Repairing damaged veneers

Method 2

This method is quicker and easier. Start by sanding the edges of the damaged veneer until they are gently feathered out to the surrounding veneer. Be careful to sand only the edges of the veneer, not the substrate. The more gradual the slope from the substrate to the top level of the surrounding veneer, the better.

Acquire the appropriate veneer and cut out a patch larger than the damaged area, with the same attention to grain pattern as in the first method. The shape of the patch does not matter.

Assemble the wax paper, glue and weight. In this instance, the pressure from the weight should be concentrated in the centre of the damaged area.

Spread glue on the underside of the patch, and over the damaged area including the exposed substrate and the area feathered out with the sandpaper. Glue the patch in position, as always, making sure the orientation of the grain of the patch matches the surrounding veneer. Wait 24 hours.

Sand the patch flush with the surrounding veneer. This will remove all the excess veneer that is sticking up out of the damaged area. What is left will exactly match the required shape.

I have had problems with the feathered edge of the patch lifting when stain was applied. Make sure the glue used in this method is not going to be affected by the stain or finish. Happy patching, and watch out for flying skates!