Finish TradesQuestion 421 of 700

When applying an oil-based stain and clear topcoat to interior wood trim, why should oily rags be spread out or placed in a sealed metal container after use?

a.To keep them clean for reuse
b.To prevent the stain color from fading
c.To speed the drying of the topcoat
d.Because they can spontaneously combust as the oil oxidizes and generates heat

Explanation

Rags soaked with oil-based finishes can self-heat as the oil oxidizes and may spontaneously ignite if bunched up, so they must be spread flat to cool or sealed in a listed metal container with water. Reuse, color fading, and topcoat drying are not the safety reason for this practice.

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