Replies

1. 
   fourier_transform | Aug 17, 2019 01:26pm | #1

   There are many possibilities as to what might be causing the problem. In any case, the first thing to do is clean them. There is no way to "fix" the sticky stuff short of removing it.

   In a small, inconspicuous area try Goo-Gone, isopropyl alcohol, and lacquer thinner, in that order. Use the first solvent that is effective to clean all of the tables.

   The last two solvents are pretty aggressive and all can be harmful to you, so be sure to use the appropriate safety gear.

   Almost certainly, those solvents will remove the sticky substance.

   I suspect that the cause of this problem is that the tables are washed repeatedly with a variety of mild chemicals that have, over time, interacted with the finish resulting in a sticky mess.

   My hunch is that to truly fix the problem, you'll need to remove the old finish and apply a "commercial grade" finish that would be appropriate for a table at Applebee's. Probably way more effort than what would be appropriate for break room furniture.

2. 
   kenrosenberg1 | Aug 17, 2019 07:44pm | #2

   Anything I use must be food safe

3. 
   fourier_transform | Aug 18, 2019 02:51pm | #3

   The solvents don't remain on the tables. The solvents are used to dissolve the gunk so it is easy to remove. Any residual solvent will evaporate away. Acetone and lacquer thinner will be completely gone within a minute (they have a very high vapor pressure), the others will take a bit longer.

4. 
   mmichalofsky | Aug 19, 2019 05:26am | #4

   Whoa!
   Before the lacquer thinner
   Try paint thinner or naphtha
   Much less aggressive