How to Refinish Furniture With Veneer

Refinishing furniture with veneer is an excellent way to restore worn or outdated pieces, giving them a fresh, polished appearance. Veneer is a thin layer of high-quality wood applied over a less expensive base, providing a sophisticated look without the cost of solid wood. Whether you have an antique dresser, table, or cabinet, veneer refinishing allows you to maintain the original shape while upgrading its aesthetic appeal.

Learning how to refinish furniture with veneer can be a rewarding DIY project. It not only saves money compared to buying new furniture but also preserves valuable pieces with sentimental or historical value. With the right tools, materials, and step-by-step guidance, you can achieve professional-looking results and bring new life to your furniture.

Benefits of Refinishing Furniture with Veneer

1. Cost-Effective Upgrade

Refinishing furniture with veneer is much cheaper than buying new solid wood furniture. Veneer allows you to achieve the look of high-quality wood at a fraction of the cost, making it an economical way to update your furniture.

2. Preserves Original Pieces

Many furniture pieces have sentimental or antique value. Refinishing with veneer restores their appearance without replacing the item, helping preserve family heirlooms or vintage finds.

3. Enhances Aesthetic Appeal

Veneer provides a smooth, high-end finish that can dramatically improve the look of old, scratched, or outdated furniture. It can be stained or finished in different colors to match modern décor trends.

4. Versatility in Design

With veneer, you can change the style of your furniture by altering the wood type, grain pattern, or finish. This flexibility allows you to customize furniture to suit any room or theme.

5. Eco-Friendly Option

Using veneer requires less solid wood than constructing new furniture, reducing the environmental impact. Refinishing old pieces instead of discarding them also helps minimize waste.

6. Increased Longevity

Properly applied veneer and finishing techniques protect the underlying wood, making furniture more durable and resistant to damage from moisture, scratches, or wear.

7. Quick Transformation

Compared to building new furniture from scratch, refinishing with veneer can be done relatively quickly, providing a fast way to refresh a room’s look.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Sandpaper (various grits: 120, 220, 320)
• Orbital or hand sander
• Veneer sheets (wood veneer or pre-glued veneer)
• Veneer glue or contact cement
• Utility knife or veneer saw
• Clamps
• Scraper or putty knife
• Wood filler or veneer patch
• Clean cloths or tack cloth
• Stain or paint (optional, for finishing)
• Clear finish (polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac)
• Brush or foam applicator
• Masking tape
• Protective gloves and eye protection

10 Step-By-Step Guidelines on How to Refinish Furniture with Veneer

Step 1: Prepare the Furniture Surface

Begin by removing all hardware, drawers, or doors from the furniture. Place the piece on a stable work surface in a well-ventilated area.

Clean the surface thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, and oils. This ensures that the veneer will adhere properly and prevent imperfections during refinishing.

Step 2: Remove Old Finish

Use a chemical stripper or sandpaper to remove the existing finish. Start with medium-grit sandpaper (120) to remove varnish, paint, or previous stains, then switch to finer grits (220–320) for a smooth surface.

Ensure all areas, including corners and edges, are stripped evenly. This step is crucial because the veneer must be applied to a clean, smooth surface to achieve proper adhesion and avoid bumps or gaps.

Step 3: Repair Damages

Inspect the furniture for cracks, dents, or missing veneer. Use wood filler or veneer patches to repair these areas. Allow repairs to dry and sand smooth before proceeding.

This step ensures a uniform base for the new veneer. Any imperfections left untreated can show through the veneer and affect the final appearance.

Step 4: Cut the Veneer

Measure the furniture surface and cut the veneer sheets slightly larger than the area to cover. Use a utility knife or veneer saw to achieve precise cuts.

Cutting the veneer slightly oversized allows for trimming and adjustments once glued, ensuring a seamless fit without gaps along edges or corners.

Step 5: Apply Veneer Adhesive

Apply veneer glue or contact cement to the furniture surface and the back of the veneer. Follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time and application thickness.

Ensure an even coating to prevent bubbles, uneven adhesion, or peeling. For large surfaces, work in sections to maintain control and accuracy.

Step 6: Attach the Veneer

Carefully position the veneer onto the glued surface. Use a scraper, roller, or putty knife to press down firmly, starting from the center and moving outward to remove air bubbles.

Clamps can help secure the veneer on edges or corners until the adhesive sets. Proper application ensures a flat, smooth surface without lifts or warps.

Step 7: Trim Excess Veneer

Once the adhesive has set, trim the excess veneer using a sharp utility knife along the edges of the furniture. Sand lightly to smooth edges and corners.

