I have been experiencing long drying times with the salopian finish, upwards of two days per rub in. Temp between 73-95 degrees F and humidity from 28-54%...pretty good conditions. I added some Japan dryer and am now getting dry coats in 12 hours, but am waiting 24 to recoat so all this work doesn't go up the spout. I remember dig or salopian referring to lead based dryers being used in the past. Japan dryer used to have lead 30 or so years ago before lead was banned in paint. 15 coats on two Merkels, looks like at least another 15 to get that damn grain filled. So far the results are worth the effort to me.