Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/10/2008

Question
The piece I would like to repair has roughly 1/4 of its veneer peeling up or missing. How intensive is it to remove the rest and replace with a new piece of veneer. Alternately, could I fill the space with filler, sand flat and overlay a new sheet? Is this too big a job for a novice, I am pretty handy.

Answer
Hi Ed
Nice to hear from you.
Its very easy to remove veneer with a heat gun or a hot iron.
Simply apply the heat and the underlying glue will melt.
I use a 3 inch metal scraper to get under the veneer.
Keep moving the heat and move your scraper underneath..real easy and you'll get the hang of it fast.
I would not recommend filling and applying new veneer. Its just not necessary.
You ask if replacing the veneer is too big a job for a novice.
My answer to that is "no".
How are we going to learn if we don't try.
Ed there are many many sites on line that detail veneering.
Here are some sites to study
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=applying+veneer&meta=
Do a bit of homework first.
You are going to find that the old veneer you take off will be brittle and crack but the new stuff won't so don't let that throw you.
And do a few scrap pieces as a test.
You can do this.
Regards
Eileen