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Polycrylic getting sticky and peeling/wearing off

Woodworking Asked by Dobob on August 30, 2021

I coated a bare wood acacia table for a computer desk with Minwax polycrylic about 4 months ago and made sure it was dried the recommended 24 hours before regular use. 4 months later, I noticed the edge where I rest my arms was getting sticky and peeling off. I thought it was just grime from my hands or something, then I realized it was a rubbery substance. I scraped it a bit and I could see the bare wood beneath. It was all sticky and rubbing off, and becoming a lint trap. Is this normal that Minwax polycrylic does not tolerate regular human body contact? I would not expect regular body temperature to be "high heat". Or did I do something wrong? Is the deterioration caused by heat or oil? Also, would the stickyness disappear and the finish solidify again if I stop using it?

I am intending to sand off the rubbery section and re-finishing the area. Is it okay to put the new layers of finish over some thin layer of residue? Will it bind? Also buying a desk mat to protect the surface.

One Answer

I have used Minwax's polycrylic on many bookcases and small desks. Never had any problem. About 8 years ago I refinished a maple dining table. It has gotten progressively more, and more sticky in that time. Now, even paper napkins and newspaper stick to it, ripping apart if you pick them up. At some locations, the stuff has totally been rubbed off and bare wood is exposed.

A woman that does alot of furniture refurbishing told me she has seen "bad batches" of polycrylic that won't harden. I am about to strip it and try again; I am not sure I want to risk using the same product again.

Answered by Paul Velte on August 30, 2021

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