Are you tired of looking at your old and worn-out veneer furniture? Do you want to bring it back to life and give it a fresh new look? Refinishing veneer furniture is not as difficult as you may think, and it’s a great way to give your furniture a facelift without spending a lot of money. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of how to refinish veneer furniture and show you how to make it look brand new again.
Can You Refinish the Veneer Furniture?
Veneer furniture has a reputation for being difficult to refinish, but it is possible with some patience and the right tools. Refinishing veneer furniture involves removing the old finish, repairing any damage to the veneer, sanding down the surface, and applying a new finish.
However, it’s important to remember that veneers are thin layers of wood glued onto a substrate, and excessive sanding can easily damage or even remove the veneer. As such, it’s best to take a gentle touch and work slowly to preserve the piece’s integrity. With some effort, you can give your old veneer furniture a new life and enjoy it for years.
Why Should You Refinish Veneer Furniture?
Have you ever looked at your veneer furniture and felt like it was out of place in your home? Perhaps it looks drab or worn down after years of use. If you’re considering getting rid of it, don’t! Refinishing veneer furniture can breathe new life into your pieces.
Not only will it give them a fresh look, but it will also save you money compared to buying new furniture. Additionally, refinishing allows you to customize your piece to fit your style. So before you throw it away, consider refinishing your veneer furniture to give it a second chance.
How to Refinish Veneer Furniture and Make It Look Brand New
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Surface
The first step in refinishing any piece of furniture is to clean and prep the surface. Start by removing any accessories or hardware from the furniture. Then, clean the surface with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Ensure you remove any grease, dirt, or grime before refinishing. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Sand the Surface
Next, you will need to sand the surface of the veneer furniture. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. This will remove any rough spots, scratches, or marks on the surface. Be careful not to sand too much, as you don’t want to damage the veneer. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris after sanding.
Step 3: Apply the Stain or Paint
Now that you’ve cleaned and sanded the surface, it’s time to apply the stain or paint. Make sure you choose a stain or paint suitable for veneer furniture. If you’re refinishing a wooden veneer, you can use a wood stain to enhance its natural beauty.
If you’re painting over the veneer, use paint specifically made for furniture. Make sure you apply thin coats of stain or paint, and let each coat dry completely before moving on to the next one. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.
Step 4: Apply the Topcoat
Once you’ve applied the stain or paint and it has completely dried, it’s time to apply the topcoat. The topcoat will protect the surface and give it a smooth finish. You can use a clear polyurethane topcoat or a wax-based topcoat.
Apply the topcoat using a brush or a foam pad, and follow the recommended drying time on the package. You can also apply multiple coats of topcoat to achieve the desired finish.
Step 5: Reattach the Accessories and Hardware
Once the topcoat has completely dried, it’s time to reattach the accessories and hardware to the furniture. This includes handles, knobs, and hinges. Make sure you reattach them securely using the appropriate screws or hardware. This will ensure that the furniture is functional and ready to use.
Step 6: Buff and Polish
After all the coats have dried, you can buff and polish the surface of your veneer furniture. Use a soft cloth to buff in circular motions, which will help bring out the shine of the topcoat. If you’re using a wax-based topcoat, follow the recommended polishing instructions on the package.
Step 7: Maintain and Protect
To keep your newly refinished veneer furniture looking its best, maintain and protect it. Avoid placing hot or wet objects directly on the surface, and use coasters or placemats to prevent scratches. Regularly dust and clean the surface with a soft cloth to remove dirt or debris. This will help preserve the finish and keep your furniture looking new for years.
Congratulations on successfully refinishing your veneer furniture! Following these steps, you can bring new life to old pieces and create a beautiful and unique addition to your home decor.
With proper maintenance and care, your refinished veneer furniture will continue to stand the test of time. So don’t be afraid to take on more refinishing projects and enjoy the satisfaction of transforming old furniture into something new and beautiful. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your next project and refinish that veneer furniture today!
Some Considerations Things When You Need to Refinish Veneer Furniture
Refinishing veneer furniture can be daunting, but it’s an excellent way to get new life out of an old piece. Before you start, there are some essential considerations you need to make. First, determine the type of veneer on your furniture. Some veneers are thicker and can withstand more sanding and pressure, while others are delicate and require a gentler approach.
Next, decide on the level of restoration you want. Do you want to strip the entire piece and start from scratch or touch up specific areas? Finally, consider the tools and materials you’ll need, such as sandpaper, wood filler, and a quality varnish or stain. With the right approach and careful consideration, you can refinish your veneer furniture and enjoy it for years.
5 Benefits of Refinish Veneer Furniture
1. Cost Effective
Refinishing veneer furniture is an excellent way to save money on furniture. Refinishing a piece of veneer furniture can cost significantly less than buying a new piece, and it also helps to preserve the original look and feel of the piece. Additionally, refinishing a piece of veneer furniture can help to increase its value over time, making it a great investment for those looking to add some timeless pieces to their home.
2. Durable
Veneer furniture is incredibly durable and can last for decades if properly cared for. When refinishing a piece of veneer furniture, you can choose from various finishes that will help protect the wood from scratches, dents, and other damage. This makes veneer furniture an ideal choice for those who want their pieces to stand up to wear and tear over time.
3. Easy To Maintain
Veneer furniture is also easy to maintain once it has been refinished. The finish used in refinishing veneer furniture protects the wood from dirt and dust, making it easy to keep clean with just a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment. Additionally, the finish helps protect the wood from fading due to sunlight exposure, so your pieces will look as good as new for years to come.
4. Versatile
Veneer furniture is incredibly versatile when it comes to design options. You can choose from various colors and finishes when refinishing your pieces, allowing you to customize them according to your style preferences. Whether you prefer modern or traditional designs, you’ll be able to find something that suits your taste when refinishing veneer furniture.
5. Eco-Friendly
Refinishing veneer furniture is also an eco-friendly option as it helps reduce waste by extending the life of existing pieces rather than buying new ones that require additional resources and energy for production and transportation purposes. Additionally, many of the products used in refinishing are low VOC (volatile organic compounds), meaning they emit fewer pollutants into the air than traditional paints or stains do during the application process.
Some Common Mistakes People Make When Trying to Refinish Veneer Furniture
Veneer furniture is often a great investment for your home. It adds undeniable elegance and sophistication to your décor. However, sometimes even the most well-intentioned DIY-ers can struggle when it comes to refinishing veneer furniture. One of the most common mistakes people make when refinishing veneer furniture is not sanding it enough.
Often, people think that a quick once-over with sandpaper is enough to prep the furniture for refinishing. However, if you don’t sand enough, the new finish won’t adhere properly, and you’ll have a blotchy, unattractive result. Another common mistake is using a lower-quality product.
Investing in high-quality refinishing products will ensure a long-lasting and durable finish. Avoid these common mistakes; your veneer furniture will look as good as new.
Conclusion
Refinishing veneer furniture is a great way to give your old furniture a fresh look. With these simple steps, you can easily refinish your veneer furniture and make it look brand new again. Remember to clean and prepare the surface, sand it down, apply the stain or paint, and apply a topcoat to protect it.
With a little effort, you can transform your old and tired furniture into beautiful pieces that will bring life to your home. Thanks for reading our post about how to refinish veneer furniture.