Trimming creates a clean, professional finish. Take care not to damage the edges or the underlying surface during this process.

Step 8: Sand the Veneered Surface

Lightly sand the veneered surface with fine-grit sandpaper (320) to smooth any rough areas and prepare it for finishing. Use a tack cloth to remove all dust before applying the stain or finish.

Sanding ensures the final finish will adhere properly and provides a flawless, polished look to the furniture piece.

Step 9: Apply Stain or Finish

If desired, apply wood stain to enhance color. Then, apply a clear finish like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac to protect the veneer. Use a brush or foam applicator and apply thin, even coats.

Allow sufficient drying time between coats, and lightly sand between layers for a smooth, durable finish. Multiple coats enhance the sheen, depth, and longevity of the veneer.

Step 10: Reassemble and Final Touches

After the finish has dried completely, reattach hardware, drawers, and doors. Inspect the furniture for any minor imperfections and touch up as needed.

The final inspection ensures a professional, polished appearance. Proper care after refinishing will maintain the furniture’s beauty for years.

Following these steps on how to refinish furniture with veneer will give new life to old, worn-out pieces. With a little time and effort, you can transform your furniture into something that looks brand new. And the best part? You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you did it yourself!

Additional Tips

• Always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid fumes from adhesives, strippers, or finishes.
• Test stains or finishes on a small piece of veneer before applying to the entire surface.
• Use clamps carefully to prevent indentations or damage to the veneer edges.
• Avoid rushing the adhesive drying time; patience ensures better adhesion.
• Keep sanding smooth and gradual—too aggressive sanding can damage thin veneer sheets.
• Consider using pre-glued veneer for small projects to simplify the process.
• Store leftover veneer and adhesive properly for future repairs or projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying veneer over a dirty, uneven, or damaged surface.
• Using too much or too little adhesive can cause bubbles or lifting.
• Rushing the trimming or sanding process leads to uneven edges.
• Neglecting proper ventilation when working with adhesives or finishes.
• Skipping patience steps like drying time between coats or allowing repairs to set.

How Much Will It Cost?

• The cost of refinishing furniture with veneer varies depending on materials and project size:
• Veneer Sheets: $20–$100 per sheet, depending on wood type and quality.
• Adhesives: $10–$30 for a bottle of veneer glue or contact cement.
• Sandpaper & Tools: $20–$50, including sanders, utility knives, and scrapers.
• Finishes: $15–$50 for polyurethane, lacquer, or stain.
• Optional Hardware Replacement: $10–$50 per set if needed.
• DIY refinishing is generally cheaper than replacing furniture, especially for high-quality or antique pieces. Investing in quality veneer and adhesives ensures long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I Refinish Veneer Furniture Without Removing Old Veneer?

A1: Yes, if the old veneer is intact and smooth, you can sand and refinish directly. However, damaged, peeling, or uneven veneer should be removed or patched before applying new veneer to ensure a clean and professional finish.

Q2: How Do I Prevent Bubbles Under the Veneer?

A2: Apply adhesive evenly and use a scraper or roller to press out air from the center outward. Clamping edges and allowing the glue to set properly prevents lifting and ensures a flat, smooth surface.

Q3: Can I Stain Veneer the Same Way as Solid Wood?

A3: Yes, veneer can be stained, but it absorbs color more quickly due to its thinness. Test a small area first, and apply light coats gradually to achieve the desired color without over-darkening.

Q4: How Long Does Veneer Refinishing Take?

A4: A small furniture piece can take 1–2 days, including drying time, while larger or complex projects may take several days to complete. Patience is essential to ensure proper adhesion, sanding, and finishing.

Q5: How Do I Make My Veneer Furniture Look Professional After Refinishing?

A5: To achieve a professional finish, start by thoroughly sanding and preparing the surface. Applythe  veneer carefully with even adhesive and press out all air bubbles. Trim edges neatly and sand lightly before staining or applying a clear finish. Use multiple thin coats of polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac, allowing each layer to dry fully and sanding lightly in between. Adding hardware or decorative accents after finishing enhances the polished, high-quality appearance.

Conclusion

Refinishing furniture with veneer is a practical, cost-effective way to restore and enhance your furniture’s appearance. By following the step-by-step guidelines on how to refinish furniture with veneer, using the right tools, and avoiding common mistakes, you can achieve professional-looking results at home.

This process preserves valuable or sentimental pieces while providing a fresh, modern look. With proper care and attention to detail, refinished veneer furniture can last for many years, combining aesthetic appeal with functionality.