I've noticed that our Waterlox-finished countertops have become sticky over the past few years, especially when there's any moisture. If I place a magazine or printed paper on the counter and it gets wet, it sticks so aggressively that it peels off the surface layer of the paper. To clean it, I usually have to scrub it with a wet towel to remove the stuck paper, though the finish itself seems undamaged. Is this a common issue with Waterlox?
3 Answers
Actually, Waterlox is not the same as polyurethane, even though people often confuse them. A thick application might cause problems like this, but after a decade, it shouldn't be sticky. Maybe try a different cleaning product or technique to see if it helps.
Do you have kids? They're like little mess machines! If switching cleaners doesn't work, consider applying another coat of Waterlox to restore the original finish. It's unusual for it to get sticky after ten years, but sometimes a fresh coat can fix issues.
It sounds like you might be using a cleaner that's not ideal for your countertops. Some cleaners can contain solvents that may interact with the finish and cause stickiness. Try switching up your cleaning routine and see if that helps.