Ask a Woodworker | Cherry Finish | Your Woodworking Questions @ Woodworking-News/title> <link rel="StyleSheet" href="http://www.woodworking-news.com/style.css" type="text/css"> <META NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="5 days"> <META NAME="ROBOTS" CONTENT="index, follow, all"> <META name="description" content="Answers for your Woodworking Questions. Ask our editors. We will try our best to provide you with the tip you need, sound advice or steer you in the right direction. Ask a Woodworker."> <META name="keywords" content="woodworking gift ideas, woodworking,woodworking plans,free woodworking plans,tool reviews,beginner woodworking books,project plans,shop tips, woodworking FAQ"> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-language" CONTENT="en-US"> <META NAME ="DISTRIBUTION" CONTENT="worldwide"> <META NAME ="CLIENTBASE" CONTENT="North America"> <META NAME ="RATING" CONTENT="General"> <META NAME ="RESOURCE-TYPE" CONTENT="document"> <META NAME ="AUTHOR" CONTENT="Woodworking-News"> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="favicon.ico" > <script language="JavaScript">  } </script> </head> <body marginheight=0 marginwidth=0 leftmargin=0 topmargin=0 bgcolor=white background="/images/bkg_bodyfade.gif"> <center> <table width=778 style="border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #000000;" cellpadding=0> <tr> <td background="/images/bkg.gif"> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=778> <form name = "form"> <tr> <td colspan=5 bgcolor=#210D1A valign=top align=left height=36> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <img src="/images/hd_title.gif" width=353 height=36 border=0><br> </td> <td align=right> <select name="site" size=1 onchange ="formHandler(this.form)"> <option value=""> - - Woodworking Resource Finder | Quick Search - -</option> <option value="http://www.woodworking-news.com/free_woodworking_catalog.shtml">FREE Rockler Catalog</option> <option value="http://www.woodcraft.com/AffiliateWiz/aw.aspx?B=12&A=30&Task=Click&TargetURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.woodcraft.com%2fcatalogrequest.aspx" Target="_blank">FREE Woodcraft Catalog</option> <option value="">- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -</option> <option value="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1853602-10382586" target="top">Batteries, Adapters & Chargers</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/3116231" target="top">Bench Dog Products</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228248" target="top">Black & Decker Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228253" target="top">Bosch Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&camp=1789&tag=woodworkingne-20&creative=9325&path=tg/browse/-/228470/ref=hi_i_bra_ftr_9t" target="top">Bostich(Stanley)Tools <option value="http://www.craftsman.com" target="top">Craftsman Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228278" target="top">Delta Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228292" target="top">DeWalt Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/229122" target="top">Dremel Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=http%3A//www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html%3Fnode%3D3960611" target="top">Grizzly Industrial</option> <option value="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1853602-10370420?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=1669833&cm_pla=1853602&cm_ite=Heaters+%26+Stoves" target="_top">Heaters & Stoves</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&camp=1789&tag=woodworkingne-20&creative=9325&path=tg/browse/-/228332/ref=hi_i_bra_ftr_4i" target="top">Hitachi Tools</option> <option value="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1853602-10383217?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=1669833&cm_pla=1853602&cm_ite=Homedepot.com" target="top">Home Depot</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/1027256" target="top">Incra Jigs</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228358" target="top">JET Equipment & Tools</option> <option value="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1853602-10380874" target="top">Knobs & Things</option> <option value="http://www.knottyplans.com/index.php?page=2002&ref=woodworkingnews" target="top">Knotty Plans</option> <option value="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1845889-10392165" target="_top">Little Giant Ladders (As Seen On TV)</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228375">Makita Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/3116381" target="top">Marples Chisels</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228394" target="top">Milwaukee Tools</option> <option value="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1853602-10380160?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=1669833&cm_pla=1853602&cm_ite=Paint+Sprayers" target="_top">Paint Sprayers</option> <option value="http://www.knottyplans.com/index.php?page=2002&ref=woodworkingnews" target="top">Project Plans by Knotty Plans</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228416" target="top">Porter-Cable Tools</option> <option value="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1853602-10386616?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=1669833&cm_pla=1853602&cm_ite=Power+Tools+at+homedepot.com" target="_top">Rigid Tools</option> <option value="http://www.rockler.com/go.cfm?