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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: SteveL on April 04, 2009, 12:35:00 AM

Title: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: SteveL on April 04, 2009, 12:35:00 AM

Well I"m thinking I already know the answer to this but I want to check just in case. There is so much I don't know.

Like the subject line says...It's Minwax Gloss Poly over a cocobolo riser that just won't dry. It's been about 6 days now. I even brought into the house where it is warmer. Is there anything that can be done short of sanding it all off.

Many thanks,
Steve

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: Pat B on April 04, 2009, 12:42:00 AM

On the oily tropical woods some finishes won't dry or take forever to. You will have to seal the woof first. Shellac should work for this. I think some also use super glue to seal the wood first.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: str8sh2ter on April 04, 2009, 08:36:00 AM

I had the same problem with Bacote.i scraped the finish off as completely as possible.then put a few coats of sealer on [to be sure].then reapply the finish.Minwax makes a spray on sealer too.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: SteveL on April 05, 2009, 01:40:00 AM

Thanks guys, somehow sealing first completely escaped me. That's what's so great about this forum. Everybody's willingness to share their knowledge is just amazing.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: gordonf on April 05, 2009, 01:43:00 AM

I've used both shellac and superglue to seal cocobolo.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: Glenn Newell on April 05, 2009, 04:27:00 PM

On the oily timber I have always used a clear water based floor finish, I just apply it with a rag and then apply the finish over the top of it, never had any problems with doing it that way...Glenn...

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: elkslayer on April 05, 2009, 07:57:00 PM

You can also use a little bit of runny super glue and rub it in fast and then finish over it. Not my favorite way but does work and looks good. I have a knife handle that is still drying after a year, LOL I just say the sticky gives it better grip when in use.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: razorsharptokill on April 07, 2009, 08:10:00 PM

Does fullerplast or thunderbird dry over oily woods w/o surface sealing?

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: LPM on April 08, 2009, 08:31:00 PM

I first start by cleaning the surface with acetone.  Then I take some of the smooth-on epoxy that I glue up laminations with, and rub it all over my bow limbs and riser.  Not much, glue is needed. Just rub it into the pours of the wood and sanded areas of fiberglass.  Then wipe it off with a lint free towel used by automotive refinishers.  After wiping the glue off let it dry overnight.  Then apply your finishing products.  Smooth-on epoxy makes a great filler sealer.  I do this on all my bows.  I've never had issues with any woods including cocobolo

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: razorsharptokill on April 08, 2009, 09:23:00 PM

Hmmm good idea!

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: ron w on April 12, 2009, 04:56:00 PM

A finish call Deft will seal the oily wood also.

Title: Re: Finish won't dry on Cocobolo
Post by: R.W. on April 14, 2009, 10:27:00 PM

I used "Deft" satin lacquer in the spray can on two cocobolo risered bows I finished.

The Minwax Polyurethane just wouldn't dry, even after I wiped the wood down just before spraying with acetone.