I think I would use a clear polyurethane to seal the wood at least on the inside, then maybe a piece of muslin on the bottom of the shelves. Gee - is DH available? My DH is definitely not that crafty, although my son is, which I hope my DDIL appreciates, but I'm sure she does. She just says he gets a one track mind when he starts a project and gets tunnel vision - although that he definitely gets from his father.