Can you stain engineered (and veneered) wood?

I doubt that you'll be able to sand and stain it. It would depend on a) whether it's real and b) how thick it is, and I doubt that it's thick enough. That being said, birch does not accept stain well - it turns out blotchy even with a conditioner.

Whatever you do, you can test it first by removing one of draws and do it towards the back so it won't be seen.

I think you'll have more luck with paint and primer and prob need to light sand/rough up the surface so it adheres better.

Debbie, The Flooring Girl

I have the same question I was looking at a used desk I really like but some rubbing on some drawers that looks off white and of course stands out cause the whole thing is in a cherry wood color....Says it's made of solid and engineered wood. I want to strip it and stain it a different color ...Does anyone have any ideas if I should even bother with this?

Sand a small corner that would be inconspicuous to the eye. Dab a cue tip in the stain and make a small dot in side the sanded corner and you will have your answer!

I painted a bookcase that had cherry veneer. First clean and lightly sand to rough up. Then I used a primer called "Stix." After the primer completely dried, I painted with a water-based enamel paint used for cabinets.

HAVE YOU THOUGHT TO USE CONTACT INSTEAD!

Because wood veneer is actually real wood (and often has a beautiful wood grain), you CAN stain and varnish it! However, be careful if you're using an electric or belt sander, because often the veneer is so thin that aggressive sanding will wear though the veneer quickly.

Gel stain would work on this project, apply it to an barely noticeable spot and see how it does.