Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fill in the missing patch with wood filler Using your wood filler of choice, fill the space where the veneer is missing. ...
- Apply a base coat of lighter stain to the patch With your artist’s brush, apply a base layer of stain in the lightest color to the patched area. ...
- Apply a coat of the next darkest stain As with most veneer, the piece I worked on for this project had a lot of color variation. ...
- Apply topcoat
How to repair wood veneer like a pro?
Wood Veneer Repair
- Preparation involves examining the area surrounding the damage for any loose veneer pieces so small they may chip or flake.
- Slice the desired amount of epoxy putty off the roll using the knife or blade while wearing rubber gloves.
- Flatten the putty into the area missing veneer, shaping it and removing excess putty. ...
Can You stain over a wood veneer finish?
You stain and finish wood veneers exactly the same way that you stain and finish real wood. You will usually stain or finish your wood veneer after it is glued down, but you can apply your stain or finish before gluing if you choose. You may need to sand your veneer when you apply a finish or a wood stain.
Can You refinish wood veneer?
You can refinish veneer almost the same as you would refinish a piece of solid wood, as long as you take precautions to avoid damaging the thin veneer. Set up your tabletop refinishing project in an area with good ventilation, as the compounds used in the process may contain harmful vapors.
How to use wood filler to repair veneer damage?
Repairing Furniture With Wood Filler
- Carpenter’s Wood Filler. Painting older pieces of furniture is much more than a can of paint and a paint brush. ...
- Repair Broken or Missing Veneer. Wood filler can be used for many different types of wood repair. ...
- Fill Large Gaps in Wood. ...
- Fill Small Divots After Priming. ...
- Repair Broken Moding & Trim. ...
How do you repair damaged veneer?
0:001:30How to Patch Veneer with Quickwood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat the surface and flatten with a putty knife shape the edge with a razor blade. Next use a razorMoreWhat the surface and flatten with a putty knife shape the edge with a razor blade. Next use a razor blade to create grain pattern let the patch harden then sand with sandpaper.
How do you fix peeling veneer on furniture?
0:422:02How to Fix Peeling Veneer on Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor a piece of furniture that will be painted this is a very easy problem to solve we can patch theMoreFor a piece of furniture that will be painted this is a very easy problem to solve we can patch the missing veneer with bondo all-purpose putty.
Can you touch up veneer?
In most cases, as long as the veneer layer is basically in good shape, the thinness that makes it damage-prone also makes it easy to repair. Undamaged veneer can be reglued; chips and bare spots can be filled with matching veneer. If you're careful to match the grain the repairs will hardly show.
Can you patch veneer with wood filler?
1:072:36Repairing Veneer with Wood Filler | BEST WAY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTogether until it's completely mixed up and one solid. Color working really quickly scrape the woodMoreTogether until it's completely mixed up and one solid. Color working really quickly scrape the wood filler over the chipped off veneer area leaving a little bit of excess amount of bondo.
How do you touch up veneer furniture?
3:2914:37Restoring A Cocktail Cabinet & Veneer Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI like to apply this wait for it to dry. And then reapply to get the desired color. I applied that aMoreI like to apply this wait for it to dry. And then reapply to get the desired color. I applied that a little bit too heavy. So I'm just using my white spirit soaked cloth to rub away the excess.
How can I fix my veneers at home?
Please don't try this at home. Gluing your veneer back yourself will do more harm than good. The glue you have at home isn't suitable for dental bonding, so your veneer is unlikely to stay in place for long. Dentists use approved dental glues and cement for attaching veneers.
How do you fix peeling varnish?
If you can see flaking varnish with dark-stained wood underneath, you just need to restore the clear finish. Rub the loose varnish with fine steel wool or fine synthetic steel wool until you have removed the flaking varnish and slightly roughened a small area of the finish surrounding the scratch.
Can you use wood putty on veneer?
You can easily fix your furniture with damaged or chipped veneer, yes YOU can! Here's how easy repairing veneer with wood filler can be! Get more tutorials on repairing old furniture here!
Is wood filler and wood putty the same?
