Expert: James Yee - 1/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi James,

I bought a cabinet humidor that fits approx. 1000 cigars. I would like to seal the corners though cause it does not appear to be air tight. I was thinking of using a Kwik seal with Mircoban (to fight bacteria and mould). What are your thoughts on this?
Any other better sealant that I can use instead or will this suffice.

Thanking you in advance

ANSWER: Hi Thomas,

Has the cabinet been prepped (seasoned) yet?  If not, season the humidor first and see if it manages to hold humidity at a reasonable level.  A lot of humidors actually have loose interior panels because the Spanish cedar will expand with humidity.  Some humidors may appear to have flimsy joints and seals but it won't affect performance at all.

If you're certain the the loose joints is a construction flaw and will affect humidity, consider having the original manufacturer look at your humidor for repair options.  I've never used kwikseal to repair a humidor but if it's low fume and microban, I don't see why it wouldn't work.  However, it's always best to contact the original manufacturer (or retailer) first for repair options.  If this is a brand new humidor, modifying it will most likely void the warranty.  If the humidor is not new and has no warranty, you can use kwikseal or contact a humidor builder/repairman and have it repaired professionally.

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks James. I have a electric humidifier so humidity won't be the issue. What I'm worried about is cooking odours potentially entering the humidor. That's why I want to seal it shut. The humidor has not been primed yet.

Answer
Hi Thomas,

OK, if you're worried about cooking odors entering the humidor and just want to patch up the gaps, a low-fume, microban sealant should work.  I've never used it myself but alot of cigar stores do sell sealants like Kwikseal for minor humidor repair.  I would still recommend that you contact the manufacturer first for repair options because even a do-it-yourself repair using chemical-based sealants could compromise your humidor's performance.

If the cabinet door/lid does not have a tight seal, consider using a foam or rubber moulding strip.  These are usually sold in adhesive rolls at hardware stores for weatherproofing doors and windows but they also work well at sealing humidor doors and lids.  Because they are also a adhesive back moulding, they are removeable and non-permanent.

Regards,
James