Tarting Up a Cheap Humidor from Cuba

[shippers]

Thought I would share a recent project with you guys.

I went to Cuba last year and thoroughly enjoyed it as expected. But I did one of the things many people say not to and brought a humidor from a local market. I didn't mind. It was cheap and the design was nice even if it was a bit rustic. It would never be used to store cigars as it was clearly poorly made but it seemed nice enough to store accessories in.

But over time bits of the wooden flag came loose. It lost some of the little gloss finish it had and just didn't look great. So out came the paint. I am not a handy person but thought how hard can it be! So after sanding it down the painting began.

 

I first coated it in a primer spray paint to try seal up the wood a bit and help the paint stick. Doing it outside the wind occasionally made things difficult but I have now ended up with this...

 

 

Kept the old hydrometer as I quite like how clearly awful it is - keeps it closer to how it was. Although putting it back in involved much struggle! Overall I am quite pleased with how it turned out even with my imperfect painting skills.

So, have any of you ever tried to rescue an old humidor or even built your own?

[BrightonCorgi]

Are there any decent humidors available to buy in Cuba?

[shippers]

35 minutes ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Are there any decent humidors available to buy in Cuba?

Maybe the official casa ones? I did see a nice looking hotel national model one in there casa but it was expensive.

[Corylax18]

2 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Are there any decent humidors available to buy in Cuba?

 Seriously?

Have you ever seen any of the stuff sold at the Partagas Festival Closing dinner? Or even the Book Series that HSA themselves put out? Humidors of Havana is one of the best Humidor makers in the world. Obviously very low volume, but they make some amazing stuff. From way over the top fancy, to understated and classy. Next time you're in Havana, try to arrange a tour. You wont be disappointed. 

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/havanas-humidor-heaven-18866

[MPS]

2 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Are there any decent humidors available to buy in Cuba?

Check these guys out:

https://www.instagram.com/union_humidores/

I am very happy with mine.

 

[mt1]

Are there any decent humidors available to buy in Cuba?

I bought one from the Hotel Nacional casa and it's awesome!

[BrightonCorgi]

2 hours ago, Corylax18 said:

 Seriously?

Have you ever seen any of the stuff sold at the Partagas Festival Closing dinner? Or even the Book Series that HSA themselves put out? Humidors of Havana is one of the best Humidor makers in the world. Obviously very low volume, but they make some amazing stuff. From way over the top fancy, to understated and classy. Next time you're in Havana, try to arrange a tour. You wont be disappointed. 

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/havanas-humidor-heaven-18866

I assumed there must be (nice ones) considering the Habanos humidors I have seen, but his post made it sound like those were the exception and/or something local may not be so fancy.