Removing top layer of veneer
by
Mary
+5
I have this old dresser in my basement. Been there for years - came with the house! The outer layer of which I think is veneer(?) is coming off. It is loose in some places and I can just peel it off. How do I go about removing the rest of it? I'd like to remove it completely and then refinish it.
8 answers
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..I dont do a lot of veneer removal, but I have done a few. I found that getting the veneer a bit wet ( NOT saturated ) and " letting the water do its thing' lol.. ( i would take a 2 hour break...lol).Then use a putty scraper or a special chisel to start " lifting' the veneer. Its often a slow process - depending on how much glue the veneer has had on it- but dont give up and work slowly as to not gouge your surface :)
Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio
on Jan 25, 2015
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Heat gun, veneer is glued on and the high heat should soften the glue enough to remove it. If you noticed that the wood under the veneer is different shades and colors. This is the build up of several different scrap pieces glued together forming a larger piece of wood to make the cabinet. If you refinish this all you can do is paint as each section would stain different even if you sealed the wood in order to get a more even look. You can if you like adventure is purchase new veneer wood at most home centers,. Most now have an adhesive already sprayed onto the back. Simply using scissors cut the veneer to close to the size, paying attention to the grain pattern and using a iron move it around the wood to glue the veneer into place. Its really easy and kind of fun. Once the glue has adhered the wood into place and it has cooled. A sharp knife is used to cut the veneer down to the edges and a piece of sandpaper completes the job, Then simply re-stain and seal. Like new again.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jan 25, 2015
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..I know about the heat gun, I just did not use that method . :)
Shelby @ The Weathered Barn Studio
on Jan 25, 2015
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use wood filler then sand. don't remove it fix it.
Narcissa
on Jan 25, 2015
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Depending upon the veneer we did the damp towel for an hour then the steam iron for 20 seconds came right up
Susan Ewy Lounsbury
on Jan 26, 2015
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Thanks everyone - I'm going to try the wet towel and iron.
Mary
on Jan 26, 2015
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Remember when you add moisture to the wood it will have in some cases an adverse effect. Moisture will soften the glue if enough is applied, but it will also soften any glue joints that hold the different sections of wood that makes up each board. It will also raise the grain on the wood requiring more work to prep for paint. Not saying moisture or steam will not work, but most pros use the heat gun.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Jan 26, 2015
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I easily removed veneer from an old dress by leaving it face up out in the sun on an 80+ degree day for an hour or two. It came off very easy with a putty knife. That's the way I will do it from now on.
Christa
on Mar 14, 2015
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