danish oil question

Re: danish oil question *LINK*

Mike Schwing from Md.

>Ken, generally speaking, "danish oil" type finishes are applied, allowed to soak in, and then any excess is wiped off almost completely. If not done in this manner "sticky mess" is usually the result. Sometimes I've noticed that when I leave it a little thicker it takes a few days to fully dry and not feel tacky, and weather can have a lot to do with it. If I recall though, you live in the desert, so you shouldn't have this problem. You should consult Wally Dickerman - he lives in Arizona and uses a tung oil based finish for most of his work (his words). Below is a link to an excellent (IMO) article on applying oil based finishes, and in fact it was the article I first consulted when starting with them.

My typical danish oil finish is 3 coats, liberally applied, and almost fully wiped dry, then buffed out to desired sheen.

I'm not sure what to tell you to do to recover from your mess, but maybe give it more time. I've had the stickiness remain for up to a week in some situations.


Badger pond oil finish article

Re: danish oil question

John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)

>Mike is correct. As with any finish, you must use it correctly to get the advertised finish. All danish oils make a point of telling you to wipe off all excess after the oil has soaked in. Danish oil is not designed as a "film building" finish even though a main ingredient is a varnish. Danish oils, as with most oil-based finishes, will behave better if applied as multiple thin applications opposed to a few thick coats.

To clean up the mess, use a rag, steel wool, or synthetic abrasive pad along with liberal amounts of mineral spirits to remove the film. Wipe dry and start again using the proper technique. Remeber, there is no short cut to a quality finish.

John

Re: danish oil question

Carole in VA

>Depending on the wood, you may have to keep wiping oil that seeps from the pores for quite some time. I had to do it for hours on a piece of mahogany. If you don't get it wiped dry before curing between coats, you do end up with a mess, as you have discovered.

Re: danish oil question

RonZ

>My work is to precious for danish oil. ;-)

Re: danish oil question

GaryG in MD

>Mike, That's an excellent article. Thanks for the link. ...Gary