My IKEA computer desk was looking pretty haggard.  The finish was wearing off around the keyboard.  The computer mouse wasn’t tracking well, and there were other spots that were worn.  It needed to be replaced or refinished.

The same thing happened to my IKEA dining room table.  I was sanding the top to smooth it out prior to painting, when the finish started coming off.  The finish is not robust, so it only took about 15 minutes to remove the finish.  The veneer is thin, but it hadn’t been damaged.  I decided to refinish it with water-based polyurethane.  I chose that because it stays crystal clear, not yellowing a bit like the oil-based stuff does. 

It came out fine, but not this good.  The water-based polyurethane is thin like water, so doesn’t fill in gaps or level as well.  I used oil-based clear gloss polyurethane on the computer table because it’s tougher and goes on thick, like warm honey. 

This photo is after the surface has been dry for a day.  I will let it cure for another 3 days before handling it.

I might try this finish for the dining room table.