How do I refinish furniture with wood veneer?

Question

Hello all

I've gotten a great deal on a 50 year old Knoll Credenza, but the veneer is a bit faded after all these years. I'd like to refinish it with a deep color and nice shine, but I don't know how to do that. I'm more of a DIY kinda guy, and I want to learn how to do this, so I'll be able to should the need ever arise again.

Do I have to strip the current finish off with some sort of chemical? If so, what kind?

Or will I have to replace the entire veneer? If so, how is that done?

If anybody can recommend a decent website, that would be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance for all replies.

Answer 1

If the veneer is actually wood, and you are going to a darker color, you can sand off any sealer (varnish, shellac or Poly) and then restain. Be careful not to sand all the way through the veneer. Seal with a good Poly. I use Minwax Polyshades as a stain and sealer in one. Use 000 steelwool between coats and apply at least 2 or 3 coats.

Answer 2

One, if you do this, you will lose any value the piece had as an antique for the future. One of those things that many people believe a refinish will actually enhance the price, when it ruins it.

Ok... wood veneer.. now you can't strip it. It's a laminated strip of veneer on top of the piece. DIY isnt' really worth while here. It takes a heavy machine to press the veneer down properly. This is one of those thing that is best left to a professional. Besides, the types of glues on the market don't work nearly as well as the professional grade that you must pay for in bulk, which wouldn't be worthwhile to you and me.

To replace veneer you have to very carefully take the old off. Depending on the age, it can take weeks to get it off without damaging the pieace. There are many products out there, but the professional grades are best, and those aren't found on the market. Once you get that up, you have to use a heavy product to pull up the rest of the glue. Then you have to buy a roll of veneer and make the proper cuts and joint it together properly and somehow find a way to hold it down while it is drying. Also, getting it evened out just right is almost impossible.

Getting a piece professionally done with someone who knows antiques, could leave the value in tact. If it's done properly.

In the end, if you don't care about the value and don't mind probably ruining it, go for it. I don't mean to sound negative, i just know how impossible it is to do that project. Good luck!

Answer 3

I am trying to do the same thing to night stands that have been abused with water.  The polyurethane is missing and some of the stain.  

I first called Stanley Furniture the manufacturer, which was marked inside the drawer and the style number was marked on the back of the headboard.  I believe the bedroom set is about 20-30 years old.  They informed me that I could strip the furniture, but to make sure the product I use is for veneer.  Is your furniture marked in the drawer or on the back where you could the manufacturer of the credenza to find out if you can strip the veneer?  

I then went to the local hardware store to locate a stripping product and they told me to use 120 sandpaper and to very lightly sand the top as veneer is extremely thin.  I was told stain is unlike paint as it is absorbed by the wood and that stripper would not take off the stain like it will paint.  

I did contact Formby's but have not received a reply yet concerning their products and veneer refinishing.  There website has limited information but does say veneer.  Maybe that's the way you could go.

I know there are companies out there that will refinish veneer, but I am sure you pay for what you get, and for me the expense is not worth what I paid for used guest bedroom furniture.  

Since there are spots on the tops of these night stands, I am going to try lightly sanding first followed by stain and polyurethane.  If I find the time to try this upcoming weekend, I will let you know if it worked for me.