Used finishing rags need special attention, particularly after applying an oil-based finish. Many oil-based finishes generate heat as they oxidize and cure. A crumpled or piled-up rag doesn’t allow that heat to dissipate easily, and the resulting heat buildup can create a fire hazard.
My solution was to build a simple wall-mounted finishing rag drying rack. It consists of a few plywood panels and a series of rods that provide plenty of space to hang and spread out used rags. I used lengths of electrical conduit for the rods.
After applying a finish, I hang the used rags individually on the rack rather than leaving them crumpled together. The open design keeps the rags separated and provides plenty of airflow around them while the finish cures.
The rack itself is a straightforward shop project. The plywood pieces create a compact wall-mounted frame, while the conduit provides multiple places to hang finishing rags without taking up valuable bench space. The drawing shows how the parts fit together.
It’s a simple addition to the finishing area, but it gives me a dedicated place to deal with used finishing rags instead of leaving them piled on a bench or tossing them directly into the trash.
— Cohen Evans, St. Paul, Minnesota
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