Accelerate tung oil curing?

[tommyboy]

How can I help it along? Put piece out in direct sunlight? Have a small fan blowing air on the piece? Something else?

[dadiOH]

Time...it doesn't dry, it cures. But in 24 hours it shouldn't be messy at all; you *did* wipe off all you could get off, right?

Also, you can get "polymerized" tung oil that cures faster.

[dadiOH]

PS - do NOT put in sunlight.

PPS - minimal cure takes 7-10 days, full cure up to 30

[Larry Jaques]

If you didn't use polymerized tung oil, you're screwed. Tung is an air-drying oil, but warmth probably helps polymerize it. Strong, hot sunlight might cause a bubbling, though. I wouldn't try that.

Next time, try wiping on some Waterlox. I get 3 coats on the first day, then one more coat per day afterward. 3 wiped coats provides a minimal but complete finish.

But always remember the #2 rule in finishing: Do NOT rush it. #1 is: Prep well and thoroughly clean before finishing.

-- Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all--the apathy of human beings. -- Helen Keller

[ed_h]

A few drops of Japan Drier should accelerate the curing of Tung Oil.

[RonB]

It usually cures fairly quickly IF you wipe the excess dampness after

10-20 minutes. If not it can take a long time to cure. I found out the hard way with a Danish oil finish (similar process) a few years ago. I placed the item in direct sunlight and it sped up drying. Do this after you give the piece a light wipe with a soft, dry rag to remove excess oil.

RonB