Watco oil: when can I sand and polish?

[NickInMesa]

I keep reading that one has to wait 24 hours for Watch Danish oil to set before sanding to fine grit.

When I inspect the body after 24 hours, it is still sticky. And yes, I wiped off the excess with a cloth (old t-shirt). I tried polishing to fine grit (1000) but it was everything but glossy, and of course covered in polish dust, so I wiped it all off with a damp cloth (another old t-shirt).

Good thing I wanted a darker color. I have reapplied 2 coats and will wait for 48 hours, maybe even 72.

What should I do next, just use fine grit all over? Wet or dry sanding?

Good thing is, I have a good stock of old t-shirts.

[62bass]

It shouldn't take that long to dry enough to sand.

Is your temperature over 70F? It needs to be warm enough. The lower the temperature the longer it takes to dry. You might need to hang it to dry in a warm spot.

If the Watco is very old the drying agent added may have lost its effectiveness. Is this a can that's been sitting around for a long time? I don't use any oil finish or varnish once it gets past a year or so. I only buy from stores that have a high turnover in these products. I once bought a bargain priced can of varnish from a litle hardware store and it was so old it never did dry. I had to wash it all off with paint thinner and do it again.

You can speed up the drying time of Watco and other varnish and oil mixtures by adding a bit of Japan dryer to it. But if the stuff is really old it's best to dispose of it.

Other than that I can't think what's going on.

Edit to add-don't apply a second coat until the first has dried enough. You'll trap solvents underneath and drying time will take forever.

[tjclem]

I agree with what has been said above. When possible I let my pieces bake in the sun and rub them out while baking.......t

[NickInMesa]

HI there thanks for the help!

No it's a brand new can I picked up at Home Depot on Monday, I doubt it was that old.

I have the body hanging in my garage, where the temperature go from 50 to 75 (I live in Arizona, remember).

The can says you need to wait 72 before applying polyurethane finish (not that I want to do that).

I will let it dry 1 more day, I have achieved the color I wanted (except for the little bit of putty I put in a few areas, next time I will not put any, I've learned the lesson).

[Son of Magni]

My experience with watco oil is that I need to wipe it on then wait 5 minutes then wipe if off. Basically like you're waiting for it to set up a bit but not quite tacky, then rub it into the wood and remove any excess.

[NickInMesa]

Oh well, one has to learn.

What type of method do you advise for sanding and polishing?

Should I use a polishing wheel?

Thanks!