Is it possible to remove laminate tops on older furniture?

DIYsometimer
by DIYsometimer
  4 answers
  • Gregg Gregg on Jul 13, 2018

    Yes, if you mean wood veneer laminate? I just refinished an old night stand, that had a damaged wood veneer top. I peeled off what was loose, then laid a wet towel over the rest. Once it started to lift, I used a putty knife to lift off the rest.

  • Paul Dempsey Paul Dempsey on Jul 18, 2018

    It depends on the glue used as to how best to do this. If you are looking as a formica top, and it was attached with contact cement, heating it can cause the cement to release. You work sections and place wood dowels under it as it comes up so it does not reset itself. As Gre noted, some wood veneer come away with elbow grease and moisture. Some chemical strippers will work on some glues. Try to identify the materials you are working with and search for youtube videos for the appropriate methods.

    • DIYsometimer DIYsometimer on Jul 19, 2018

      Thank you for your help on this issue. Not sure i’m experienced enough to do this without damaging the piece but may give it a try.

  • Paul Dempsey Paul Dempsey on Jul 20, 2018

    Try heating with an Iron and if it releases with that. Be careful not to burn it. If you are lucky, that will do it and if not move to moisture from there and chemical strippers later.

  • Carol Sybrowsky Carol Sybrowsky on Jul 20, 2018

    Most furniture tops are screwed on from underneath. Flip the furniture over and find the screws. Then, if you wish, you can replace the top with a new one that has been cut to fit.


    Rockler's Wood working supplies carries many types of veneer if you want to replace the damaged veneer. They also provide good instructions on how to do it.