[TheForge] Help! finish problem

[northwoods]

> mata iaia <mata1@att.net> 02/06/02 04:39PM >>>
> Hi all,
> I made a finish from a recipe of 2 parts linseed, 1 part turpintine, 3
> tablespoons japan drier, and about 4 tablespoons of beeswax.
> My problem is that my piece is still really tacky in some places and oily
in
> others.  It has been approximately 24 hours.  Did I get the recipe wrong
or
> will it just take much longer to dry?  What can do if it stays sticky to
> make it dry out or thin out??
> Thanks,
> Mata

To better understand the properties of linseed oil and turpentine I would
suggest you go to this link and read more:  www.violinvarnish.com
I use both ingredients regularly for wood finishing, and there are several
factors to consider in the drying process of linseed oil or a linseed oil
mixture. One important aspect that many folks do not realize is sunlight. As
the above website points out: "If two samples of raw linseed oil are taken
from the same press batch and spread on photographic plates, in films of
equal thickness, the comparison between curing them in the dark and curing
them in the light is dramatic. The film placed in diffuse daylight will
achieve initial set in 1 - 3 days, be tacky in 3 - 5 days, and achieve
tack-free dryness in 6 - 9 days. The film place in the dark, at the same
temperature and atmospheric conditions, having all measurements done under
red light, will reach initial set in 20 - 22 days and tack-free dryness in
65 - 68 days." I often use linseed oil on my 18th century longrifles which
has been boiled down to about half of what I started with. This aids in
drying. The thickness of the application is also a very important factor.
The thinner the application the better. When dry apply another coat.
Turpentine when combined with linseed oil acts as a drier. This is because
it absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere more rapidly than linseed oil and aids
in its transmission to the linseed oil. Turpentine does not completely
evaporate and upon drying will form a tough coating not unlike linseed oil.

T. Clark
Mountain, WI