Restoring veneered antiques requires a light touch and the right chemicals.
When restoring veneered antiques it is important to note that the thin layers of hardwood glued to surface are more fragile than solid hardwoods. Use only water soluble strippers and chemicals, and avoid rough sanding to prevent further damage. Once the old finish is completely removed make any needed repairs to the veneer before applying new stain for best results. Use only gentle abrasives, such as nylon scrapers and scrubbers to remove the stripper and finish.
Instructions
1. Apply a generous coat of water-based stripper using a disposable paint brush. Work the stripper into details, such as leg turnings, or moldings around the body of the phonograph. Allow the label-recommended working time for the stripper to take effect before proceeding.
2. Scrape the stripper and old finish off with a wide nylon scraper, being careful to work from the inside out to prevent peeling up the edges of fragile veneer. Use a nylon scrubber to remove the finish from details on the legs and around the body of the phonograph.
3. Rinse the surface of the piece with a rag dampened in mineral spirits to remove the stripper. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly. Inspect the veneer for damaged areas in need of repair. There are three main types of veneer damage: edge damage, or peeling; blisters or cracks; and missing veneer that needs to be patched. Sand the entire piece, once dry, lightly with 150-grit sandpaper. Remove the dust with a tack cloth before proceeding to repair the veneer.
4. Apply a thin layer of wood glue with an art brush under peeling edges, or pieces that have come loose. Cover the repair with wax paper and clamp a piece of plywood over the repair to hold it firmly down overnight.
5. Slice blisters open with a craft knife, or lift the edges of cracks. Inject wood glue from a syringe into the damage area, cover with wax paper and set plywood and weights on top of it to press it down, bricks or heavy books work well, use a clamp if possible and leave it overnight to set.
6. Cut patches the same shape and slightly larger than missing areas. Choose the wood grain to match the surrounding veneer as close as possible and cut the patch with a craft knife. Tape the patch over the damaged area and cut along the edge of the patch, through the patch and original veneer, to create a patch that is a perfect fit and to clean up the ragged edges of the damaged area. Apply wood glue to the patch and tape it in place, or cover it with wax paper and clamp, as outlined previously.
7. Apply two coats of stain and finish all-in-one in your choice of colors and sheen with a soft, fine bristle paintbrush of medium width. Work in long, straight strokes, with the grain. Spread the finish as evenly as possible to prevent runs and drips. Allow the recommended drying time between coats and the recommended complete cure time for the completed finish, before handling.
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