Replies

1. 
   philip | Jun 04, 2007 10:20am | #1

   K, this is what I have done when faced with that problem (on items made by others):
   1) Quick cure: rub down well with 000 steel wool which may be slightly lubricated with mineral turps. No need to try to get to virgin wood-just clean it up . Then spray on a coat of Zinsser de waxed shellac sealer and rub that down with 0000steel wool after about an hour. If you like the result leave it as it is, or you could wax it.
   2)Long term cure: strip and sand, apply sealer then spray a catalysed furniture furniture lacquer.
   There are others on this forum who are finish specialists-they may have better advice, I am merely telling you what I do.....

   Philip Marcou
2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 04, 2007 07:40pm | #2

   Oil finishes never really dry. The polymerize or semi-cure into a soft, flexible film. This film will react with some things you may put on the surface and will sometimes cause things to stick if they are left on the surface for long periods.

   You can clean the shelf surface up with mineral spirits applied with a gray scotchbrite pad. Wipe the surface dry with lots of paper towels. Let it fully dry and apply a coat of Watco or Minwax Tung Oil Finish following the directions on the can. Either will look just like what you put on originally but both contain some varnish which will dry and seal the wood preventing any oil from being on the surface. Let the surface dry uncovered for at least four weeks.

   In fact, if you want to clean up the whole item, wipe it all down with the mineral spirits and apply one of the products to the whole item. It will greatly improve the appearence

   Howie.........