To remove excess wood finish, especially liquid types like stain before they fully dry, a common method involves using a solvent like mineral spirits and a cloth.
Removing Excess Finish with Mineral Spirits
When you have applied a liquid finish, such as wood stain, and there is excess that hasn't been absorbed by the wood, you need to wipe it away before it dries and creates an uneven or blotchy appearance. A simple and effective way to do this is with the help of mineral spirits.
Based on standard finishing techniques:
- Gather your supplies: You'll need mineral spirits and several clean, soft, lint-free cloths or rags. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and consider wearing protective gloves.
- Dampen a cloth: Take one of your clean cloths and dampen it slightly with mineral spirits. The cloth should be damp, not soaking wet.
- Wipe the surface: Use the dampened cloth to wipe down the areas with excess finish. The mineral spirits help to re-liquify and lift the unabsorbed finish or stain from the wood surface. As stated in finishing guidelines, take a cloth dampened with mineral spirits and use that to scrub down the piece. This action helps to loosen and pick up the excess.
- Use clean areas: As the cloth picks up the excess finish, it will become saturated. Fold the cloth to use a clean section or switch to a fresh cloth as needed. Using a clean cloth prevents you from merely spreading the excess finish back onto the wood.
- Continue wiping: Repeat the process of wiping with a clean, dampened cloth until the majority of the excess finish is removed and the wood surface appears more even.
This technique is primarily used for wiping off excess stain or liquid finishes that are still wet or partially cured. For hardened finishes, different removal methods like scraping or sanding would be necessary.
