How to Repair Wood Veneer Furniture

Broken, chipped, and cracked wood veneer can be repaired by having the right tools and knowledge. Repairing broken wood veneer also involves putting on a patch that matches the surface.

Step 1 - Re-glue Lifted or Cracked Veneer

Veneer that is not completely broken can be re-glued. It is easier to repair a large portion of veneer by breaking it off along the cracks. When re-gluing the broken veneer, be careful not to destroy the edges.

Before glue is applied to the veneer, the bonding surface must be cleaned first. Carefully mount the broken edges together so it will match perfectly. Apply contact cement on both surfaces; fix the broken veneer carefully, making sure the edges match exactly, and firmly pressing to mend the edges together. Fasten the mended portion. It may be beneficial to place weights on the surface to ensure that the glue maintains sufficient contact while drying.

Step 2 - Replace a Missing Veneer

While replacing a missing veneer can be easy, finding a new patch can be difficult. The best way to find a new patch is to chip off a patch from a part of the furniture that is not as visible as the surface. Lift a veneer patch from the edges with the use of a knife.

When it is not possible to take a patch from the same furniture, one can purchase matching veneer in order to make the necessary repair; one can buy a veneer edging tape for a small piece of missing veneer in most home improvement centers; one can also look for a patch of veneer from other pieces of furniture in a used furniture shop.

To mount a very small patch of veneer, put a sheet of paper over the broken area. Mark the edges of the broken area with a pencil to make a pattern which will serve as the template in cutting the veneer patch. Stick the pattern to the patching veneer, matching the grains of both the new veneer to the damaged portion. Cut the path with a sharp knife; irregularly cut shaped patches are less visible compared to regularly cut shapes like rectangular and square.

Step 3 - Do the Finishing Touches

Remove the patching sheet by using the knife. One should be careful not to break the edges of the patch. The top layer of the veneer should be removed; the base wood should not be cut. Take away any remaining glue and clean the wood base.

Check if the patch fits well with the hole: the patch should fit exactly. There should be no overlap or gaps within the surrounding surface. Never force the patch to the hole if it is too thick or too thin. Sand the edges of the repaired area with sandpaper.

Put glue on the fitted patch and fix it into place. Alternatively, use contact cement or carpenter’s glue. Clamp or put a heavy, solid object on the repaired area. Leave the repaired area for 1 to 2 days, and then lightly sand the repaired area and its surrounding surface. Re-finish the repaired area or the entire surface.