Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/22/2008

Question
Hi Eileen,
I would like to custom paint an old cedar chest. The problem is that the front has a veneer that someone attempted to pull off leaving a jagged edge. The rest of the veneer is securely in place. Since I plan to paint this piece of furniture is it necessary to remove the rest of the veneer or is their a product I can use to "blend" that jagged edge to the rest of the front and do you think this is an acceptable solution? Thank you for your help! Jan

Answer
Hi Jan
Nice to hear from you.
If this missing area is not huge, there is nothing wrong with using wood filler to correct this.
This is a very acceptable solution in my opinion.
As long as the filling is done nicely no one should notice.
It may take 2 or 3 applications with sanding between applications but its a simple job.
Don't try to fill in one application..it just won't work.
So a light coat of filler, sand smooth (a random orbit sander with 120 grit paper is ideal for this).
Another light coat, sand again and another light coat and a final sand should do it.
But you will know after each sanding if more filler is needed.
Good Luck and great question
Regards
Eileen