Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Sep 13, 2019 08:51am | #1

   Sounds like a bad batch of finish, should certainly be cured after 2 weeks. Is there a date code on the can?

2. 
   eugenevort | Sep 13, 2019 02:32pm | #2

   No, I looked carefully. No date or expiration anywhere.

3. 
   _mj_ | Sep 13, 2019 02:55pm | #3

   I looked on Rustoleum's site and found this:

   https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/varathane/one-step-stain-and-polyurethane-oil-based

   Based on the labeling diffs I'm betting the can you have is an old one.

4. 
   user-6001446 | Sep 13, 2019 08:26pm | #4

   Hi - I noted you say "when humidity is high". Even under good conditions I think it might take finish two weeks to cure to the point where you would want to set books on it. So, it may just still need some more time to cure, especially if the humidity has been high. I had some bad finishing experiences with hot temps and high humidity when I had a shop in an outbuilding years ago. If its not in air-conditioned space to dry/cure, you might consider putting a fan on it for a few days - if the space isn't dusty. Is it oil-based or water-based - can't tell from the pic of can. If it remains sticky after a week with the fan - I don't know this for sure, hopefully someone with more experience will comment - you might be able to possibly coat it with dewaxed shellac, let that dry and then add a coat if oil based poly then rub on a small amount of wax with fine steel wool? Then, let that cure a couple weeks. I would say don't attempt this or think its a good solution unless someone else with experience opines that doing this has a good chance of correcting the problem - just trying to help discussion along on the real question about how to correct. Best wishes on the outcome.