How to Refinish 40s Era Veneers

If you have a 1940's era veneer furniture, refinishing it can be a weekend project. Veneer can wear out, chip and crack. You will need to repair the chips and cracks before the refinishing can begin. Refinishing the furniture by painting the furniture will bring new life to the old piece.

Things You'll Need

• Wood putty
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Rag
• Primer
• Roller
• Paint
• Polyurethane sealant
• Foam paintbrush

Instructions

1. Fill any chips or cracks with wood putty; apply pressure to help the putty adhere to the furniture. Allow the putty to dry completely, sand to a flat smooth finish.

2. Sand the entire furniture piece lightly; do not sand enough to remove the veneer, just enough to make the surface rough. This will give the primer a good surface to adhere.

3. Remove sawdust or particles with a slightly damp rag. Allow the furniture to dry completely.

4. Apply one coat of primer to the furniture piece; allow the primer to dry completely.

5. Paint two coats of paint to the furniture, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat.

6. Use foam brushes to apply at least one coat of polyurethane. If you desire, apply a second coat. Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before moving the furniture.