Filed under: Living Rooms, Home Offices, Essential Skills, Know-How, Living Spaces
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A close-up of a blistered veneer surface. adamrice, Flickr
Veneer is a thin layer of wood, usually less than 3 mm thick, that is glued to a piece of solid wood, medium-density fiberboard or particle board. It is used primarily on furniture, but can also be used to cover kitchen cabinets, countertops, floors, and even home decor.
Over time, especially with older furniture, the glue can no longer hold the veneer, This resulting in blistering or bubbling of the surface.
Tired of looking at those unsightly bumps? If the veneer is still in decent shape, this is an easy fix. You may be able to flatten a small blister by applying some heat, which can reactivate the glue. Here are the steps:
1. Place a sheet of wax paper and smooth cardboard atop the blistered surface, then lay a clean cloth over the cardboard.
2. Using an iron on medium heat, iron the surface firmly -- but be careful not to iron the veneer directly or it could burn. The paper, cloth and cardboard will act as a buffer.
3. After a few minutes, check the veneer and if the blisters are no longer visible, place a heavy item on the surface, such as a book and leave it on for 24 hours.
If this doesn't work or if you have larger-sized blisters, take the following steps to repair:
1. First, slit the blister open with a razor or utility knife.
2. Left the veneer up gently with a knife and using a toothpick, apply a small amount carpenter's glue into the blister.
3. Press the veneer firmly back into place and wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth. Cover it with wax paper and a heavy book for at least 24 hours.
4. Apply 1-2 coats of wax, varnish or oil to keep your veneer looking fresh.
To keep your veneer from further damage, avoid placing hot or moist items on the surface, as this can soften and deactivate the glue.
