Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/20/2007

Question
Hi, Eileen!
I'm new to the site, but excited to find you!  
I, like many others, have inherited an old Lane Cedar Chest from my Grandmother (she would have been 105!)  In doing some research, I know it was manufactured after 1917 because it has a locking mechanism on it.  I have not been able to find a serial number to have Lane Furniture check their records, however.
Anyway, it has a very dark veneer covering it and a lot of the veneer has peeled off.  What's left seems not to want to budge. . . as well as leaving  glue or adhesive remnants in various places.
I am not interested in having it re-veneered (too old and probably costs too much money) as I'm just going to use it as a coffee table (not sell it).
So, can you explanation me how to take off the rest of the veneer, glue/adhesive and just stain what's underneath?
I tried using a blow dryer to loosen the glue, but it didn't help.
ANY help you can give me with this would be very much appreciated.
Thank you ahead of time for sharing your time and expertise!

Answer
Hi Elizabeth
Nice to hear from you.
These old cedar chests are one of my favorite furniture items.
I too used to struggle removing veneer, but its really easy once you know how.
Use your iron set on high.
Have at the ready a 3 inch scraper. Like the ones the drywallers use.
Place the iron at an edge for a minute then get the blade of the scraper underneath the veneer. Keep moving the iron and scraper forward. Real easy and you will get the hang of it. Sort of ruins the iron though and I keep one in my shop for this purpose only.
Old glue can be removed with hot white vinegar.
I put the hot vinegar in a crock pot to keep it that way.
Then dip a rag in it and keep rubbing it on the old glue.
Keep dipping and rubbing. (need gloves for this or you will burn your hands...probably pickle them too.)
Takes a while sometimes but this works.
I know there are other things that will remove old glue, but I'm cheap and this works for me.
After the wood is dry, a good sanding will be needed.
And think about an opaque stain over the wood as the underlying wood is usually not to pleasing....well not usually, its never pleasing LOL.
Good luck and a great question which I enjoyed answering.
Regards
Eileen