&find=rockler+exclusive&sid=AFD28" target="top">Rockler Woodworking Supplies</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/229709" target="top">ShopVac Products</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228464" target="top">Skil Tools</option> <option value="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=woodworkingne-20&path=tg/browse/-/228471" target="top">Stanley Tools</option> <option value="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1853602-10370423?cm_ven=CJ&cm_cat=1669833&cm_pla=1853602&cm_ite=Trailers+%26+Parts" target="_top">Trailers & Parts</option> <option value="http://www.woodcraft.com/AffiliateWiz/aw.aspx?B=13&A=30&Task=Click&TargetURL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.woodcraft.com%2fdepts.aspx%3fpd%3d1044%26deptid%3d1044" Target="_blank">Woodboring Tools</option> <option value="http://www.woodcraft.com/AffiliateWiz/aw.aspx?A=30&Task=Click" target="top">Woodcraft Stores</option> <option value="http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/subscribe/subscribe.cfm?sid=AFD28" target="top">Woodworkers Journal Magazine</option> </select> </td> <td> <img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=20 height=36><br> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </form> </tr> <tr> <td colspan=5 bgcolor=#210D1A valign=top> <img src="/images/lev2-main.gif" width=778 height=60 border=0><br> <img src="/images/pixel.gif" width=778 height=1 border=0><br> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img src="/images/menu_top.gif" width=160 height=28 border=0><br> <td colspan=4 align=right> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=100% height=28 border=0 background="/images/bkg_topnav.gif"> <tr> <td align=center><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=12 height=12 border=0><br> </td> <td align=center> <a class=top href="/">Home</a> </td> <td align=center><img src="/images/btn_divider.gif" hspace=4></td> <td align=center> <a class=top href="/woodworking_tool_reviews.shtml">Woodworking Tool Reviews</a> </td> <td align=center><img src="/images/btn_divider.gif" hspace=4></td> <td align=center> <a class=top href="/woodworking-projects/">Woodworking Projects</a> </td> <td align=center><img src="/images/btn_divider.gif" hspace=4></td> <td align=center> <a class=top href="/ask_a_woodworker.shtml">Ask a Woodworker</a> </td> <td align=center><img src="/images/btn_divider.gif" hspace=4></td> <td align=center> <a class=top href="/contact.shtml">Contact Us</a> </td> <td align=center> <img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=12 height=12 border=0><br> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign=top> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=12 height=1><br> </td> <td>  <br> <a class=left href="/free_woodworking_plans.shtml">FREE Plans</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking-tips/">Woodworking Tips</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking-how-to-video.shtml/">Video Demos</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/about-woodworking-news.shtml">About Us</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a href="/woodworking-newsletter.shtml">Stay informed!<br> Sign up for our<br> Newsletter</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br><br> <img src="/images/left_nav_shoponline.gif" width=130 height=25 border=0 alt="Shop online for woodworking plans, videos, hardware, wood, and tools" vspace=2><br>   <a class=left href="/woodworking/">Woodworking Supplies, Hardware & Tools</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking-supplies">More Tools, Hardware & Woodworking Supplies</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/free_woodworking_catalog.shtml">FREE Catalog</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a href="/little-giant-ladders/">Little Giant Ladders</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/door-hardware-cabinet-knobs.shtml">Cabinet Knobs</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/clock-parts.shtml">Clock Making Supplies</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/door-hardware-cabinet-knobs.shtml">Door Hardware</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking-tools-and-hardware-on-sale-page1.shtml">Sale Items & CloseOuts</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br><br> <img src="/images/left_nav_resources.gif" width=130 height=25 border=0 alt="Recommended Woodworking Resources (i.e. magazines, plans, schools)"><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_magazines.shtml">Woodworking Magazines</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_plans.shtml">Woodworking Plans</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking-tools.shtml">Woodworking Tools</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_schools.shtml">Woodworking Schools</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/ask_a_woodworker.shtml">Woodworking FAQ</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_tool_reviews.shtml">Tool Reviews</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_tool_recalls.shtml">Tool Safety Recalls</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking/plans_books_cd's_dvd's_and_videos/woodworking_plans.shtml">Project Plans</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking/plans_books_cd's_dvd's_and_videos/books_cd's_dvd's_and_videos.shtml">Project Videos & Books</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/new-yankee-workshop.shtml">New Yankee Workshop</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/this-old-house.shtml">This Old House</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br><br> <img src="/images/left_nav_bookshelf.gif" width=130 height=25 border=0 alt="Our recommended reading list of Woodworking Books for all woodworking skill levels"><br> <a class=left href="/books_advanced_woodworking.shtml">Advanced Woodworking</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_band_saw_basics.shtml">Band Saw Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_boatbuilding_basics.shtml">Boat Building Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_craftsmanship_basics.shtml">Craftsmanship Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_woodworking_finishes.shtml">Finishing Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_handplane_basics.shtml">Handplane Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_joinery_basics.shtml">Joinery Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br>  <a class=left href="/books_kitchen_cabinets.shtml">Kitchen Cabinets</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_marquetry-inlay_basics.shtml">Marquetry/Inlay Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_whittling.shtml">Old Time