Tack Cloth - OOPS

[Gordon Beehler]

I've turned a white oak bowl - sanded thru 600 grit - applied first coat of Tru-Oil - and let dry 24+ hours.

I then wiped down the bowl with a Tack Cloth and let dry another 24 hours.

The bowl has a "waxy" feel - and I think I should have omitted the Tack Cloth step.

Not sure IF - or HOW I can clear the "waxy" feel before I continue with the next application of Tru-Oil.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Larry Pickering]

Mineral spirits should remove the tacky transfer. The proper way to use a tack cloth, is to unfold the cloth, completely, fluff it into a light ball, lightly tack the surface. That being said I don't of any painters that do it way, just keep it light, and you should be OK .

[John Keeton]

If you will peruse the finishing forum, you will find that "tack cloths" are a big NO-NO. As you have found out, they leave a residue on the wood that can play havoc with many finishes. Wiping down a piece of baseboard you are going to slap a coat of paint on is one thing, wiping down a piece of wood that is going to receive a rather critical finish is quite another.

I think you will find they really have very little functional use. Removal of dust can be accomplished in better ways.

[Prashun Patel]

Gordon, these guys have more experience than I, but I will say that I've never had problems with tack cloths leaving residue on a dried surface. I believe they can cause adhesion problems on subsequent coats, but I don't think you should have a 'waxy' (I'm gonna guess you mean 'tacky') surface that your fingers would notice that much.

Did the bowl have a waxy feel before you wiped with the tack cloth? Was it totally dry? What temperature/condition are you drying at?

I suspect the softness yr feeling is the oil just not being dry yet.

The only time I consider using a tack cloth is after sanding; never in between coats if I haven't sanded. For oil based finishes, the best tack cloth in between coats (again only if yr sanding) is a slightly mineral spirits dampened rag.

If I were you, I'd let it dry for another couple days. If still soft, then wipe with MS, and repeat yr schedule this time without tack cloth.

[Joe Herrmann]

I have found that the "micro-fiber" cloths that you can buy at the "dollar stores" are better than the traditional ones with the sticky coatings. As a matter of fact, our local paint store is selling a commercial version of the cloths for just that purpose. I bought one but it doesn't work any better than the cheaper version.

[Gordon Beehler]

Thank you all !!

[Bernie Weishapl]

I did the same thing on a table. Mineral spirits took it right off.