy

[sluckey]

It cost money to finish the inside of a cab.

[Willabe]

Some paint the inside black on combo cabs.

[Planobilly]

Hi,

Yes I have a new Mojotone 18 watt Marshall cabinet which is painted black. Well...I assume it is a Mojotone as I did not buy it.

I actually don't think it will change anything but the looks.

Cheers,

Billy

[MakerDP]

I typically paint the insides with a single coat of whatever black spray paint is on sale at the hardware store.

[TIMBO]

Most of the vintage amps I have are painted inside.
This has been a saviour, as most were made of chipboard and even then the MOISTURE has caused the chipboard to flake.
Closed speaker cabs I don't paint.
My new cabs are ply and stand up better to the moisture, but I paint them just for looks.

[HotBluePlates]

All blackface Fender amps are painted black inside.  I think brown/white Fender amps, and definitely all the tweeds, were not painted inside.  Most likely bare wood stood out too much against the black tolex.  No issues with sound.

[jjasilli]

ditto to black interior