Expert: Jamie Yocono - 11/9/2006

Question
I've had a solid cherry dining table for 9 years, and have been oiling it every year before the heating season. Following the instructions of the maker of the table, I used the oil provided by him (equal parts of boiled linseed oil, mineral spirit and spar varnish). After cleaning, sanding and oiling, it used to take 24 hours for the oil to dry. This time it's been 5 days and the table still feels sticky. I suspect that the original oil dried up a bit (it's pretty think now, still pouring but slowly). What should I do? Wait more time? Try to sand it again? Please help! Thanks.

Answer
Hi David,

I am not sure I'm the best person to answer your question, but I'll give it a go. I only use one type of finish on my furniture- Watco Danish Oil. But I'm familiar with the recipe that you mentioned, and I've heard it's a decent substitute for Watco.  

I suspect that you didn't adequately wipe the wood down after applying the mix. At least, what you've described is what occurs when Watco isn't adequately wiped off of the wood.

It may take a little sanding to loosen up that stickiness. What I suggest is reapplying the finish, allowing it to sit on the surface and dissolve the old stuff. You might even want to mix it up with a little higher ratio of mineral spirits. Thinning it will help both dissolve the old stuff, and penetrate the sealed finish.

You may have to sand it a little bit, and I recommend a wet sand, right as you're applying the oil, with either a Scotchbright pad, or some FINE sandpaper, like 400 grit. Depending on how sticky the top is, you may have to do it more than once.

Then- here's the important part- wipe that table clean of all residue. You are probably going to have to use some force here, especially since the spar varnish in the mixture will make this a much tougher finish than just Watco. Like I said- if might take more than one application to remove all the stickiness. It's a hassle, trust me.

The good news is- your problem is correctable with some time and elbow grease. So roll up your sleeves and get to work. :)  Good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this.

And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com