I noticed this container of Mineral Spirits I had around (in the attached garage) was cloudy when I poured it out. I’d never seen that before, so I checked the label and saw it was “odorless”. I thought that maybe that is just the way it looks. I used it as normal for cleaning off wood after stripping then cleaning my brushes after staining. The can I poured for cleaning my brushes did clear after a while.
I waited 2 days after staining. Then last night I did what I normally do, and blended 2 kinds of polyurethane together, satin and semi-gloss (because I like a finish half way between the two). Then cut it with about half mineral spirits, to make it dry faster. I do this to reduce the dust that falls into the surface. This is no different from what I’ve done many times before. Both cans of finish were new and stirred thoroughly. The cloudy mineral spirits makes it look like butterscotch in the jar.
I checked about 12 hours later, to see if it was ready for sanding. To my surprise, it was still tacky. So I turned the dehumidifier on,which has been off since the heat was turned on (midwest, Chicago area). Turned on a swing-arm incandescent lamp to provide a little mild warmth. A small fan a few feet away. I just checked again: no real difference, 7 hours later. I had even brushed a thinner coat than usual. I have never had half strength poly not dry to the touch really quickly, so to be able to recoat the next day if not earlier.
I don't think it's a problem with the stain I used (Oil based, brushed on, wiped off 20 minutes later. Same ones I have used before.). All 3 had different colors of stain. The two oak pieces are tacky. One had one coat of stain, the other 2 coats. The walnut table top (1 coat of stain) is slightly drier. Unless the 2 days I allowed were also not enough.
I don’t normally finish at this time of year. But I avoided rainy days. I misplaced my humidity meter, which I normally check before finishing.
What do you think? Humidity that was higher than I thought, or something wrong with the mineral spirits? Will I need to remove the finish? I hope not, as I don't want to damage the stain job. Thanks.