Best wood Tips and References website.
Wood Stain Not Drying. If that gel stain isn’t drying, then turn up the heat (and the dehumidifier). The two biggest reasons for stain not drying is:
It is not uncommon to get an oil based stain that has the color adjusted with dye. Usually a polyurethane varnish as the finish. In which case, remove gel stain using mineral spirits or.
Ensure not to leave existing stain coating on the wood. Begin using light pressure while you clean, adding more pressure if needed to remove the excess stain. Usually a polyurethane varnish as the finish.
If that gel stain isn’t drying, then turn up the heat (and the dehumidifier). Otherwise, the uncured stain will cause lots of trouble and damage the wood as well. The two biggest reasons for stain not drying is:
When you have removed the excess stain, let the wood dry. If you are having an issue with stain not drying it is usually going to be an oil stain or oils stain/dye stain combo. This will take less than 2 hours.
Soak the rag in mineral spirits and apply it over the areas that have too much stain. Usually, this should take about 5 minutes. The stain turned out ok.
If that gel stain is drying unevenly, (and is only tacky in spots), then there may be some contaminant in the wood underneath.
