Jebus. So I finished my first “ambitious” project, an astronomy eyepiece case. I based the design off a commercial wooden case, and since they use Helmsman Spar Urethane to finish their cases, I followed their lead and used it on mine.
While I’m certainly not a fan of the stuff now (hindsight being 20/20), I’m now somewhat married to it since the inside and outside was finished with it, and there’s no getting it off. The last coat was applied Saturday, and on Sunday I moved the case outside to air out (we’ve been getting unseasonably warm weather of late, so it’s been clear with temps in the mid 60s/low 70s all week) and moving it back inside at sundown. Five days of that, though, and the finish still absolutely reeks.
Since this case will hold pushing $1,000 worth of sensitive coated optics, it’s unusable as long as this is going on. So anyone got any advice to speed up the destankification process? Is this something that needs patience, or am I potentially screwed?
-- Gaz. Irishman who lives in the San Francisco area, and tends to ruin more wood than he should.
It may take a month or so to cure, but it will. Spar varnish cures by oxidation, not by drying, so make sure air circulates. Cabinets finished inside with varnishes can take months to cure inside if there is a closed door inhibiting air flow.
I would be willing to bet the inside of that case is going to smell for a really long time. Like Loren said, it takes reacting with the air….if that will be unacceptable, I’d say you may be potentially screwed. When ever you finish an interior surface and you don’t want an odor problem, try using shellac, lacquer, or a waterborne finish.
-- I long for the days when Coke was a cola, and a joint was a bad place to be (Merle Haggard)
Crap on a cracker, that’s what I was suspecting. But yeah, since I lined the bottom and lid of the case with velvet, I can’t just strip it off and refinish. Looks like this thing is going to be staying outside for a few more weeks…
-- Gaz. Irishman who lives in the San Francisco area, and tends to ruin more wood than he should.
Maybe you could find some of that “stuff” that absorbs odors … Kinda like the stuff that sucks up moisture. If you could buy that stuff in say a quart or 1/2 gallon size you might could close it up in the case and let it do it’s thing?
-- Perform A Random Act Of Kindness Today ... Pay It Forward
Yep, looks like that’s the only option. It’s downstairs with a fan blowing on it, and a dehumidifier in the room (not that this will do any good for oil, it’s just there in general), and hopefully it’ll get sorted.
-- Gaz. Irishman who lives in the San Francisco area, and tends to ruin more wood than he should.
The stenkee hum will go sooner rather than later open it up to the elements and let the air circulate and it will be a good stout strong finish in the end.Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
Yarrr, it no be exposed to the harsh elements, mateys. But yep, hindsight being what it is, I’ll never use this #$# again. Two weeks now, with one week of it opened up completely in front of a fan running 24/7, and opening the case if it’s been closed for 15 minutes smells like opening a fresh can o’ urethane. Staaaaaanky.
-- Gaz. Irishman who lives in the San Francisco area, and tends to ruin more wood than he should.
I have a small curing oven heated by light bulbs. It holds one guitar body or about three small projects. It has an air flow passive vent system and with about two days with the oven at the usual 92’ temp, urethane stank goes away. For you, maybe direct sunlight with a small fan?
Woodworking Skill Share Your woodworking skills are displayed for several lifetimes in each project. Have you had to compromise your project...
8790
Woodturning On the lathe, by the lathe: do you have questions? frustrations? tips? This forum is for all the woodturners out there.
220
Woodcarving Relief, 3D, chip-carving, whittling; carving knives, chisels, pocket-knives, power tools. If you are a carver or want...
28
Scrollsawing Intarsia, fretwork, intricate design cutting and more! This forum is for scrollsawers: share your tips, ask questions...
61
Joinery Have a question? a tip/strategy to share? a challenge, perhaps? Share your "joinery" discussion here.
78
Finishing The finish, whether paint, wax, stain, or something else, can make or break a project. What are your tips and questio...
1530
Designing Woodworking Projects Looking for information on designing your projects? Having difficulties reading project plans? Looking for help with ...
3547
Power Tools, Hardware and Accessories Are you unsure of which tools, or hardware, you need, or which brands to buy? Investing in tools and hardware can be ...
15767
Hand Tools Wood, your hand tools, you and a little know-how. Share your questions, tips and strategies for the use and maintenan...
2034
Jigs & Fixtures Using a jig is like having a couple extra hands helping out. Show us your jigs, share your tips, strategies and, of c...
495
Wood & Lumber Different wood requires different woodworking strategies - from cutting to finishing. Share your tips and challenges ...
2837
Safety in the Woodworking Shop Before you pick up those woodworking tools, take the time to ensure your safety in the shop! Eyes, ears, fingers, and...
808
Focus on the Workspace Are you looking for or do you have tips to share regarding the workshop? Storage, equipment placement, efficiency, an...
901
Sweating for Bucks Through Woodworking If you are selling your work, then you have entered a woodworking dimension with added complexity and stress. If you...
766
Woodworking Trade & Swap All of us are holding onto treasure in our shops, that we either don't need, don't want, or could part with if presen...
2740
LumberJocks.com Site Feedback Connect with the Website Gurus and tell us what you are thinking, suggestions, problems, functionality issues, and so...
1547
Coffee Lounge Need a break from all the standing and wood dust? Chat with your Forum Friends about their projects, their life, thei...
6156
DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user.