Wood putty is denser than wood filler, and it's so pliable you typically have to apply it with a putty knife. Like window glazing or plumber's putty, wood putty is a mixture of plastic and oil-based solvents. Because it doesn't harden like wood filler, wood putty won't shrink or crack, but you can't sand it.
How do you reattach a veneer with peeling?
0:296:10Repairing A Peeling Veneer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I've done is I've picked up this iron-on edge banding usually you would use this for whenMoreSo what I've done is I've picked up this iron-on edge banding usually you would use this for when you're working with plywood. And you want to look like a solid board.
How do you repair a veneer dresser?
0:247:17Repairing Bubbled or Chipped Veneer Before Painting a Vintage ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's no way you can get that to glue back down flat. So i just went ahead and removed it soMoreThere's no way you can get that to glue back down flat. So i just went ahead and removed it so everything that's sticking. Here is still glued pretty securely.
How do you fix peeling wood on a dresser?
10:3212:28How To Fix Furniture with Peeling Wood Veneer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically just take it you just want to make sure everything's wipe and clean run your hands overMoreBasically just take it you just want to make sure everything's wipe and clean run your hands over your fingers just to make sure you've got all the burners off of it and all the high spots.
How do you fix peeling varnish?
If you can see flaking varnish with dark-stained wood underneath, you just need to restore the clear finish. Rub the loose varnish with fine steel wool or fine synthetic steel wool until you have removed the flaking varnish and slightly roughened a small area of the finish surrounding the scratch.
What is the best way to remove water stains from wood veneer?
Experts recommend rubbing the water-damaged spots with a soft cloth dipped in mayonnaise. Leave it on for an hour to as long as overnight and then...
Can you fix chipped wood?
Yes. Polyester resin wood filler is often used to repair chipped wood. This process does not require access to special tools or a certain amount of...
How do you repair dents in wood?
A dent happens when the part of the wood is pushed down but its fibers are not broken. To fix, place a few drops of water in the dent and let it so...
How do you fix gouges in wood?
Gouges are dents in wood with broken fibers. Using a putty knife, fill the gouges with plenty of wood putty so that it overflows out of the depress...
How to repair a corner of a desk?
Simply press the epoxy putty into the damaged area and flatten it out to make it as level as possible with the top of the desk. Last time I used this I was repairing a corner, so it was a slightly different shape, but the idea is the same. Just form the putty to match the piece you’re repairing as closely as possible.
How long does epoxy putty take to dry?
The epoxy putty only requires about 30 minutes to dry. Once it’s fully cured, grab your sandpaper and get to work. I highly recommend using a power sander for this step (it’ll make your life waaaaay easier), but if you have enough elbow grease you can do it by hand.
What grit sandpaper should I use for putty?
I started with 80-grit sandpaper to remove as much of the excess as possible. Be careful with such a low grit on your actual furniture piece, though, because you don’t want to damage it. I focused all of my sanding just on the putty until it was mostly smooth.
How to make epoxy putty uniform?
All you need to do is use your utility knife to cut off a small piece of the epoxy putty, then use your fingers to mix it up until it’s all one uniform color . You can see what this looks like close-up in the video above!
Is there anything more satisfying than seeing veneer pop right off in hyper speed?
But, don’t skip watching it. There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing that veneer pop right off in hyper-speed.
Can you paint furniture black?
You can read all of my tips for painting furniture right here if you’re unfamiliar with it, but it’s a simple process. I used this black paint that doesn’t require a ton of prep (music to my ears), so I just quickly sanded the rest of the piece and then brushed on a couple of coats of paint.
Can you use Mohawk epoxy stick on a dresser?
I’ve used Mohawk’s Epoxy Putty Sticks once before on a little dresser that was damaged, and I was so impressed with how simple it was to use that I knew it would be the perfect tool to fix this desk too.
What does it mean when veneer is chipping?
When I see chipping veneer, it usually means there’s more where that came from. I give my pieces a really good once over and make sure I remove it all. The very worst thing is to miss these loose pieces – paint – and THEN have the veneer chip off leaving a big scar on your finished piece!
Why does old furniture peel?
