Antique Oil Problem?

[Toney Robertson]

I just finished a piece that has maple and oak burl in it. I was using antique oil on it. I have used it in the past for my turnings and have really liked the finish I ended up with.

This time however, I have a problem. I put on the third coat two days ago. The finish on the maple is dry with no problem but on the oak burl the AO did not seem to dry. It is still tacky to the touch.

What would cause this problem?

Will it eventually dry?

If not, what do I do about it?

TIA

Toney

[Scott Holmes]

Oak and oak burls have large pores.

AO (assuming Minwax brand) is nothing more than an oil/varnish blend. A poly varnish, linseed oil and mineral spirits.

Keep wiping it until it's dry then give it a few days. Remember ol/varnish blends are in-the-wood finishes. They are too soft to build a durable film finish.