How do I repair/finish this warped surface?

by Eva

+11

Answered

Hi Everyone, my husbands finds treasures that are begging to be prettied up, and brings them home to me because he knows I enjoy repairing and beautifying them. He brought home this end table that has a warped laminate surface. Can someone help me with how I repair this? The table looks as though someone tried to change the decor but gave up on it. All ideas, suggestions, and comments are welcome! Thank you! (LOVE this site)

q how do i repair finish this warped surface

6 answers

Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 23, 2020

I think it's veneer and you can remove it. You can use a putty knife to pry it off. Here's an article for tips on removal. Once it's been removed, you can paint the wood underneath.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+remove+veneer&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS814US814&oq=how+to+remove+veneer&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5506j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

1 marked as helpful Reply
- Eva on Jan 23, 2020
  
  Thank you! That’s exactly what mine looks like. I think I can manage this much. I love learning new ways and techniques on ways to do home projects.
  
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Unique Creations By Anita on Jan 23, 2020

That looks like a veneer. I have used a syringe with glue inside and push the glue under the veneer and weight it down while it dries. Or you can remove the veneer using a heat gun to soften the gun then remove the veneer with a paint scraper.

1 marked as helpful Reply
- Eva on Jan 23, 2020
  
  Hi, and thank you for responding! It looks like I’ll be removing the veneer since you’re the 2nd one to suggest that. (I think I hit the wrong button so I wanted to correct this by cutting and pasting what I answered!)
  
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Eva on Jan 23, 2020

Hi, and thank you for responding! It looks like I’ll be removing the veneer since you’re the 2nd one to suggest that.

Helpful Reply
- Unique Creations By Anita on Jan 23, 2020
  
  It is very hard to repair veneer that has been split like that. So removing it would be my first option.
  
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Megan on Jan 23, 2020

I would recommend removing the veneer and sanding! :)

1 marked as helpful Reply
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- Eva on Jan 25, 2020
  
  Hi Megan, thank you. Yes, that seems to be the general consensus for this project. I’ve been provided a couple of links from Hometalkers with instructions and suggestions on removing the veneer. Thank you again.
  
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- Megan on Jan 25, 2020
  
  You are welcome! Blessings on your project! So exciting!
  
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Lucie - Oh my sander on Jan 24, 2020

Here is how I removed veneer on an older piece of furniture.
https://christinafayerepurposed.com/two-toned-vintage-dresser-makeover/

1 marked as helpful Reply
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- Eva on Jan 25, 2020
  
  Hi, you did an amazing job on that dresser. The After picture looks beautiful. Thank you for the tips. I will keep your link handy for when I start my project. While I’m still new to the repurposing/makeover techniques, I love doing them. Thank you.
  
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- Lucie - Oh my sander on Jan 25, 2020
  
  Thank you for your kind words! You are very welcome :-)
  
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William on Jan 25, 2020

So much damage. The veneer will have to be removed. I've used both the heat gun and hot towel method. sometimes depends on the adhesive used and age of the piece.

1 marked as helpful Reply
- Eva on Jan 29, 2020
  
  Hi William, I replied to your advice the other day, but I must have hit the wrong buttons and it seems to have disappeared! My apologies. Thank you for taking your time to rely to my dilemma on this diamond in the rough. All the responses I’ve received agree with your suggestion on removing the veneer completely! Thank you again.
  
  1 marked as helpful