Flexi-Rack Maintenance Question


Like myself, a number of members have built flexi-racks (wood shelves, all-thread, nuts, etc.)and have used a number of wood finishes. Like some, I applied Walnut Oil to preserve the wood.

After a number of months, the surface of my shelves feel gritty instead of smooth. I can't tell if this is due to dust adhering to the oil and hardening or if it's a natural result. It won't wipe off, so my inclination is to sand it with steel wool and then wipe it off. Then what? I know very little about wood finishing.

Any thoughts?
kennythekey
No, I think I actually over-saturated the wood with the oil. I applied many coats, waiting a full day between each coat and I sanded before and between coats. It was very smooth when I was done but I noticed a few days later that there were a couple of spots where the oil percolated up into little dime-sized pools.

I'm going to try ammonia in a sample area, and if that doesn't work I'll sand.
Sounds like if you have sanded and oiled the wood is actually not solid but a pressed[MDF] type plywood where you arent sure what its composition is actually made of.That might explain the inconsistent finish.Theres so much junk out there now that maufacturers push on consumers....for an example the rubber cushions on pool tables were 100% rubber,good consistant bounces etc.Years ago to save and now they would mix the rubber with sawdust and other materials to save money and they dont play the same.You can put Chinese drywall and toothpaste into this way of the world.Were swamped with cheap affordable junk.I hope you get to the bottom of this mystery,cheers,Bob
Thanks Bob!

I still think I just over did it with the oil because I've got 2" thick Northern Hard Maple butcher block that I received unfinished. It's good stuff...see my flexi-rack pic.

Someone told me that I might just try mineral spirits because that works on tongue oil buildup. We'll see. I'm more concerned about what to do afterwards because adding more oil seems like I'm asking for more trouble.
Good news.Thats good wood and with a visit to most any decent shop they will hip you to the solution.If no shop then google Danish oil,Tung oil etc and do some research.You have the base material[Maple] to work with and not fools gold.Cheers,Bob
Hi Kenny. I'd expect the oil to as a solvent, lifting up the gum; if you wipe the excess off vigorously, I expect you'll be in a decent place. John