Can I refinish a veneer top table?

Carol Hash
by Carol Hash
Is it possible to sand and restain a veneer top table?
  7 answers
  • Jo Ann Spofford Jo Ann Spofford on Dec 12, 2016

    You can refinish a veneer table but it is a labor of love. In most instances, you will end up having to strip the veneer off. You want to just use some restore-a-finish. It can be bought at Home Depot in the paint section.

  • Effie Silveira Effie Silveira on Dec 18, 2016

    You can use furniture stripper on veneer & if the veneer is chipped, just use a wood filler, sand it, stain it & clear coat it. If the veneer is lifting, it will have to be glued down before sanding & finishing.

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Dec 24, 2016

    I have lightly sanded and restained veneer before. Be very very careful not to sand through the veneer. It is usually a very thin piece.

    • Pam Pam on Dec 26, 2016

      Hi Cheryl ~ And....what happens if you DO sand through the veneer? (I did) Is a trip to the dump the only solution? Thank you!

  • Cheryl Cheryl on Dec 26, 2016

    I salvaged a beautiful pottery barn dresser from the curbside. I overly sanded the drawer and ended up chalk painting the entire piece black and gray. The veneer was so beautiful - like a prism effect on the drawers. I was very disappointed. But after it was painted and new hardware, it looked like a million bucks. Don't sweat it. It was a gift to my daughter when she moved out to a condo.


  • Yes, we've done it. Just use a very fine sandpaper and go slow. You can't do it repeatedly, but once should be fine. Good luck!

  • Mogie Mogie on May 01, 2023

    This would be a lot of work is it worth it? Why not make a cap or hat or sorts that would fit over the top?