How to Remove Air Bubbles on Laminated Wood

Laminated wood adds to the attractiveness of your home whether it's found on your furniture, flooring or cabinetry. As a less expensive alternative to hardwood, laminate is easy to maintain and, when cared for properly, long lasting. Occasionally, air bubbles may form under the surface of your laminated wood due to loosening of the glue that bonds the veneer to the laminate or the development of air pockets beneath the surface. Remove air bubbles in the surface and restore the appearance of your laminate wood.

Large sewing needle
Cotton cloth
Clothing iron
Single-edged razor
Paintbrush
Wood glue
Toothpick
Wax paper
Heavy wood blocks

Instructions

- 1
  Insert a heavy-duty sewing needle into the top layer of laminate wood at the site of the air bubble. Apply pressure at the perimeter of the air bubble and move your hands toward the pinprick to push the air out.
- 2
  Lay a cotton cloth over the site of the air bubble on the laminated wood. Place a clothing iron heated to the "medium" heat setting on the cloth to try to soften and reactivate the adhesive bond under the top layer of laminate. Leave the iron in place for five seconds at a time until the surface feels hot.
- 3
  
  Heat from the iron can renew the adhesive bond.
  
  Remove the iron and cloth. Press the laminate down with your hands for increments of 30 to 60 seconds until it adheres and lays flat.
- 4
  Slice open any remaining air bubble along the wood grain using a single-edged razor.
- 5
  Clean debris out from beneath the opened surface with a paintbrush.
- 6
  Squeeze wood glue into the opening of the air bubble. Spread the glue around underneath the layer of laminate using a toothpick.
- 7
  Press the laminate down. Cover it with wax paper to catch any glue that oozes out and prevent it from sticking to your wooden blocks.
- 8
  Set heavy wooden blocks, or other weighted flat objects, on the repaired area of the laminate wood to ensure the top surface is pressed down. Leave the blocks in place for 24 hours to allow the adhesive to dry.

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