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Helmsman Spar Urethane not drying

17K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  John Smith_inFL  
#1 ·
Several weeks ago I finished some small (3"X1") pieces of exotic wood with Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane spray clear semi-gloss, per the instructions on the can. They hadn't dried in well over a week so I called Minwax and the CS rep determined the product I used was outdated. Sanded everything down, bought a new can, again followed directions and same result. They have been drying for 8 days and they are still tacky to the touch. I live in a dry, warm climate (below 20% temp around 80 inside) and have an overhead fan circulating air on them. I don't think I have put the three coats on too heavy as I have no runs and they were held upright when sprayed. The directions on the can state to reapply each coat within 1 1/2 hours or wait 72 hours. I applied coats at about 1 1/4 hours. I'm in no hurry to use these but I'm beginning to think they will never dry. If the experts here tell me they will dry in a few weeks I can wait but I'm starting to think they will never dry. Any thoughts would greatly be appreciated. I am a novice at wood finishing.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Thanks for the input Quickstep. I chose spray as I had it on hand and had used it before with good results but also knew I could get an uniform smooth coat with no blemishes. I don't have a great deal of experience at brushing and other applications have given a less desirable end result in the past.