Whittling</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_router_basics.shtml">Router Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_scroll_saw_basics.shtml">Scroll Saw Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_table_saw_basics.shtml">Table Saw Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_wood_lathe_basics.shtml">Wood Lathe Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_getting_started.shtml">Woodworking Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/books_woodcarving_basics.shtml">Woodcarving Basics</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br><br> <img src="/images/bsa.gif" width=130 height=25 border=0 alt="Boy Scouts of America Woodworking Merit Badge Requirements"><br> <img src="/images/left_nav_merit_badges.gif" width=130 height=25 border=0 alt="Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements and Worksheets"><br> <a class=left href="/pinewoodderby.shtml">Pinewood Derby Secrets</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodworking_merit_badge.shtml">Woodworking</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br> <a class=left href="/woodcarving_merit_badge.shtml">Wood Carving</a><br> <img src="/images/sidenav_line.gif" vspace=2><br><br> <br><br><br><br> </td> </tr> </table> </td>  <td> </td> <td valign=top>  <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width=95% border=0> <tr> <td align=left colspan=3><p>  <br> <h3>Ask a Woodworker</h3>  <b>I finished a cherry magazine rack I made with a mixture of linseed oil and turpentine. The first two applications dried normally. The third application is soft and sticky although it has been drying for four months. What can I do to correct the problem?</b> <p> I don't have quite enough info to give you a quick answer. <P> I ask you to remember that turpentine is a solvent and as such it will melt or soften a finish. Linseed oil is more a protective type finish used on wood that would normally be exposed to the elements, like a door, outside millwork or a gun stock. So what is supposed to happen, is that the turpentine cuts through softened old finishes, while the linseed oil feeds the wood so that it won't dry out. <p> Since I don't know exactly how you did your finish I can only suggest that you used the same formulation on all coats--so you have progressively softened the finish and trapped it under the layers of oil. You probably didn't notice it so much on the 2nd coat because it was "thin". It'll dry out eventually, but I don't think you want to wait that long. <p> Personally I wouldn't use this type finish on a magazine rack unless it was on the porch or in the out house. That said, using a full strength solvent like turpentine may get you back to square one. Try it and let the wood dry out for a couple of weeks. <p> Then, if you still want to use this type of finish: <ul> <li>Use boiled linseed oil, not regular linseed oil. <li>Start with a 3:1 mixture of turpentine to boiled linseed oil. After a few days apply a 2:1 mixture and then finally a 1:1 mixture. <li>or Do two coats. The first using a 3:1 mixture and for the second coat, use the reverse ratio: 1:3. </ul> <p> The Linseed oil will evaporate after a few years. That's why I prefer "poly". <p> Now, there is a little trick that used on rifle stocks that you may be interested in. It consists of a mixture of 1/3rd Linseed Oil, 1/3rd Turpentine, and 1/3rd Beeswax. Heat the mixture in an indirect (and safe method -- no open flames) until the beeswax melts and you've got a liquid. Stir up the concoction, and then remove from the heat and let it congeal. Now you have a paste wax that will give you a hand rubbed finish. Once coat is probably all you need. Experiment on another piece of similar stock to see if you like it first however. <p> Suggested Reading: <a href="http://www.woodworking-news.com/books_woodworking_finishes.shtml">Woodworking Finishes</a>  <br>  <center><img src="/images/q-end.jpg" width=70 height=35 border=0 vspace=6><br></center> <b>Do you have a question?</b> Drop us a line at <a href="mailto:questions@woodworking-news.com">questions@woodworking-news.com</a>. We will try to answer your question as best we can. <br><br> <a href="http://www.woodworking-news.com/ask_a_woodworker.shtml"> <img src="/images/arrow-next.gif" hspace=5 border=0 align=left><a href="http://www.woodworking-news.com/ask_a_woodworker.shtml">See more woodworking questions</a><br><br> <br><br> <img src="/images/footerdots.gif" vspace=2 width=455 height=5> <br><br> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td valign=top width=200> <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </td> <td width=15> <br></td> <td valign=top width=234> <SCRIPT type="text/javascript" LANGUAGE="javascript" src="http://www.qksz.net/1e-cuks"> </SCRIPT> </td> </tr> </table> <br><br> <img src="/images/footerdots.gif" vspace=2 width=455 height=5><br> <span class=footer> © 2003-08 Woodworking-News™ · <a href="http://www.vicksburg-michigan.com">Vicksburg, Michigan</a> · <a href="/privacy.shtml">Privacy Policy · Terms of Use</a><br> Woodworking plans, projects, resources & tips for everyone.<br> </span> <br> <script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> _uacct = "UA-311435-1"; urchinTracker(); </script> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td valign=top> <center> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 width=125> <tr> <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=125 height=25><br> <center> <br> <script type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> <br> </center> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr>  <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=160 height=1 border=0><br></td> <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=10 height=1 border=0><br></td> <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=473 height=1 border=0><br></td> <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=125 height=1 border=0><br></td> <td><img src="/images/spacer.gif" width=10 height=1 border=0><br></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </center> </body> </html>