Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/28/2007

Question
Eileen, I have a very nice 100 year old table(52 inch w/out leaf) with a veneer that had lifted in dead center, creating a subtle but difficult bubble.  I read that I could perhaps soften the glue and refasten the vener by applying an iron on low over a towel. Not only did it not eliminate the bubble, but it created a very large stain. I have a new strategy for lifting and reattaching the veneer (although I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips) but I don't know what to do with the stain.  Oils have not worked.  Also, the entire top seems a bit sensitive to heat, even through a trivet. If I am successful removing the stain, and the bubble, what finish do I apply to really protect the top? Thanks for your guidance.

Answer
Hi Douglas
Nice to hear from you.
Certainly glad to give you what guidance I can here.
First off you have already read that veneer can be fixed back in place with a hot iron over a towel.
If you ever red my advice it will have the addition of "usually doesn't work"..as you have found.
I am curious about this stain. Do you feel its just in the finish?..this is what I think, or do you feel its in the underlying wood?
Personally if this finish always seems a bit unstable with even slight heat, I would remove it and replace with a poly finish.
My own lovely old table which is used each and every day for three squares has a Minwax fast drying poly in a low luster finish. Its oil based.
I applied three coats of this product (after staining of course. Never put poly on bare wood.)
Its a lovely mellow looking finish that does not in any way "say plastic".
I am hoping the stain will be gone after stripping and it is not in the wood. I just can't see it being there.
If it is, the only alternative that comes to mind is bleaching, but lets not even go there at this point as I really hesitated even mentioning it for this veneer table which I guess is a dark veneer.
My thoughts on the veneer repair are this...for what their worth LOL
I would not attempt to remove the entire veneer top, or any portion of it.
I would make a very fine slice in the bubble and use a needle to inject carpenters glue under the bubble. Then a lot of weight (books will not do. A cement block will,or clamps are better if possible.)
Of course whatever method, a clamping block must be placed over the glued area to protect the veneer from clamps or weight.
Also I would be interested in how you would attempt this repair.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Regards
Eileen