How to Replace Veneer

Replacing the veneer on your furniture takes a bit of time, but it is very simple to do once you divide it into easy-to-follow steps. After your veneer is changed, your piece will look you just bought it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Replacement veneer
• Glue
• Seam roller
• Rag
• Weight or clamp
• Waxpaper
• Sandpaper

1. Take a knife--a utility knife is best--and carefully cut around the damaged piece of veneer on your furniture. Stay with the natural grain as much as you can.

2. Cut out a template of the shape you want to replace. Take this outline and apply it to your replacement veneer. To make your replacement piece look as good as possible, match the grain.

3. Place the cut out over the damaged area and make sure it is the right size and that the grain matches up correctly.

4. Put glue on the back of the veneer replacement, and press into the piece. Use a seam roller over the veneer, and then take a rag and wipe away the extra glue.

5. Apply pressure to the new veneer, but put wax paper between the weight and the veneer so there is no damage or scratching. A clamp works well for this step.

6. Sand down the veneer if it is thicker. Be careful not to damage your piece.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to replace an entire piece of veneer on the furniture, just use a larger piece of replacement veneer and be just as gentle when removing the original. To purchase replacement veneer, you can try specialty shops or woodworker's web sites, catalogues and stores.
• Be careful with the glue. You do not want to use too much and damage the furniture.