Polyurethane or stain still sticky

Likely causes

The causes the most sources give come first.

1. Cold: below the temperature the maker gives, drying slows a lot.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. High humidity.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

3. Coats put on too thick.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 3, 4]

4. Stain left on too heavy: the excess was not wiped off.

   Two sources: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams) and General Finishes , sources [1, 5]

5. Poor ventilation.

   Two sources: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams) and Mohawk (RPM) , sources [1, 3]

6. Varathane says its oil-based polyurethane dries slower on redwood, cedar and other oily woods, and over stains or sealers.

   One source: Rust-Oleum (RPM), the maker of that product , sources [6]

How to tell which

1. Minwax says its stain that stays tacky even after wiping may be sitting on an old clear finish: stain needs bare wood to soak into.

   One source: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams), the maker of that product , sources [1]

2. General Finishes says Gel Stain that is still tacky after 5 days has not had the drying conditions it needs and may never dry.

   One source: General Finishes, the maker of that product , sources [5]

3. Varathane says a coat of Crystal Clear is ready to recoat when it feels hard, not tacky, and turns to powder when lightly sanded.

   One source: Rust-Oleum (RPM), the maker of that product , sources [7]

The fix

1. Warm the room and move air through it, then give it more time.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. Minwax says to scrub tacky stain with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits, or to put on another coat, wait a couple of minutes for it to soften the old excess, and wipe both off.

   One source: Minwax (Sherwin-Williams), the maker of that product , sources [1]

Next time

1. Put on several thin coats rather than a few heavy ones.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 4, 7]

2. Let the stain dry fully before the topcoat goes on.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 8, 7]

3. Finish within the temperature and humidity the can gives.

   3 sources agree , sources [7, 9, 10]

Often comes with

• Cloudy or white finish (blushing)
• Blotchy stain

The finishes it applies to: oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, wipe-on polyurethane, spar urethane, wood stain. Every other problem: the finish troubleshooter.