Smart Repairs for Blisters and Common Veneering Problems

Veneer damages like dents, chips, blisters and scratches are sometimes unavoidable when working with veneer. However, smart decisions made during repairs can make the damages seem invisible. If done correctly, you may even start to think if the damage happened at all. The techniques described on this page apply for commercial veneers. The same techniques apply for thicker or shop-made veneer as well.

It is important to ask yourself this question before the start of every repair: "Is a repair really necessary?". A small chip located on the edge of a piece of veneer often disappear when you start to break the edges. For small dents and cracks, use putty to fill them in. Skill is required to match the putty color with the wood color using water-soluble aniline dye powders. This handy skill can help you save from cutting into the veneer when it is not necessary to do so.

At times when the chip or slit is too small to repair, trying to fix it may cause a bigger hassle. To handle this situation, simply extend the damage into the surrounding veneer. This will provide enough space on the substrate for adhesion. This will also let you shape the patch the way you want it.

The best glue to use the the one that will match the color of the veneer. This is because if the glue bleeds though holes and small openings, it will be less visible. Remember to pick water-based glue since these types can be painted to match the color of the veneer. Use water-soluble aniline dye powders for color matching

The first thing to do when fixing a blister is to tap around it with your fingernail to check the size. Once you hear a high popping sound, you've found the blister. Mark this spot so you'll know where to work.

Using an Exacto knife cut thin slits in the blister. (about 1 slit down the center of a 1 inch wide blister). Paste glue to the blister and then apply lots of pressure until the blister glues down flat and smooth.

Veneer with dents in them are often hard to repair because the veneer is often too thin. Filling the dent with putty is not the best option since the color may sometimes not match. To handle this problem, first use glue to fill in the dent and spread it beyond the parameter of the dent. Using a new piece of veneer, lay it over the dent. With a caul and clamp, apply pressure on the dent but do not apply too much pressure as it will leave a bigger dent. Use sandpaper to clean up any glue that may have squeezed out after everything is dry.

Cracks and Broken Veneer require more effort to fix. This is because one will need to find another patch of veneer to match the surface that surrounds the damage. For Veneer that are lifted and cracked, check to see if the veneer can be regluded. It is important that while you check, you do not damage the edges of the break. Remember not to trim the ragged edges.

Before you start to apply glue to the veneer, clean the surfaces that you are going to bond together carefully with a slightly wet cloth. Make sure that the surfaces are completely dry before you apply glue. When the glue is applied, carefully match the the edges into place. Using a clamp to hold the area together. If refinishing is required, treat the surface of the veneer gently as applying too much pressure will damage the newly finished surface.

Howstuffworks.com - Great Site with great information for Veneer Repairs

DiyNetwork.com - Guide on Veneer Repairs with Photos. Great instructions provided here!