First the background –
I used Minwax Antique Oil Finish on a cherry table, the first coat went on beautifully and was allowed to dry for a couple of weeks before I applied a second coat. After applying the second coat, which came from another container. The table sat for another couple of weeks. When I finally got back into the shop to look at the table I noticed glossy spots that looked like someone had spattered the table with something over the entire surface. On closer inspection the spots seemed to be concentrated along the grain lines. A light rubbing with 0000 steel wool removed them.
Both times the oil was applied in 50 degree weather with relatively high humidity. Table was sanded to 220. Table was wiped with a tack cloth between coats.
Now the question –
Is this normal for cherry? I have used this finish on maple before with no problem, and I like the way the finish looks and feels after the steel wooling and would use it again, but am curious if I missed something in applying the finish.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Replies
UN,
You have described "bleedback," a condition in which the finishing oil "weeps" out of the pores as it cures. This is not unusual - in fact, cherry is one of the worst species I've encountered re: bleedback.
You can manage this condition my wiping away these "blemishes" with an old cloth diaper about once an hour until the bleedback subsides.
I usually sand in my oil finishes with wet-or-dry abrasive, in which case, I don't worry about the bleedback until I've applied the final (third or fourth) coat.
Good luck with your project,
Paul
Thanks.
Or just apply a sealer coat like Shellac....Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled