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Over time it is not unusual for the veneer on an antique table to be damaged. This can happen due to constant usage of harsh chemical cleansers or due to environmental factors or simply due to lack of care.
The tell tale signs of veneer damage include chipped, blistered or broken veneer or a long piece that is starting to peel.
There are many professional services which can help you with veneer replacement but they are usually quite expensive. Alternatively you could do it yourself at a considerably lower cost.
Assessing the amount of damage
Any attempt at veneer replacement should start by first assessing the amount of damage. If the veneer is in good shape but shows signs of peeling at the edges it can be reglued without too much trouble.
Remove the residual old glue
To start the process you will need to remove the residual old glue from the wooden surface as well as the back of the veneer. You can do so with the help of a sharp razor blade or a craft knife. The residual glue with interfere with the adhesion of the new glue and depending on the thickness may cause bumps on the surface of the veneer.
If you cannot get all the glue out with the knife you can use naptha or benzene to dissolve the old glue or use a sand paper with a fine grit. When doing this you need to be particularly careful with the veneer. Lifting or folding it too much may break it.
Reattach the veneer
Once the surface is clean you can either use contact cement or carpenter’s glue to reattach the veneer. If you are using contact cement apply it to both the surfaces the veneer as well as the wood and let it set as per manufacturer instructions.
However if you are using glue you need to use a brush to spread the glue and start pressing from the attached end outwards to avoid crimping and bumps.
Hold it in place
Once the surface is properly set use clamps or weight to hold it in place. You will need to keep the surface clamped for one or two days. Once the adhesive sets you can wax and polish the entire surface to bring out the brightness.
If You need to replace it
If the veneer is badly chipped or cracked you may want to consider replacing it. You many want to start by looking for the appropriate veneer.
There are many books available on restoring antique furniture and you may find clues on finding matching veneer in them. Alternatively there are many websites online that will help you to procure the right type of veneer.
The next step involves removing the original veneer and the glue surface. If you are not particularly confident with a sharp chisel you may want to go for the services of a professional establishment since any mistake will damage the wooden surface. A professional establishment will charge you on a per square feet basis.
An antique table needs all the loving care that you can give it. Instead of repairing the damage a better way is to prevent the damage so make it a point to clean and wax your antique table often.
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