I put on two coats of Miniwax Red Mahogany “Wood Finish” on sanded poplar. I let the first coat dry for 6 hours. I wiped off with a rag in between coats. The finish is still sticky and gummy about 24 hours after the second coat. I tried lightly sanding the worst parts using medium grit plastic pads (what do you call those things).
Did I do something wrong? Will this eventually dry? I plan on using a wipe-on poly finish next if it does dry.
Replies
DDD,
Is the Minwax finish fresh? What is the temperature of your workshop?
I believe you have either a wiping varnish or an oil/varnish mixture. If it is fresh and the temp is at least 68 F it will harden. Give it another 24-48 hours. If it is still soft, remove as much as you can with mineral spirits, lightly sand and get a new batch to use.
VL
It was fresh and I have moved the piece into the house where it is 72. I did put the 2nd coat on before the first was completely dry. The japan drier would have been good. Thanks to both of you, I'll give it another 24-48 hours.
Minwax can take days to dry; especially in cool temperatures, high humidity, and without sunlight. It's the oil content that causes the slow dry time. Applying a second coat before the first coat is dry/cured makes the problem worse.
I always add an ounce of japan drier to each quart of Minwax stain before using. That way the stain will dry overnight as long as you keep the stained piece above 65 degrees.
Let the piece sit in a warm place for a week and see if the stain dries. If it does, you can topcoat. If it doesn't, take some of your scotchbrite and lacquer thinner and scrub off the stain. Then re-stain and allow time between coats for the stain to dry completely.
Paul
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