How to Repair (and Stain) Chipped Veneer Furniture
- Prep the Damaged Area by Scuff Sanding. For the best results, scuff sand the damaged area with 220 grit sandpaper. ...
- Mix up the Bondo Wood Filler and Spread it Over the Damage. Bondo Wood Filler is a two-part wood filler that dries very hard very quickly. ...
- Let the Bondo Wood Filler Dry – Then Sand Down Smooth. ...
- (Optional) Add Wood Grain Marks with Utility Knife. If your wood veneer has a lot of wood grain in it (like oak wood) then you can recreate the ...
- Stain the Bondo Wood Filler with Gel Stain. Now it’s time to bust out the gel stain. The Best Way to Stain Wood Filler – Gel Stain! ...
- Seal with Polyurethane. Even though the back of the gel stain can says that you don’t need to seal it, ignore it and seal the gel stain.
- Enjoy! Let your poly dry for at least 24 hours before setting anything on it. ...
How to remove veneer from wood furniture?
Supplies for Removing Veneer from Wood Furniture
- Old Towels (thick, not painting rags)
- Steam Iron
- Paint Scraper or Small Chisel
- Palm Sander
- 100-grit Sandpaper
- Heat Gun Kit
- Protective Eye Wear
- Protective Breathing Mask
- Protective Gloves (thicker ones)
How to repair wood veneer like a pro?
Repair Veneer on an Antique
- Remove the old veneer. This is usually a simple job on antiques because the glue is almost always hide glue. ...
- Sand the substrate flat. Before you put down new veneer, make sure the substrate is sound with no voids or loose areas. ...
- Cut your own veneer. ...
- Edge glue the veneer. ...
- Flatten any irregularities. ...
- Iron out problems. ...
- Trim edges. ...
How to refinish veneer?
Refinish Veneered Surface. With all the cutting, patching, and gluing completed, it's time to remove the old finish. The thickness of your veneer will be important in determining what type of technique you should use for this task, so to determine this thickness, open a drawer or turn the piece upside down to see the edge width of the veneer.With very thin veneers, it may be better to remove ...
How to clean wood veneer furniture?
Try to enforce these practices at your office to take care of your office furniture each day:
- Avoid placing a potted plant directly on the surface to prevent water from leaking out of the container.
- Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent moisture damage.
- Lift objects off the table instead of dragging them across the surface.
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.
How do you restore chipped veneer?
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.
Can you repair a veneer table top?
Veneer is thin hardwood laminated to the surface of a table. The only way to repair it is to reverse the process by adding more glue with similar properties as the original glue. Lamination often is done with resin glue.
Can you use wood filler to repair veneer?
Bondo Wood Filler is a two-part wood filler that dries very hard very quickly. So it's perfect for large repairs and also chipped veneer repairs.
Can you repair damaged 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.
How do you fix chipped or peeled 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 can I tell if my furniture is laminate or veneer?
1:354:46How to tell the difference between laminate and veneer ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first and foremost the wood grain it's a pattern. So that's usually a good sign that it is aMoreSo first and foremost the wood grain it's a pattern. So that's usually a good sign that it is a laminate. But do you see how it kind of chips back here. And you can't really see the wood grain.
How do you repair a veneer on a dining table?
0:317:51Repairing Veneer on a Midcentury Tabletop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing I'm gonna do is put some thinner on here look at the figure. And then look at someMoreThe first thing I'm gonna do is put some thinner on here look at the figure. And then look at some figured veneer I have and determine where I'm going to cut my patch.
Can veneer be refinished?
Veneered furniture can be refinished like other wood furniture, as long as the veneer is not too thin, and you take care not to remove too much of the veneer when removing the old finish.
How do you fill holes in veneer?
0:161:43Patching Veneer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCover the damaged area even the tiniest. Places with five-minute epoxy or any good glue I recommendMoreCover the damaged area even the tiniest. Places with five-minute epoxy or any good glue I recommend the light color since dark color can leave an outline.
