Stain is now sticky
#1
08-25-11, 09:31 AM
Stain is now sticky
I stained wood shelves. The next day, after the stain dried, the shelves are sticky. I missed to wipe the excess stain with a piece of cloth. I believe the shelves must have been finished/stained before, so they didn't absorb all the stain, but only partially. How do I solve the problem of the sticky shelves? Can the shelves be rescued? I wiped them now with a cloth, but it didn't remove all the extra stain since the stain has dried now, so they're still sticky.
#2
08-25-11, 09:49 AM
Welcome to the forums Rose!
You basically have 2 choices; you can take a damp thinner rag and wipe the shelves down [that will rewet and remove some of the excess stain] or spray poly or varnish over the damp stain. You can get poly in aerosol cans.
You basically have 2 choices; you can take a damp thinner rag and wipe the shelves down [that will rewet and remove some of the excess stain] or spray poly or varnish over the damp stain. You can get poly in aerosol cans.
#3
08-25-11, 10:05 AM
Group Moderator
Stain doesn't absorb well except on raw wood and even then the excess should be wiped off.
The options Mark gave you are good, I would go with removing the excess with a little thinner on a rag but that's opinion.
The options Mark gave you are good, I would go with removing the excess with a little thinner on a rag but that's opinion.
#4
08-25-11, 10:13 AM
I forgot to add that you shouldn't apply the 1st coat of poly with a brush! Brushing poly over tacky stain will melt the stain and move it around - potential for a big mess 
Once the sprayed on poly has dried, the wood can be sanded and brushed as needed.
Once the sprayed on poly has dried, the wood can be sanded and brushed as needed.
#5
08-25-11, 02:56 PM
Thanks!
Thanks all for your tips. It's good to know there are some solutions. 
I will try first using the thinner to wipe the excess stain. Then I'll see if I'll need to resort to the poly spray. I'm hoping it will work out.
Thanks!
I will try first using the thinner to wipe the excess stain. Then I'll see if I'll need to resort to the poly spray. I'm hoping it will work out.Thanks!
