How do I repair a veneer that was stained by essential oils?

You can use a mineral spirits wash, such as paint thinner, to dissolve an oil stain on both finished and unfinished wood. Simply dampen a soft, clean cloth with a small amount of the spirits and rub it into the wood, working with the grain, to work the grease out. You can repeat the process as often as needed until the oil is dissolved.

You can also touch up the surface with polyurethane after the oil is cleaned.

I doubt if you will get the oil out. Would you consider rubbing the whole surface down with oil to make it uniform and then sealing it?

I would recommend you sand the surface and add new stain and varnish.

Unfortunately, my experience is that it lifts the finish. I had a spill on a painted table and the paint lifted. My daughter got some on her dining room table. The factory finish lifted off and there was bare wood showing. She didn't want to refinish the entire top, so I took some small craft paints in shades of brown and a fine paintbrush and blended it in. It wasn't perfect, but it hides it until she wants it refinished. That didn't work on my painted table. I had to refinish the entire top. So, try to blend it in with a similar finish, and if it doesn't work, refinish it. Good luck!

Here's a post that might help you - https://www.thriftyfun.com/Removing-a-Diffuser-Oil-Stain-on-Wood-Furniture.html

Hi there,

If it is an Antique or was expensive and you have insurance, Claim under accidental damage to have it restored by a professional! Good luck....

I think you will have to replace it or paint. Maybe sand and stain?

Get stain the same color lightly sand the spot with fine sand paper then stain the spot let it dry a couple of hours to check the color after it’s all dryed

Yes, permeated the finish & soaked up by the wood, down lower than the surface.

I don’t know if mineral spirits would work, but I would look in to denatured alcohol as well-

at this point, the damage shouldn’t get worse while you do more research.

Try to take suggestions of soaking the oil back up but do not do heavy sanding on veneer. You can sand thru it and totally ruin the piece.

Filing insurance most likely won't help. Most furniture is not work making a claim even antiques unless it has a certified appraisal with a provononce. It won't meet your deductible. If it's of value to you let a pro refinish but don't be surprised by the price.

I did the same thing! I am thinking to just sand in the spot and try to match the stain only in that area.

Good luck to both of us!

this is a good post https://www.hunker.com/12003100/tips-tricks-for-how-to-remove-old-stain-varnish-off-veneer