I recently used Varathane Stain/Poly in One, an oil-based product, in a Traditional Cherry color for my woodworking project. After prepping the wood by sanding it up to 320 grit, vacuuming, and cleaning with a damp cloth, I applied an oil-based wood conditioner and waited 30 minutes before applying the stain. I used a brush designed for oil-based stains and did not wipe off the excess stain per the instructions, ensuring I only used enough to stain the wood without a thick coat. I mixed the stain thoroughly, and the can was new from the store without any dilution with mineral spirits. However, it's been 7 days since application, and the wood feels tacky to the touch, although it looks dry. I'm concerned about what went wrong and whether this product is still drying. Any advice on how to fix this without stripping the wood would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
It can actually take a couple of weeks for these products to fully dry, especially if the humidity is high. Try to keep the area well-ventilated to help with drying. Typically, the solvent has to evaporate completely for the finish to cure properly, so if it’s still tacky after three weeks, that could be a sign of trouble. Also, the 30-minute wait after conditioning might have trapped some solvents under the poly, which could be contributing to that sticky feeling.
Thanks for the info! I've been keeping the garage door open for ventilation, and the humidity has been between 50-70%. I definitely won't use this product again!