Test it
Adam Cherubini, NJ
>Hank,
I recommend conducting a test on a piece of scrap using the same grease, acetone, and intended finish. Please report your findings. My guess is it won't come out okay.
I'd consider switching finishes*. The finish you are choosing is particularly unforgiving of oils and grease.
I recommend:
Apply a liberal ocating of boiled linseed oil. Hopefully this will mask/blend in with the grease stain. Let it sit for 15 minutes then wipe it. You could apply several coats like this, but the finish will remain dry looking. To develop a film finish look, try making your own watco by mixing your boiled linseed oil with turps one to one. You can brush or wipe this on.
If shiney is what you are after, and the resulting finish isn't good enough, you can wax or shellac right over the oil.
A few disclaimers/safety tips:
1) Wait a day between coatings of oil.
2) Never allow puddles, that's too much oil.
3) Try not to pour the oil straight from the can onto the wood surface.
4) Wipe it down until smooth after 15 minutes. If you miss a spot, you'll have a gummy mess the next day. Wipe that area with turps and rub it out, then wait another day for it to cure before applying more oil.
5) Rags or brushes soaked with linseed oil can spontaneously combust. I use paper towels then spread them out and drape them over my anvil. Whatever you do, use caution.
*Guys around here often tease about poly finishes. They do get cloudy and they sure do seal up wood grain. The resulting plastic coating (that's exactly what it is)eliminates one of the things we like about wood, its texture. The finish I've described is no where near as durable as poly, but it is easily repairable, which may be better for you.
Good Luck,
Adam