Veneer chipped and cracked on antique bedroom set, what should I do?

Question

I recently purchased an antique bedroom set online, when it arrived I was shocked to find that the veneer is cracked, bubbled, chipped, broken, you name it, it has real wood underneath, I was wondering if there is a way to take the veneer off and sand and finish the wood underneath.

I do not want to return the set, I got a really good deal on it for it being antique and I love the style, I am very crafty and do not have the money to pay a professional, so I need advice on doing it myself.

Is there a way to repair the veneer? Or am I better of stripping it and redoing it, If so how do I do that, also, only the drawers are veneer, the top is and bed are varnished and I plan on stripping them and redoing them, but I don't know much about veneer!! HELP!

Answer 1

There are various things going on here.  Is there a way you can get a photo online to look at. It would be easier to help you that way. A few suggestions in the meantime.

If it is truly antique, then maybe you will be destroying alot of value if you strip and refinish the piece.

Is the actual veneer cracked, missing pieces, etc, or is it just the finish that is damaged?

Removal of the veneer might be easy. By placing a hot iron on the veneer, put a damp cloth between the iron and the wood, the heat should reactivate the glue (if the glue is hide or PVA glue, but not contact cement) making it easier to remove.

http://www.veneering.net

http://woodworkingadvice.com

Answer 2

try this site...

http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-rep...