Hi,

Weekend before last (ie Sunday 24th) I applied tung oil to plywood (simply described as “12mm hardwood plywood” by the DIY shop). One week and a bit later, it looks dry to the eye, there is no shiny spot, the wood has a warmer colour, but if I run my fingers on the surface I get a tiny amount of oil.

I applied the oil by pouring a small amount on the surface of the wood then rubbing with an old rag, leaving no pool of oil.

Sunday (the day before yesterday ) I used kitchen towels to try to dry it off. The towels picked up a tiny bit of oil, but evidently not everything.

Is tung oil that slow to dry? Should I wait another week? Can I do something to help the process along? (Sanding or steel wool? Too aggressive for the thin veneer of plywood? Rub with a small amount of white spirit? )

I’m making a crate for Puppy who has outgrown two crates already, I picked the oil that was advertised as food & toy safe without realising how difficult it’d be to apply. In fact that’s my most ambitious project to date, I’m really a beginner.

Puppy tax: Proud puppy on a trunk

  • NataliePortland@lemmy.caM
    3·
    23 days ago

    Hmm I wonder if your project has been stored in room temperature or was it outside in the cold?

    I might use a solvent to wipe it down, with a light 220 grit sanding, then try again.

    I’m also wondering if you might have skipped a step. You should apply the oil, wait 5 minutes or so, then wipe off the excess. Then keep it in room temperature for a day. Repeat three times and then buff or polish.

    • Fred@programming.devOP
      1·
      23 days ago

      It’s inside the house, but this being winter, is not super warm.

      I disn’t do the two steps apply liberally, wipe the excess a few minutes later. Of well, top late to go back and do that :)

      I think I’ll try your suggestion when I have time in a few days