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!
How do you fix peeling veneer before painting?
0:439:393 Easy Ways to Fix Veneer Before Painting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the veneer damage is large you really might want to consider using bondo all-purpose putty youMoreIf the veneer damage is large you really might want to consider using bondo all-purpose putty you will need to use this in a well-ventilated. Area. All you do is you mix the putty and the conditioner.
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 fix a veneer that has been damaged?
Sand the edges of the damaged area with sandpaper to smooth out any roughness. Then, put glue on the fitted patch and fix it into place. Clamp or put a weighted object on top to keep the veneer in place . Leave the repaired area for one to two days, and then lightly sand the edges and the surrounding surface.
How to replace missing veneer?
The best way is to remove a piece of veneer from a part of the furniture that is not as visible as the surface, such as the inside or bottom. Press a utility knife underneath the edge on a seam and lift to remove the veneer.
What is veneer tape?
Pencil. Sandpaper. Glue. A veneer is a thin sheet of wood covering an underlayment that's commonly used in many pieces of commercially produced furniture today. Because it's so thin, it can be easily damaged in a move or as a result of an accident.
What to do if you didn't cut through the veneer?
If you didn't cut through completely, do not break the edges off. Instead, just go back over the cut with your knife until the piece is free. Only the top layer of the veneer should be removed; the base wood should not be cut. Finally, clean the old glue from the back of the veneer and clean the wood base.
How to mount a patch on a veneer?
To mount the patch, start by putting a sheet of paper over the broken area. Mark the edges with a pencil to make a template for cutting the new piece. Stick this pattern to the patching veneer and align it so the grains of both will match. Then, cut around the outer edge with a sharp knife; irregularly cut shaped patches are less visible compared to regularly cut shapes like rectangular and square.
How to fix a broken piece of wood?
Clean the bonding surface with a dry scrub brush. Then, apply contact cement on both surfaces, and mount the broken piece carefully, making sure the edges match as closely as possible. Firmly press the whole piece down, along the edges as well as in the middle. Secure this in place with weights or clamps to ensure that the glue maintains sufficient contact while drying.
Can you re-glue a veneer that is not completely broken?
The veneer that is not completely broken can be re-glued to the underlayment. It is easier to reattach a large portion by breaking it off along any cracks. When re-gluing, be careful not to destroy the edges.
How to repair chipped veneer?
Scuff sand the damaged wood and right around the damaged area for the best results. Mix up a small batch of Bondo Wood Filler and spread it over the chipped veneer. Let the Bondo Wood Filler dry and then sand it down. If the veneer has a lot of wood grain in it, add some wood grain lines to your Bondo. Use gel stain to stain the Bondo Wood Filler. ...
How to get a stain off of wood?
Put on your latex or vinyl gloves or else your fingers will get stained! Dip a lint-free rag into the gel stain. Wipe the gel stain onto the wood filler and the surrounding areas. Let the gel stain sit for about 30 seconds to start drying and then wipe the excess away with a clean lint free rag.
How to make Bondo stick?
For the best results, scuff sand the damaged area with 220 grit sandpaper. This will just make it so the Bondo will stick really well.
What is bondo wood filler?
Bondo Wood Filler is a two-part wood filler that dries very hard very quickly. So it’s perfect for large repairs and also chipped veneer repairs.
What stain to use on Bondo wood filler?
Use gel stain to stain the Bondo Wood Filler.
What is the best way to stain wood?
The Best Way to Stain Wood Filler – Gel Stain! It’s super important to use Gel stain instead of regular wood stain! Gel stain is thicker and formulated to sit on top of existing surfaces. Wood Stain is made to soak into the wood.
How long does it take to mix bondo wood filler?
You’ll need to work quickly because it dries so fast. You have about 5 minutes to work with it once you start mixing. After about 5 minutes it will start to harden and it will be hard to work with.
