Mysterious dampness to picture rail and architrave??

[r896neo]

It seems highly unlikely to me that a leak would cause damp staining to the timber and not the surrounding plaster. It could be some sort of substance on the wood that contaminated it? Some resin or a light oil of some sort which makes it appear damp?

Where did you buy it from and how was it stored?

 

[zenonithus]

Hi, the wood is the original 1920's wood that has been stripped (via caustic soda) and sanded. It had a slightly sticky feel after the wetness which I took off with white spirit. Its just this one area of the wall where I found water damage to the front door wood on the other side.

The wood seems to be dry now for two nights and the litmus paper shows no signs of water coming through. I really think this may be due to a leak in the loft. I just need to get up there when it's raining

 

[zenonithus]

Still getting this issue. The strange thing is it occurs on some of the skirting in small areas. Could this be something coming from the wood itself? Some sort of sticky sap?