How do I restore a laminate/wood shelf?

Question

Please help if u can, this piece is nice and functional. Thank you.

B. Enne · Answer

Short of relaminating the top or putting new veneer on top, if it isn't bumpy, dark gel stain can hide a multitude of sins :) I did kitchen cabinets with it out of oak, laminate and some other weird thing we couldn't figure out.

Charlotte · Answer

I agree with b. enne. I used General Finishes Java Gel Stain on a pine entertainment center and it covered every knot and imperfection in the wood.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

looks like wood. Not laminate. get a sanding pad/block in 100 or 120 or even 150. go with the grain and take off a very fine layer until you see good results. clean off with mineral spirits. Then add your stain. If you just stain over this mess it will look like crap. Gel just means it penetrates further into the grain and dries a bit faster. I wouldn't use Java unless you want the top to be a lot darker than the bottom part. Go with a medium oak color if you want to match it. GF has a gel stain called 'candlelight' that is a light brown w/a golden reddish tone. Fine sand the rest of the piece, wipe down w/spirits and rub the same color over the entire body.

Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot · Answer

You're right. I meant that gels give a better coverage than stains. Aniline dyes actually penetrate. Giving extra coats is not the answer if you want darker. And I still don't think a dark java stain will look good next to that tired-out original finish. There are already different shades on the wood in the door. Adding a 3rd will just make it look funky. I still say sand the top well and stain. Fine sand the body and stain. If you just rub stain (or gel) over an existing finish with varnish, it's not going to accept it. Parts that are worn will, and then you will have blotchiness. And I really have never heard of anyone using wood gel stain on plastic. They make paint for that. They even have a spray paint (rustoleum) in dark walnut! looks just like wood stain!
The first 2 pics is a desk I redid with walnut stain and a satin topcoat. The 3rd pic is an aniline dye in ebony. That one actually sinks into the grain. I've used gels too, but if you want the grain to show, the other two are better.

B. Enne · Answer

not 'next to'...instead of... 
 I had no problem whatsoever, with blotchiness or adhesion over the top coat (solid oak for almost everything, except for an end piece) and they have held up to daily use, and extremes in temperatures for years, and I can still see some of the grain. On really worn parts, I applied some stain, let them dry and then applied a full coat. At times, I found the extra coat helped everything blend in. It was not to make it darker per se, but to avoid blotchiness. I only had to do that on the sink cabinet and 1 drawer. As for the plastic--it was 2 small, cheap towel hooks inside the cabinet door. I wasn't going to purchase a new product for that. Worse case scenario, I would have replaced the hooks. Now they don't show at all, and I like that. It has been my experience that different gel finishes, and applicators give different results. You make some very valid points and the stained part of your art deco desk looks good and even.

B. Enne · Answer

Hey Ada, this just came up (although it is an old post) and may solve your problem...It looks great! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/kitchen-dining/kitchen-dining-furniture/cover-ugly-laminate-with-real-wood-veneer-550131

Country Design Home · Answer

Hi! That looks like real wood to me. I typically use General Finishes water based stain-they come in tons of colors and are water based. I would sand down the top until you get a smooth surface and ride of the white blush stains- then just paint it on and then wipe off as much or as little as you wish. You can apply more coats if you want it darker. If it still doesn't look quite right, you can always take a contrasting color and dry-brush over it to give it a more distressed look.

Tracy Shudo · Answer

Every ones are great, but this is such a cool shelf, you could always try chalk painting if the other things don't work, would love to see it in black, just the top. Good luck

Tracy Shudo · Answer

Every ones ideas are GREAT, is what I tried to say, way to late at night, good luck

Ada palmer · Answer

Thank you everyone for all of your great ideas!! I would love to share this with you when it's finished.

How do I restore a laminate/wood shelf?

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How do I restore a laminate/wood shelf?

Cover Ugly Laminate With Real Wood Veneer

Suggested Project Book