How to fix scratches on veneer?
Wax Stick. Take a wax stick that matches the damaged area and push it into the scratch. Using a credit card or similar plastic object, burnish the wax level with the surface of the veneer. After the scratch is completely filled, you can add grain lines with a small art paintbrush.
How to get glue off wood veneer?
Heat up a clothes iron without water, as steam from the iron may melt the glue on the wood veneer while you’re using it. Place a clean cloth over the surface as well, and then hold a hot iron over it. Do not touch the surface with the iron.
How to repair scratches on furniture?
After cleaning the furniture piece thoroughly, pour a small amount of scratch repair over the damage. Smooth it into the scratch and remove any excess liquid with a putty knife (or credit card). Then, apply paste wax to the entire surface and hand buff with a clean rag. 5. Apply Heat.
How to dye a scratch on a walnut veneer?
You can also use the meat of the black walnut, pecan, or a Brazil nut to dye the surface by rubbing the meat of the nut directly into the scratch. Do not allow the meat of the nut to get on the rest of the piece, or the oils will stain the veneer.
How to get scratches out of a wood table?
1. Clean the Surface. Use high-quality furniture cleaner to remove all dust and dirt from the surface, paying close attention to the scratched area. Dry the cleaner completely with a rag. Next, apply furniture wax and buff thoroughly with a new cloth. This will remove any small scratches from the surface.
Can you scratch veneer furniture?
Even when you are careful with the surface of a piece of wood veneer furniture, accidents do happen. Everyday use can result in light scratches if you are not exceptionally careful to lift, rather than slide, objects across the surface of a table. Or, if your piece is not properly protected during a move, deeper scratches can scar the surface easily. However, there are several do-it-yourself repairs you can attempt before going to the expense of hiring a professional repair service or replacing the veneer.
How to repair chipped wood veneer?
Tape around the chipped area if it’s along the edge of the veneer. Attach a strip of painter’s tape along the outer edge of the furniture so it extends about 1 inch (2.5 cm) over the surface . Make sure the tape forms clean, straight walls around the outer edges of the veneer. Continue applying tape around any corners or sides that have chips.
How long does it take to fix veneer?
With the right tools, you’ll be able to fix your furniture within 1–2 days! Steps.
Why use wax paper on veneer?
Wax paper helps prevent the clamps from sticking to the veneer if glue oozes out from the blister.
How to remove glue from wood veneer?
1. Scrape off the dry glue underneath the veneer with a file or paperclip. Carefully lift the edge of the veneer so you can fit the file or paperclip underneath it . Rub the surface under the veneer with the file to break down any leftover glue that’s still stuck on the furniture.
How to apply wood glue to veneer?
Spread wood glue onto the surface under the veneer using a palette knife. Apply a bead of wood glue along the edge of a palette knife and lift the veneer with your nondominant hand. Position the blade of the knife between the veneer and piece of furniture and scrape it over the wood.
How to fix a blister on a wood block?
Clamp a flat piece of wood over the veneer and leave it overnight. Set a flat piece of wood on top of the wax paper that’s large enough to cover the entire blister. Secure a C-clamp to your piece of furniture or work surface so it holds the wood block tightly against the veneer. Put additional clamps every 1 foot (30 cm) if the block doesn’t stay flat against the veneer. Leave the veneer clamped overnight so the wood glue has time to set.
How to get rid of chips on wood?
Combine wood filler and hardener on a paper plate. Read the mixing directions on the wood filler packaging and add enough to a paper plate to fill in the chips on your furniture. Add the listed amount of the hardening solution and mix it into the filler with a stir stick. Continue stirring the wood filler until it gets tacky.
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!
Why is laminate furniture used in hotels?
A lot of hotel furniture is laminate over MDF or composite because its less expensive and easier to keep clean. A telltale sign is how heavy the piece is. Older solid wood pieces with veneers are often lighter than MDF covered in laminate.
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.
