How to Finish Oak Veneer

Always sand with the grain of veneer.

Inexpensive furniture is often composed of particle board; it is then coated with wood veneer to improve its appearance. Veneer is thin, absorbs little stain and tends to promote runs. Oak absorbs stain unevenly because it has tight wood grains. Choose the appropriate type of stain to avoid an uneven finish.

Things You'll Need

• Palm sander
• 120-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloths
• Plastic drop cloth
• Masking paper
• Professional painter's tape
• Plastic drop cloths
• Drop cloths
• 2- to 4-inch oil paintbrush
• Light color oil-based stain
• Mineral spirits
• Varnish

Instructions

1. Sand the oak veneer. Use a palm sander with 120-grit sandpaper. Sand with the veneer's grain until the finish appears dull.

2. Replace the 120-grit sandpaper with 220-grit. Sand the veneer until it feels smooth to the touch.

3. Wipe sawdust from the veneer using tack cloths.

4. Protect the area beneath the veneer by covering it with drop cloths.

5. Coat the oak veneer with a light colored, oil-based stain. Use a paintbrush specifically engineered for use with oil-based paints. Apply a thin coat to avoid runs. Wipe the wet stain from the veneer with cloth rags. Wait a minimum of four hours for the veneer to dry. Wash your brush with mineral spirits.

6. Coat the stained, oak veneer with varnish. Use a clean paintbrush. Wait a minimum of four hours for the veneer to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Sand existing varnish from the oak veneer before you stain.

• Don't use dark stain on oak veneer or the finish will dry uneven.