Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Nov 20, 2008 05:48am | #1

   Paul T,

    Is sinker cypress the same as pecky cypress? I've finished pecky cypress and found it takes a finish well.

   Let me ask you a question; how did you prepare the wood for finishing? Was it at all possible the surface had any contamination?

   My first inclination would be to remove it and start over. If there is only one coat and is still tacky, you may be able to use a solvent like lacquer thinner to wash some of it away. Wipe it dry as you go. Re sand to remove what is left over. Another way is to use a commercial stripper to remove it. When using a stripper, be sure and solvent wash the surface afterwards to remove any residual wax left behind by the stripper. You can use mineral spirits, naptha or lacquer thinner for this. Also, if using a stripper be sure and protect your skin and eyes as the stuff is not kind to either.

   What is it you are finishing?

   Peter

1. 
   paul_t | Nov 20, 2008 06:39am | #2

   Peter,

   It's not pecky cypress but cypress that was at the bottom of Lake Pontchartrain for probably a hundred years or more.  Beautiful grain but without the wormhole appearance of pecky cypress.  It has a distinct smell and some color variation depending on the sediments that it was buried in.  I'm wondering if that may have caused some contamination.  I'll try your idea of washing it with lacquer thinner.  I'll let you know how it turns out.  Thanks.

1. 
   peter28 | Nov 22, 2008 05:10pm | #3

   Paul,

   One other thing to consider; once you get the poly off, consider sealing the surface with a couple of coats of shellac to lock any residual contaminants in. Use Sealcoat for this as it is de-waxed shellac and you can use any finish over it.

   Peter