How to Repair an Art Deco Dresser With Veneer

Repairing Blisters

• 1

  Wipe the affected veneer with a tack cloth to remove any loose dust, debris or dirt. Dampen a soft cloth with mineral spirits to remove any damaged finish from the blistered veneer.

• 2

  Cut a slit through the blister’s center with a utility knife.

• 3

  Cover the tip of a toothpick with carpenter’s glue and slide it through the blister’s slit. Spread the glue over the wood beneath the damaged veneer.

• 4

  Cover the blister with a soft cloth and set a weighted object, such as a wooden block or heavy book, on the cloth.

• 5

  Allow the weighted object to remain for at least eight hours, or overnight, before removing it and the soft cloth.

• 6

  Sand the repaired blister with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe away the sanding dust with a tack cloth.

• 7

  Apply one to two coats of varnish to the repaired spot with a natural-bristle paintbrush. Allow the first coat of varnish to dry for at least eight hours before applying the second. If some of the finish is removed from the area around the repaired blister, cover it with the varnish as well.

Repairing Scratches

• 8

  Wipe the affected veneer with a tack cloth to remove any loose dust, debris or dirt. Dampen a soft cloth with mineral spirits to remove any damaged finish from the veneer scratch.

• 9

  Create a mixture of 1 tablespoon rottenstone, a mild abrasive available at home improvement and hardware stores, and 1/4 cup water.

• 10

  Dampen a soft cloth with the rottenstone mixture and gently work it over the scratched area to remove the damaged finish.

• 11

  Wipe away the excess rottenstone with a separate soft cloth and dry the art-deco furniture.

• 12

  Apply two coats of varnish to the repaired area with a natural-bristle paintbrush, allowing the first coat to cure for at least eight hours before applying the second.