Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/24/2009

Question
Eileen,  I bought a kitchen table a couple of years ago and have cleaned it with several different cleaners (pledge, water, dish liquid, disinfecting wipes, orange glo).  Somewhere along the way I damaged the finish making it sticky so you cant even lay a napkin on it because it will stick.  Is there a way to remove the finish that is left or clean away whatever it is that makes the table so sticky.  I don't know that I am skilled enough to refinish again.  Please let me know what you think can be done if anything.

Answer
Hi Ruth
Nice to hear from you.
Sorry this has happened to your table Ruth.
I realise the finish is likely lacquer but I want you to try the following first.
Get a small can of mineral spirits (called varsol in Canada) and a box of fine steel wool pads (not SOS).
Try a small test area like this...dip the wool into the spirits and rub the table top. Work with the grain. Rub until you get no "drag" on the steel wool. Wipe this with a clean rag and walk away for the night. In the morning see if the finish is still sticky.
I am hoping there is not a lot of finish damage. The mineral spirits will clean off all the Pledge and other crap that has built up.
Ruth will you do this and get back to me with the result?
Regards
Eileen