Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/25/2009

Question
We have a old Lane Cedar Chest. Part of the veneer has come off. We would like to take the rest of it off, and actually stain or preserve the wood, so that you can see the cedar pattern. Not sure how to take it off or what stain|shellac to use. I don't know much about the work. Tried heat but really got no where. What do you suggest? I really need a answer a.s.a.p. because I need to have it completed by the end of March.

Answer
Hi M
Nice to hear from you.
First off check the veneer was applied directly over the cedar.
Sometimes the cedar is  thin and it will have been the last thing applied to the chest when it was made.
There could be an interior sub wood of some kind.
So please check this out carefully before going further.
It sounds like the chest is in bad shape and the veneer cannot be repaired.
Removing veneer is easy with a heat gun on high and a scraper.
What I think you will find under the veneer will be dissappointing.
The wood will be saturated with hard glue which is extremely difficult to remove.
If you were considering painting, it could be well sanded and primed and painted.
But it cannot be refinished to satisfaction.
I say that reluctantly because I always try to encourage folks with their projects and help with advice if I can.
And don't think the chest cannot be salvaged. It can with paint.
And if I was painting I would only remove the veneer that could not be fixed. Small chips can be filled with wood filler.
Will you please get back to me on this.
Regards
Eileen