I left my Polymerized Tung Oil Seal open too long and it gelled. Is there any chemical/solution that will return it to the original viscosity? I have tried Methyl Hydrate and Mineral Spirits but no luck.
time flys when yer havin fun or as the frog said times fun when yer havin flys
Edited 1/12/2005 6:28 pm ET by willyeh
Replies
I doubt the chemical reaction is reversible. Oxygen cross links the oil molecules into larger, solid structures. There is probably no way to break down the oxygen molecular bonds without destroying the entire material.
By the way, drying oils (of which Tung Oil is one) are extremely susceptible to spontaneous combustion. Any rag with the oil on it should be laid out flat to air dry, disposed of in a bucket of water, or kept in a fire resistant oily rag fire drum.
Sorry, but you would be better to buy a new can. You should avoid air in the can as the level drops. There are many tricks to expel or replace the air but switching to a smaller container is easy. Make sure you label it adequately.
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