We have a 3 year old play structure I took it upon myself to refinish. I pressure washed it removing the surface stain that was on it, sanded the parts that were chewed up a little bit and began to apply an oil based stain. What I didn't do was make sure I was doing it right.

2 days after staining I decided to add a second coat as it appeared the first one soaked right in and I had color issues. I was using a redwood oil stain.

What I have now is a play structure that is about as sticky as can be. I have puddles of stain that I cannot seem to get rid of. I have tried paint thinner to rub it off but I get no where fast. I just get a mess. I am so frustrated I don't know where to begin to fix what I messed up.

Is this just a stain or a stain with sealer? If it's just a stain, you may have to wait a couple of hot days before it will all soak in. If it is a stain sealer, you may be in a bit of a bind. It could take months before it hardens if at all, particularly on a knot or sap pocket. Mineral spirits, some good gloves and a coarse rag or steel wool may take off at least the wet areas. A lot of the outdoor stain sealers, Olympic and Thompsons both state-1 THIN coat!

It is a stain sealer. Yea, I didn't read the instructions which said just that, 1 coat or 1 coat and then a second the same day within a couple hours. I was hoping over the past few weeks of hot weather, it would soak in or dry up but no such luck. Still sticky.

I was afraid of that. The first coat seals and then the second doesn't penetrate. Let it go for a while and see what happens. Lesson learned.

It will stay sticky now for several weeks but will eventually dry up. What brand did you use?