How to Strip Veneer - no fumes, no power tools, EASY!

Jasmin
by Jasmin
Easy
So simple, so easy! I have been trying to tackle the messy job of chipping veneer off pieces to re finish them and what a pain in the hiney! I thought of an idea, and while I was testing the theory, I asked our lovely facebook followers their favorite method. Well, pretty much everyone said either using a wet towel and an iron ( which wrecks both the iron and towel) OR use a heat gun - (which would then have the fumes from the adhesive floating up in your face - or house and then requires use of masks and such) SO Here you go. Very easy - SOAK a towel so it is dripping wet in a mixture of half water and half vinegar. Place it on the veneer. Have a girls night out and let it soak over night. Make sure it is SOAKING wet. I even went back later and used a water bottle and just poured it right onto the towel to make sure it was soaked! Come back in the morning and use a putty knife or chisel and it will peel up like butter!
To see more creative ways to tackle repurposing projects - visit us at http://www.facebook.com/gypsybarn
Before I came up with the simple solution - I was one of those people chipping away and cussing out loud! This way takes forever! you get slivers, its a MESS!
Laying the towel down.it Was a very thick towel and dripping wet when I put it on the pieces
one or two test runs in the morning reveals - very little muscle power at all and it was peeling right off!
Slicing through that crud like a hot knife through butter!
Here is the piece that I finished using this technique
Here is another piece I finished using the same technique
Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Betty Ann Betty Ann on Nov 26, 2015
    Did you replace the veneer or just refinish the top? Thanks for posting.
  • Kelly Severson Kelly Severson on Jun 10, 2016
    Silly question. But i have a floor steamer that i put vinager and water in. It gets hot and was wondering if that would work. Any advice? By the way your photos motivate me. So beautiful
  • Sheila Sheila on Jan 11, 2021

    How do you take off veneer on old sewing machine cabinet? Also what type of wood is under that veneer on these old machine basis? Can I clean up that wood and leave the veneer off?

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  • JerichosDad JerichosDad on Oct 10, 2016
    I accidentally removed veneer with stripper. I left in on too long and it softened the glue under the veneer and it practically slid off.
  • Lorraine Lorraine on Oct 31, 2016
    I have 2 dressers that I was just going to toss out....think I'll make them a winter project now....thank you
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