sticky situation

[mcojdp]

Having a problem with finishing my wood. It does not matter what I use, stain, oils, poly, or laquer. It never seems to dry completely. I have tried moving work into the house for cooler temps, leaving in garage for hotter temp it always seems to remain sticky to the touch.
Is anyone else having this problem? Suggestion appreciated.

[tvman44]

Sounds like a humidity problem.

[Bill Wilson]

Humidity is probably the most likely culprit. However, in order to weed out a few other potential causes; What kind of wood are you finishing? How much time between coats are you allowing? Are you having trouble with each finish independently or are you combining products on the same piece of wood? How old are the finishes?

[mcojdp]

thanks guys. I do live in a high humidity area, but I would have thought bringing it in the house would solve that problem. The stain, oils etc. are new. I have tried several types wood. pine, poplar, oak, blood wood, purple heart and others and get the same results on all. This happens with the first coat applied. If this is a humidity issue is there a way to resolve.

[tvman44]

Either apply in a air conditioned area or use a dehumidifier in that room.

[Bill Wilson]

Generally speaking, finishes are more sensitive to humidity than temperature. Are you using fresh, new cans? Old finishes can take forever to dry, if they dry at all. Based on what you've described, that's about the only other variable that would impact the drying time in all those cases.

[will8989]

What kind of oils are you using? Tung oil? Mineral Oil? I thin mine with mineral spirits. It doesn't leave a gummy finish and dries within 24 hours. Also, blood wood and purple heart are rather hard woods and I find they don't take finishes well. Are you shaking the stains or stirring? They are supposed to be stirred to keep air bubbles from forming.

[mcojdp]

Thanks Betty. I have not tried to thin any of the finishes. I use some tung oil but tend to use mostly danish oils. I have decided to just wait until we get to cooler weather and less humidity before finishing any more.