Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 22, 2007 05:24am | #1

    First thing I would do is a thorough cleaning.  It is possible that accumulated oils, food, etc. could be causing the stickiness.  First some basic soap and water and then a solvent, such as naptha to cut any oil or old wax.  (This won't dissolve the finish.)  If this doesn't solve the problem then you do have a deteriorating finish. 

   I assume that this is factory made furniture. That rules out shellac as the finish.  It quite possibly was finished with lacquer--you can tell by applying a little lacquer thinner.  The finish will get sticky quite quickly.  The lacquer thinner will remove the lacquer if that is the finish.  You can use the thinner with coarse steel wool to strip the finish.  (Lots of ventilation.)  If the lacquer thinner doesn't dissolve it, it was finished with some kind of varnish and will be more difficult to strip. 

   And, if it is the finish that is deteriorating you will have to strip it off completely before applying a new top coat.  A new top coat has got to have a good base. 

   I would not use polyurethane varnish.  Its principle advantage over traditional resin varnish is abrasion resistence, a good thing for floors and not much needed on furniture.  Behlen's Rockhard is a good traditional resin varnish well suited for table tops.   

2. 
   uncleSteve | Jan 22, 2007 10:34am | #2

   Sounds like a NC lacquer that has gone south. It will need to be striped off before using a polyurethane finish. Polyurethane will not adhere to a lacquer finish and will peel over time. Polyurethane is a good choice for a table that get a lot of ware and exposure to wet stuff. The drawback is that it is slow drying and you will need to rub out the final finish if you want a smooth surface to remove the dust specks. Steve Nearman Fredericksburg, VA View Image The Master's Touch Furniture Restoration Service Quality restorations and repairs for over 35 years! (540) 371-5566 http://FurnitureRepair.net/

3. 
   screename56 | Jan 22, 2007 10:06pm | #3

   Thanks for the info. Now I know what to do with it.