How to Repair Wood Veneer on a Table

Patch Missing Veneer

• 1

  Measure the depth of the veneer on the table and select the type of veneer needed for the patch. Standard veneer is approximately 1/40th-inch to 1/32th-inch thick. Flexible veneer is approximately 1/64th-inch thick and has a paper backing to give it strength. Because flexible veneer is available in widths of up to 48 inches, most table tops are made with it.

• 2

  Clean the area to be patched by brushing away loose dirt and dust with a dry paintbrush and wiping with a damp cloth.

• 3

  Even out the damaged veneer by cutting the damaged area parallel to the grain and cutting diagonal end cuts with a metal straight edge and craft knife.

• 4

  Trace the shape of the veneer patch by placing a piece of paper over the cut area and drawing the outer edge with a pencil. Cut out the tracing with scissors.

• 5

  Place the paper tracing on the new veneer and cut the veneer patch out with a craft knife. When placing the template, find an area of the replacement veneer that will best match the original veneer.

• 6

  Apply a thin layer of hide glue to the area to be re-veneered and press the patch into place.

• 7

  Apply gentle pressure against the new veneer with a stiff-bladed scraper in the opposite direction from the edge to keep the patch firmly seated.

• 8

  Clamp scrap wood over the patch with C-clamps while the adhesive dries for 24 hours.

Loose or Delaminated Veneer

• 9

  Clean the dirt and debris from between the veneer and the substrate by gently inserting a putty knife between the two materials and applying downward, outward pressure on the knife.

• 10

  Fill a plastic hypodermic needle with hide glue and use inject the glue between the veneer and the substrate in the loose area.

• 11

  Use a stiff-bladed scraper to apply downward and outward pressure against the repaired veneer to squeeze out the excess glue.

• 12

  Cover the repaired veneer with waxed paper and place a piece of scrap wood over it. Use C-clamps to secure the repaired area while the glue dries for 24 hours.

Filling Small Gouges or Chips

• 13

  Clean the chipped or gouged area of the veneer by brushing away any loose dust and dirt particles with a dry paintbrush and then running a damp cloth over the area.

• 14

  Apply a amount of wood putty that is the same color as the finished veneer to the small gouge or chip, using a small putty knife.

• 15

  Scrape the putty knife over the repaired area to blend the putty and smooth the repaired table surface. Let the wood putty dry for 24 hours.

• 16

  Finish-sand the repaired area with 320-grit sandpaper.