How to Remove Veneer

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Assess the state of the veneer.

   If you can peel up one small portion of the veneer to see what’s underneath, you can get an idea of how much work the project will take.
   
   If the piece of veneered furniture has been stored in a damp place for a few years, chances are you can skip the loosening step and move straight on to scraping the veneer off.
2. 2

   Step 2: Turn the piece of furniture so that the side with the veneer is facing up.

   , Squeeze it out so that it is damp and not dripping. , Take extra care to ensure that the towel is not sitting directly on any pieces of finished wood that you want to leave intact.
   
   The water can damage the finish.
   
   Any water damage to the wood just under the veneer can be removed during the sanding process. , Re-moisten the towel if it won’t stay damp for that long.
   
   If the veneer doesn’t have any cracks, you may need to keep the towel on the surface for three hours., Look for curling and gaps in the surface.
   
   The glue under the veneer should start to dissolve with prolonged water exposure. , Put on your safety gloves and glasses. , Keep the putty knife as flat as possible to avoid damaging the wood underneath.
   
   Try to scrape with the grain of the wood underneath. ,, Damaged veneer can come up in sheets. , Flip your chisel over if you are using one.
   
   Work at the glued portion from the side, approximately 45 degrees off of the wood grain.
   
   Use short, flat strokes and gentle pressure to lift the glued portion. , Purchase an old iron that you can use for only home improvement projects.
   
   Wet an old towel and place it on the stubborn veneer.
   
   The towel should be fairly damp, but not dripping.
   
   Place the heated iron on top of the damp towel.
   
   Let it sit for one to two minutes.
   
   The steam should help loosen the glue on the veneer.
   
   Be very careful that you don’t touch the iron or place your hands near the steam during this process.
   
   It is extremely hot.
   
   Keep the iron and towel away from finished pieces of wood.,,, Plug it in and put on your safety glasses and ventilation mask. , Brush off the dust. ,, Finish it with a polyurethane sealer.
3. 3

   Step 3: Wet an old towel in warm water.

4. 4

   Step 4: Set the towel across the piece of veneer.

5. 5

   Step 5: Let the damp towel sit on the top of the veneer for about two hours.

6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the towel.

7. 7

   Step 7: Clamp your piece of furniture to your wood table

8. 8

   Step 8: if it is not sturdy.

9. 9

   Step 9: Take a chisel or a three-inch (7.5cm) metal putty knife to begin scraping.

10. 10

    Step 10: Begin scraping in consistent

11. 11

    Step 11: flat strokes at a point near the end of the furniture where the veneer is already gaping.

12. 12

    Step 12: Scrape several times

13. 13

    Step 13: and then try to pick up the veneer and pull it up in a large piece with your hand.

14. 14

    Step 14: Stop when you find a place that is stuck fast.

15. 15

    Step 15: Remove extremely stubborn areas with steam heat from an iron.

16. 16

    Step 16: Scrape up the stubborn area with your putty knife.

17. 17

    Step 17: Scrape up all the veneer pieces and discard them.

18. 18

    Step 18: Attach pieces of 80-grit sandpaper to your orbital sander.

19. 19

    Step 19: Go over the surface of the remaining wood.

20. 20

    Step 20: Repeat process with 120-grit and 220-grit sandpaper

21. 21

    Step 21: until the surface is smooth and ready to finish.

22. 22

    Step 22: Paint or stain the wood.

Detailed Guide

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