Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/25/2005

Question
We have an antique hutch with a built-in drop-down desk. The
drop-down lid has about a six inch by six inch area of veneer
that has lifted and warped. I was wondering how to get it flat
again so that I can glue it back down?

There is another slightly larger area where the veneer has come
off completely at some time in the past. Then someone got the
brilliant idea to fill it in with wood putty and stain it. That
creates two problems. One is to remove the wood putty without
pulling off more veneer. The other is to acquire replacement
veneer and get it stained to match.

I suppose that another option is to remove the entire veneer
from that drop-down lid and replace it with new veneer,
but I'm afraid that it really won't look matched. I would at the
very least like to get the warped veneer unwarped and glued
back down.

Thank you.

P.S. As an expert yourself in one aspect of antiques, I'm hoping
that you might be able to refer me to another expert in a
different aspect of antiques. I've been unable to find the person I
need listed on Allexperts, AskA+, or other location. I'm not
asking for an appraisal.

I have four good photos of an antique wheelchair that has been
passed down through SEVERAL generations of the family. It
displays no brand name, no manufacturer, no identifying
information of any kind, no way of dating the chair or
identifying its probable source. I'm trying to find someone who
could look at the photos and give some idea of its age and/or
possible place of origin.

Most of the wooden chair is in like-new condition and it was
created with excellent craftsmanship. I can email the photos to
someone if they would be willing and able to help and if I could
have their email address, but of course, I can't attach photos
here. At least I don't see provision for it.

Thank you again.

Answer
Hi Ron
Nice to hear from you.
The problem with veneer that has not been glued as soon as it comes loose is that it expands and curls or crinkles.
First I want you to take a flat board and press down on the area that has come away. Does it appear that it will go back in place with pressure or does it appear the piece is now too large for the area?
You are in luck if it will go back with pressure as you can simply glue and clamp the area down, but I fear this will not be the case.
Ron if it the veneer appears too big for the area, there is no way under the sun to shrink it. You must remove the damaged section of veneer and replace but if I read correctly, the damage does not extend from top to bottom of the drop down but only extends about 6 inches down from the top so this will require that you remove a strip from top to bottom and replace with new.
So the piece to be removed will be 6 inches wide by the entire length down.
I have done this, but its not easy.
I use a metal staright edge and a utility knife to perform this task. When it comes to removing the section that has not come loose, I like to apply some heat to soften the glue. I use an iron with a cloth under it to protect the surrounding area.
The other problem area will need a piece of replacement veneer after the wood filler has been scraped away.
There is no other way, and yes you could damage the surrounding area while removing the filler.
And just a heads up Ron..be aware that repairing veneer is one of the most difficult things for a restorer to undertake. Matching a veneer is difficult also. Over the years I have collected a supply of "salvaged veneer" from various furniture wrecks and each piece seems to be a different thickness. And you must get the exact thickness of replacement veneer because sanding down is not possible as veneer is actually many layers and not a solid piece.
I also want to caution care if this is a valuable piece of furniture and suggest a pro for the job.
But if you are like me you will want to tackle this yourself, so I urge you to get back to me if you are unclear about anything I say.
Hope this helps
Eileen
PS..Strange that someone would take photos of a wheel chair many years ago if it was not for advertising purposes.
I think back to US president FDR who did not want to ever be photographed in his wheel chair because it was a sign of weakness.
And I can never recall ever seeing an old photo with a person in a wheel chair.
Perhaps you are not old enough to remember the days when families were embarrassed by any form of disability in the family be it mental or physical.
John Kennedys family were another example. JFK's retarded sister was put in an institution and never mentioned.
Thank goodness those days are past.
And yes I know I am rambling here LOL, but it could be because of my total lack of knowledge about where you could seek help with these very interesting photos.