Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 12, 2006 06:09am | #1

   >> I find oily fingerprints on my wood after final sanding

   What kind of oil? Where is the oil coming from that gets on your hands?

   Howie.........
1. 
   clive | Jul 12, 2006 07:28am | #2

   I don't know the answer to that, I feel that it was just a sweaty finger holding the piece as I finish sanded, the only oil around would be be if a picked up a bit off the vise screw. I have now finished  the cherrywood with polyurethene and the fingerprint remains as a light shadow as though the wood has not been "wetted". Thanks for your interest, Clive

1. 
   joinerswork | Jul 12, 2006 06:07pm | #3

   clive,

   I bet it's glue.  It'll  "size" the wood where you touched it, and show up lighter than the wood around it.  One of my bosses used to accuse me of "trademarking" every piece of my work with a glue-fingerprint somewhere.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

1. 
   clive | Jul 12, 2006 06:21pm | #4

   Glue is a definate possibility. I lightly sanded the area but not sufficiently to remove the print without spoiling the piece. I guess this is a lesson in keeping clean and tidy. Clive

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jul 12, 2006 06:47pm | #5

   I would tend to agree with Ray. It's more likely adhesive that is getting on your fingers and being transferred to the wood. Do you use your finger to spread the glue on a joint?First, clean your hands thoroughly before touching the wood. Then, before finishing, wipe the item down with a rag wetted with mineral spirits, naphtha or alcohol. This will highlight any glue marks, indentify any sanding miscues and preview the color of the wood when you apply a clear oil based finish. Once identified you can sand out the problem areas.My grandfather would smack my hand with stick whenever I used my fingers to spread glue. Use an acid brush or some other type of applicator.Howie.........

1. 
   clive | Jul 12, 2006 08:31pm | #6

   Guilty as charged. Its a habit of mine to use my finger and I suppose a skim coat remains even after I wipe my hand.Thanks for your input. Clive