Hey everyone! I'm in a bit of a bind here and could really use some guidance. I'm working on my first DIY project involving an IKEA Karlby countertop that I use as my desk. I aimed to seal it for protection against moisture, food spills, and wear using Minwax Polycrylic (the water-based, matte kind). I followed all the instructions, applying multiple thin coats and sanding in between. However, after the third coat, things went south. I applied a thicker layer on this coat, and suddenly I noticed a lot of issues like pilling from sanding with 320 grit, uneven patches, and some sections looking glossy while others were matte and soft. After trying to fix it with 220 grit, I faced the worst! Large areas of the poly just peeled off like sheets, leaving the surface cloudy and uneven—a total disaster. I've already spent about $150 and countless hours on this, and now I feel like it's ruined. I've heard stripping the finish entirely might be the best way forward, potentially using Citristrip or something similar. I just want to know: is Citristrip safe for the veneer of a Karlby? How do I properly strip it down and start fresh? What are the best practices for applying new coats—number of coats, application method, and tips to avoid this mess in the future? I'm feeling pretty defeated and just want to make this right. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
Citristrip is a solid option for your situation! Just be sure to wash the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely after stripping. Sand it down with 220 grit to get rid of any leftover finish. Your issues might stem from not letting the previous coats dry long enough; they need about 24 hours in a warm environment. Also, use a foam brush to avoid applying too thick of a coat—thick layers are a recipe for failure! Good luck!
You might be experiencing finish failure due to the quick drying times between coats. It’s crucial to wait longer than six hours before applying the next coat, as this can cause the finish to dry on the surface but not cure properly underneath. Polycrylic can be pretty finicky, too.
Thanks for the heads-up! Do you have any recommendations for a better finish to use instead?