removing stickiness from table

maggie121

i posted before but received  return posts that are too complicated. I have an oak table about 15 yrs old  which is very sticky and always feels dirty, even after washing . Looks like some of the finish is off. I am looking for an easy way to  remove the stickiness. What about sanding it with sandpaper and than using poly urethene? Anyone know the steps in doing this? This is my first time attempting something like this.I am not too  worried because the table is old. TIA

Prulove

If you sand it, you are now in furniture refinishing territory. It doesnt sound as though you are able to tackle something like that.

You can actually Google the problem, and there  are several ways to approach this issue. 

 

Magdala9

process for solid wood: 

wash with murphy's oil soap,

rinse with damp cloth

let dry overnight

use a rotary sander to remove the top layer of finish.  do not leave sander too long in any one spot

rub entire table down with a tack cloth (tm)

rub entire table down with a paper towel.

apply polyurethane (I use a matte poly).

Let dry recommended time

apply second coat of poly.

I generally like the natural wood color but if you want to stain, you would stain before applying poly.

 

 

 

cotner

Try regular old toothpaste, no gel, no additives, just toothpaste.  Take a small amount and polish your furniture with it.  It has just enough abrasiveness to work, without damaging the finish (of course to a test patch first).  Just wipe clean with a damp cloth until the film goes away.  I find microfiber clothes work the best.

GildedIcon

I just read how to remove sticky build up like this from furniture in Dear Heloise. It had something to do With foaming ammonia . Can you search Dear Heloise?