How to Protect Birch Veneer

Your birch veneer furniture is actually likely made of particle board with a thin layer of birch wood -- the veneer -- on top. Veneers are an inexpensive alternative to solid wood for tables, desks, bookcases and cabinets, and they are often pretreated with a protective coating. Proper care for birch veneer pieces is important, as damage or wear may lead to chipping, leaving particle board exposed.

Medium-grit sandpaper
Microfiber cloth
Wood lacquer
Nonabrasive furniture polish
Soft cloth
Static duster

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a protective coating to your birch veneer if it's unfinished or dull. Sand the entire surface lightly, wipe off the dust with a microfiber cloth, and spray or brush with a wood lacquer. Allow the lacquer to dry overnight. Most veneer pieces are already finished; you can recognize finished veneer by its shiny and smooth appearance.
- 2
  Polish the finished veneer to protect the lacquer, remove dirt and keep it shiny. Spray the polish on a clean soft cloth and rub the veneer in a circular motion. Fold the cloth over and buff the veneer with a dry section of the cloth.
- 3
  Dust the polished veneer regularly with a static duster to prevent buildup.

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