How to Redo an Antique Veneer Sewing Machine Cabinet

An antique sewing machine can be a collector's item.

An antique veneer sewing cabinet can be a true collector's piece. Maybe you sew on yours or maybe you have it displayed in your home for its antique beauty. Refinishing antique veneer can easily be done at home. Veneer is simply thin strips of wood that are glued over the top of other wood. This is often done when the furniture is made from scraps that do not match or that show seams. Veneer was also often applied to present a more attractive wood grain than the one the furniture was made with.

Things You'll Need

• Trisodium phosphate
• Screwdriver
• Tape
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Foam roller
• Paint

Instructions

1. Scrub the cabinet with TSP. TSP, or trisodium phosphate, removes surface dirt. You can find TSP at the hardware store with the other cleaning supplies.

2. Remove the old finish with paint stripper. A gel-based stripper will be easier to control. Put on gloves before working with harsh chemical strippers. Apply a thick coat to the stripper with a paint brush. Allow the stripper to penetrate the veneer for 20 to 30 minutes. Wipe away the paint stripper and the old finish with a rag.

3. Sand the veneer cabinet with medium grit sandpaper. Work in the direction of the wood grain.

4. Switch to fine grit sandpaper. Continue to sand the cabinet until it is smooth. Run your bare hand over the veneer. When the surface is free of bumps and feels soft to the touch it is well sanded. Wipe away sanding dust with a damp rag.

5. Fill any scratches or dents with wood putty. Apply the wood putty with a putty knife. Let the putty dry completely. Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the area where the putty was applied.

6. Stain the cabinet. Dip a clean rag into the stain and wipe onto the veneer. Remove the excess with a different clean rag. Continue applying and removing stain in this manner until you achieve a depth of color that you like. Allow the stain to dry.

7. Apply a coat of oil-based polyurethane to the cabinet. The polyurethane will protect the veneer from chips and cracks and make the veneer more durable. Apply 2 to 3 coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

References

• Refinishing321: Refinishing Veneer Cabinets