Help! Finish won't dry

I need help and advice on a cane that I have completed. Its Aspen wood and I carved and burned the designs. Since I wanted to maintain the appearance, I used Watcon Natural Finish. After following the directions, and about a month later, the surface is still slightly tacky. Do I need more time, or should I try to sand this down and start all over? I have never had this problem with a Watco product before.

[AlArchie]

You may have gotten an oil that was not prpery polymerized....here's a possible solution. I've mentioned this before but give it a try. check at a goood art supply store for "Japan Drier". Tis is a product that used to be added to oil based paints to speed up the curing process of the linseed oil carrier. Put a few drops of this on a rag and wipe the surface of your stick with it. Use enough to dampen the surface. This just might solve you problem. If you have mor eof this same oil, try following the additive directions on the JD and that should solve any further dryin (curing) problems.

Weber Japan Drier 4 oz. - Arizona Art Supply

JAPAN DRIER Speeds drying time of oil- PJD40 KLEAN-STRIP/WM BARR

Klean-Strip Japan Drier - Rockler Woodworking Tools

Weber Japan Drier - BLICK art materials

Al

[Dan C]

Craig - Here's a thread you might want to look at:

Wood Carving/Wood Finishing and Painting/Problem sealing a carving
Date: 3/16/09
28 posts to the thread

Bottom line: I had a problem with tackiness after several days also, although my finishing process was different from yours. In the thread, one poster advised wiping down the carving with lacquer thinner. This worked great for me. I then followed up by putting on a coat of wax. Hope that helps!

Dan C.

Thanks for the advice Al and Dan C. I am trying to locate the Japan Drier here in town with not much luck. In the meantime, I have moved the cane into an area with more air flow and that seems to help as its gradually losing it tackiness. I expect that the Watco Oil Finish may be too old. I have used it sparingly over the years and no problems until now.

Craig