It’s a common problem with older furniture. Vintage pieces get exposed to heat, humidity, or the very worst – water. The glue holding the veneer starts to release and this results in chips, blisters or peeling.
What glue do I use for cabinetry?
Use a good wood glue. Elmer’s, Titebond or Gorilla Wood Glue are popular brands. Here I used a Lee Valley Cabinetry Glue. When I want a short dry time, Contact Cement works nicely too. Just be aware when using Contact Cement, there’s no flexibility. Getting the pieces to join perfectly first time around is important because that stuff won’t let go!
Does Bondo take stain?
Hi Ron! Bondo does NOT take stain. It would be better to find a matching veneer or match a faux stain paint finish.
Do you need to sand a dresser before bondo?
Sanding is the last step. To get a professional finish, I sand to a super smooth finish and make sure I feel no lumps or bumps when I run my hand over the surface. Here the dresser is all patched prior to sanding the Bondo repairs. I’m using Dixie Belle Chalky Paint(first time) so no priming or sanding is needed for the rest of the dresser!
Can you glue veneer to stain?
If it’s not a match – don’t glue! If you do, it will be impossible to stain – well – super difficult. And even if you decide to paint, often the difference in grain makes for a blotchy looking paint job.
Does bondo shrink wood?
Bondo doesn’t shrink like wood filler can. It also dries faster than wood filler does. However, it’s not the easiest to sand and it’s smelly. I’ve written another Bondo repair tutorial so you can find How To Mix & Apply Bondo here.
How to fix broken veneer?
Fit the broken edges carefully together to make sure they match perfectly. Then apply contact cement to both surfaces, or spread carpenters' glue on the base wood. Set the broken veneer carefully into place, matching the edges exactly, and press firmly to knit the broken edges together. Clamp the mended area.
How to make a patch on veneer?
To make a larger patch, tape the patching veneer firmly over the damaged area with masking tape, with the grain and pattern of the patch matching the grain and pattern of the damaged veneer. Make sure the patch is flat against the surface, and securely held in place.
How to protect veneer from reglued wood?
To protect the surface, cover it with a sheet of wax paper; make sure all excess glue is removed. Set a buffer block of scrap wood over the newly glued area, and use another block or a soft cloth to protect the opposite edge or side of the surface. Clamp the glued and protected surface firmly with C-clamps or hand screws, for one to two days. Then remove the clamps and the buffers, and wax and polish the entire surface.
Why is veneer so hard to damage?
Because veneer is only a thin layer of wood attached with glue to a solid base, it is very vulnerable to damage on wooden furniture. On old furniture, the glue that holds the veneer is often not water-resistant. Prolonged humidity or exposure to water can soften the glue, letting the veneer blister, crack, or peel.
How to flatten blisters in veneer?
To protect the surface, set a sheet of wax paper and then a sheet of smooth cardboard on the surface, and cover the cardboard with a clean cloth. Press the blistered area firmly with a medium-hot iron.
How to patch a chip in veneer?
To fit a chip or very small patch, set a sheet of bond paper over the damaged veneer. Rub a very soft, dull lead pencil gently over the paper; the edges of the damaged area will be exactly marked on the paper. Use this pattern as a template to cut the veneer patch. Tape the pattern to the patching wood, matching the grain of the new veneer to the grain of the damaged area. Cut the path firmly and carefully with a sharp craft knife; it's better to make it too big than too small.
How to keep veneer from touching?
If necessary, set a small tack or two between the layers to keep them from touching. If you'd prefer to use carpenters' glue, use a small brush to spread it along the grain. Then, starting at the solidly attached veneer and working out toward the loose edge, smooth the loose veneer carefully into place.
How to use Bondo on chippy veneer?
You’ll apply the Bondo to your piece just like it was a nail hole in a wall you’re trying to spackle. Add a blob of Bondo to the chippy veneer area and then use your putty knife to smooth it out. Remember that at the end of the day you’ll be able to sand the surface smooth once the Bondo dries so more is better than less but at the end of the day you’re creating the illusion that the sideboard is whole so you’ll want the side to be even.
Why do you sand uneven finish?
Sanding the uneven finish down so that we could re-stain the surface.
How long does it take for bondo to dry?
