OK people – go get that piece of furniture that you have been wanting to tackle, but haven’t had enough energy to deal with. You know what I’m talking about, the one with veneer peeling and/or missing. The one that is tucked away in a corner collecting dust and cobwebs just waiting for its day to shine. The one you are ignoring because you don’t feel like spending a week chiseling little pieces off and leaving large divots in the wood.
No more procrastinating! It is a piece of cake.
Here is a dresser that I’m getting ready to work on. It is a pretty little thing, but needs some help up top first. The veneer must come off.
First, place a wet towel on the surface and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. Then, with your iron set at the hottest setting, slowly move it over a small section, steaming the veneer glue to get it soft. Lift the towel and get your scraper/putty knife underneath and slowly lift the veneer. Continue that process until all veneer is removed. If you have particularly stubborn spot, go ahead and spray a little mist directly onto the veneer, lay the wet towel back over it and get the hot iron on it.
I have a large industrial-type steamer that would work as well, but for a flat surface like this, the iron is just as easy. One of these days, I’ll use my steamer and let you know which technique I prefer.
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| I have had this iron for 24 years! |
As Charlie Sheen would say….
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Easy like Sunday morning.
Now for the fun part with a little Versailles and Anthropologie.
Oh, and don’t forget to let it dry out from the moisture and then give it a good sanding to get rid of any glue that may have been left behind.
Tomorrow I’m going to debut my favorite piece: October Sky.
Until then, enjoy your Friday Eve!
Turning lifetime passion into livelihood. It's about time! I'm Shari. I am a 40-something wife, mother, corporate professional turned design stylist, avid sports fan, and usually exhausted 24/7 keeping up with it all. I love my family, my home, my work...and the chaos that comes with it. I also happen to adore my beagle, Scout. 
What are you doing? Giving me no more excuses to tackle that buffet? LOL! You've helped with me with the paint color and now the veneer issue. Thanks for the awesome post! I had no clue you could do that! You rock!
Shari, your stuff is amazing! You have some serious talent.
I'm so glad that I got to see all those pictures from A&J's wedding. So beautiful!
Keep up the good work!
Shari…thanks for this awesome tip. I have a couple of pieces w/ stubborn veneer issues and chiseling away isn't cutting it. Going to give this a try.
This is great, thanks for posting it. Going to try this on my next piece..