Expert: maura macaluso - 8/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have started stripping a table that was in my grandfather's house when he died in 1989. I think it was new in the 50's. On the bottom of the table top is burned in a LANE logo... So I believed it to be a solid wood table. ARGGHH! After I had already applied and removed the stripper, I began to see corner edges swell & now they are popping up! It appears to be veneer How can I get the veneer to shrink and re-stick? Can I sand it when I am ready?

ANSWER: Hi Cabell,

Depending on just how damaged the table is, you may have some success.  The first trick I would try is to place a cotton towel over the damaged area, then use a hot iron to heat the veneer(which should make it pliable) and the glue(which should bring back some of the stickiness). Do not leave the iron on for too long. If this does the job, take a piece of wax paper, cover the damaged area with it and then place a stack of heavy books on top and leave it sit for a day. You may have to buy some veneer glue and reapply it if the glue won't stick right. From what you are telling me, the veneer has swelled also and probably needs to be replaced but try the iron trick before giving up.  

As for sanding veneer:  veneer is a very thin piece of real wood.  In some cases it can be surface sanded if you do it carefully with a fine grit paper.  It will be quite easy to sand right through it if you spend too much time in one area or use a very abrasive paper.  Easy does it and you should be okay. Thanks for the question and good luck with your project.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Where do you think I can get furniture grade veneer if needed? Most likely maple or cherry. Do you think Loew's or Homedepot might have it?

Answer
Hi again Cabell,  Thanks for your recent feedback rating.

Home depot and lowes carry different products depending on what part of the country you are in. Here in NYC they carry no real veneers.  If I were you, I would first look around locally for a hardwood supplier or a woodworkers specialty store. It is my opinion that it is always better to be able to hand pick when buying veneer or woods so that you can suit it to your current project.

You may have to order it over the Internet

I have had good results with this site

http://www.veneersupplies.com/

Thanks for your question and good luck with your project.

Maura     www.carvinginnyc.com