Bondo dries in less than 10 minutes so mix small amounts if you have a large piece to work on. Once the Bondo is applied the package says you can sand it in about 15 minutes but I’m always an overachiever so I like to wait about an hour.
Can you re-stain a top with lighter colors?
Of course, if we were trying to re-stain the top with a lighter color we would have to keep going with the sanding but in this case the colors are so close they’ll bend together.
Can you glue chipped veneer back on?
Just take a look at allllll that chipped veneer. Icky icky. Since the veneer is already chipping off we have two options for the edges… finish taking it off or glue it back on. Large pieces that can be glued and clamped are fine but anything smaller and jagged that’s still loose can come off.
How to Patch Veneer
A veneer is a thin layer of wood glued on top of the surface of things like doors, cabinets and other pieces of wood furniture. While some criticize veneers as a way to make cheap materials like particleboard resemble real wood, a veneer can also provide key structural benefits to a piece of furniture.
What is QuikWood?
QuikWood is a wood putty made to patch holes, scratches and chips in wood surfaces. It’s commonly used in furniture repairs and comes in several colors.
Steps for Patching Veneer with QuikWood
With a utility knife, cut off a chunk of QuikWood. You’ll need enough putty to entirely cover the chip you’re patching. Take your chunk of QuikWood and knead it between your fingers until the color is consistent. Once the QuikWood is sticky, it’s ready to use.
How to remove gunk from wood veneer?
If the sandpaper gums up, move to a rougher grit like 80 grit. If you start wearing through the finish and veneer, move back up to 100 or 120. Use a sanding block to get into corners and tight spots, sand by hand when you’re working around rounded bits like legs, and use a palm or orbital sander for large surfaces like drawer faces, sides and tops .
What is veneer made of?
A note on sanding veneer: Veneer is often made of hardwood species , meaning it has a hardness factor that works in your favor when faced with sanding. Before starting, check the thickness of the veneer. Older or higher quality pieces often have thicker veneer, newer or low quality pieces have thinner veneer.
What is veneer furniture?
Veneer is the thin slice of wood – often the thickness of paper – that is glued to the exterior of doors, cabinets and furniture. Veneer is an easy way to make a beautiful piece extraordinary, but over the years it easily scratches and dents. Luckily, mid-century furniture is still popular today and well worth the time to refinish.
How to sand a drawer?
Use a sanding block to get into corners and tight spots, sand by hand when you’re working around rounded bits like legs, and use a palm or orbital sander for large surfaces like drawer faces, sides and tops. After the initial sanding, vacuum with a soft brush. Then use tack cloth for pulling dust and fine particles off.
What removes veneer finish?
With very thin veneers, it may be better to remove the finish with a light rubbing of denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, or another protective coat remover, and #000 steel wool.
How to fix a veneer that has swelled?
As you are regluing the areas, you may find that the veneer has swelled from water infiltration. If this is the case, carefully slice both sides of the damaged veneer until the piece lays flat. Clean out the existing glue and debris from the damaged areas and from the underside of the veneer, gluing it back down with yellow carpenter’s glue afterward.
How long does it take for wood veneer to dry?
Lightly sand with 320-grit sandpaper after each coat and wipe with a tack cloth before applying another for a smooth finish. Repeat this application at least two to three times for several coats of protection. Allow the final coat on the wood veneer furniture to dry a full 48 hours before use.
Can you sand a veneer finish?
For water-damaged and scratched areas, if the damage is on the surface, it will be handled when you sand to remove the veneer finish. For areas with missing veneer, you must create a veneer patch of the same grain and glue it in place. Some pieces may also need to be clamped while the glue is given time to dry.
Can veneer furniture be repaired?
It is essential that all damaged areas be repaired on the surface of your wood veneer furniture. Sometimes, for example, the corners of the veneer will lift away from the furniture as the glue begins to disintegrate.
Can you refinish veneer furniture?
Adequate ventilation in the work area. It is possible to refinish some wood veneer furniture. It is the ability to sand the surface that determines whether you can remove the existing finish. Some veneers are so thin that, by sanding the surface, you actually wind up sanding through the veneer at the same time.
