Min wax stain problem

[Frank Fusco]

I made a large plaque from OSB (2'X4') to hang in my office last week. I stained with Min Wax. A week later the fumes emitting from it are almost intolerable. I have left doors and windows open to allow curing but still it's terrible. Is this normal for stain? Or just Min Wax? Is it dangerous?

[Jesse Cloud]

Frank,
I've never had that problem. The solvents in stain should all be evaporated after a couple of days. Only advice I have is to put a coat of shellac (zinsser pre-mix works fine) on it to seal out the odor.
Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

[Jeff Singleton]

Min-Wax stains are a combination of a pigment and a dye and they take forever to dry. They also like to bleed. It might have reacted with the OSB in which case shellac is in order, which has already been mentioned. That is why I use P & L stains, dry in a couple hours and don't bleed. There are a paint stain meaning they add paint drops to a clear oil base to get the color.

Jeff Singleton

[Alan Tolchinsky]

I don't think that's normal but I've never stained OSB. I wonder if that's the problem?

[Bob Childress]

Frank,

Let's see if we can reach out to Howard Acheson (a fellow Creeker) on this one. He is a Min-Wax and finishing pro. Hey Howard, take a look!!

Also, Min-Wax has a forum at this link:

http://www.minwax.com/bbs/index.cfm?frmid=5

where you can register and ask the question. I have found them helpful when it comes to stain prep, etc.

Good luck!

[Howard Acheson]

What Minwax stain did you use? The oil based, gel stain or the water based?

Did you wipe off the excess? What did you overcoat the stain with?

[Jerry Olexa]

I've never had that issue w MinWax. After 2-3 days, smell is gone but I also have never stained PB

[Byron Trantham]

I'd top coat it in any case. I suspect the chemical reaction between the glues in th OSB and the stain.

[Todd Burch]

There are many threads on this forum about minwax. Do a search for "minwax sucks" and you'll find them.

Todd