After sitting in the gun safe for twenty five years, the finish on one of my rifles has gotten so sticky that paper sticks to it. The original finish was removed 30+ years ago and I believe an oil finish was applied.
What can I use to remove the sticky finish that is now on it?
Thanks
Mike D.

Several factors could be at work... Boiled linseed oil mayhave been used without proper driers... The never-cured oil may be coming to the surface. There will probably be a light, sour odor if that is the case.

More likely, solvents in the closed safe have softened the oil. Putting the stock in a hot area for a day or two should do much to firm it back up. A coat or two of Tru-Oil will prevent it from happening again.

If heat does not cure it a wipe with Formbys Furniture refinisher will take a little off the top and speed things up. The heat will reduce relative humidity, a complicator when oils get soft...
art

Thanks Art. I'll give it a try.
Mike D.