I made a huge mistake trying to use tung oil to put a finish on a new surplus unfinished axe handle. I sanded it down lightly with 220 grit sandpaper and brushed on a light coat of tung oil. I hung it up to dry over a dehumidifier and 24 hours later it had not dried not even a bit. I just wiped it off with some clean mineral spirits and hung it back over the dehumidifier. hopefully it will dry and maybe I can coat it with shellac, lacquer or varnish.
what would you use to put a finish on an axe handle that won't take forever and a day to dry?
I use linseed oil. I sand off ALL the commercial finish and rub the oil in. It's tacky for a few days. Usually treat any handles several times. Rub oil in then remove the excess with a cloth, then do it again a day later.
I am guessing maybe you didn't get all the original finish off when you sanded. Or, just used too much tung oil and didn't wipe it down afterwards.
'Drying' oils do not dry; the oil molecules chemically crosslink. Oxygen and time are needed.
The humidifier moves air but I do not think humidity, per se, is an issue.
Thin rubbed on coats allow oxygen access to the oil.
I love raw linseed oil but it will mildew if left damp.
Happy handles, Doug
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