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.

Things You'll Need

• 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe up spills on birch veneer immediately to prevent moisture damage and staining.

• Do not use abrasive cleaners or polish on birch veneer.

References

• Decorative Wood Veneers Association: Care Recommendations for Veneered Products
• Composite Panel Association: Wood Veneer