Without seeing the piece, I'm at a disadvatage but if there is any 'stickyness' on the finish it usually means either whatever wax or grease was on the finish in the first place has not been completely removed or that after treatment the Wood Elixir was not completely wiped off. You said that you wiped off the "excess" which implies that there is still some there. You must wipe it dry. In the areas where there is no finish, Wood Elixir will seal and leave a protective coating. If there is a difference in color after treatment, then the finish on that piece is not a clear finish but rather, it has a tinted finish. Of course that means when the finish is gone, the color is gone. I have two suggestions: 1) A second treatment with Wood Elixir to remove the stickyness (being sure to wipe dry before buffing) and 2) a treatment of wipe-on poly finish which is tinted to the color you need (available at Home Depot or equivilent store). Please write to me personally at MW@drwoodwell.com to tell me how I can help further.