Buying a brand-new table can sometimes be quite expensive. Instead, why not learn how to refinish a veneer table top? It’s not only budget-friendly but also lets you keep your familiar table while giving it a fresh, impressive look.
If you love DIY and enjoy adding a personal touch to your home, refinishing a veneer table top is definitely a project worth trying. Flowyline will walk you through a simple 6-step process to transform your worn-out table into a smooth, polished surface once again.
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Why Refinishing Veneer Table Tops Isn’t Like Solid Wood
Before diving into refinishing the table top, you might wonder how refinishing veneer differs from refinishing solid wood. In fact, veneer wood consists of thin slices cut from the trunk of natural trees.
Standard thickness of veneer is typically around 1/50 — 1/42 inch (depending on the manufacturer). It makes them much thinner than regular solid wood. Due to this, you need to be extra careful in how to refinish a table with a veneer on top to avoid damaging the surface.
So, can you refinish wood veneer? The answer is YES — but with extreme caution. Sanding too aggressively or using harsh chemicals can penetrate and damage the thin veneer layer.
How do you refinish a veneer table top at home?
Photo: Freepik
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Before You Start: Check Veneer vs. Laminate
The first thing you need to do how to refinish veneer table top is figure out whether it is veneer. People often confuse veneer with laminate since both are thin layers.
The difference is essential when you can refinish veneer furniture. Because veneer can be carefully refinished, laminate is just a printed plastic surface that can’t be sanded or stained. Here are two easy ways to tell them apart:
- Visual test: Veneer is a thin slice of real wood, so the grain won’t look uniform. You’ll see natural variations of light and dark. Conversely, laminate usually has a repeating grain pattern that looks too perfect.
- Touch test: When you touch the veneer, it feels warm and natural. Laminate feels cooler, smoother, and like plastic.
If your table top is veneer, that would be great. Moving on to the next step in this how to restore wood veneer table top. But if it’s laminate, stop here — painting or covering it might be a better option.
Always confirm it’s a veneer before doing refinish dining room table veneer top
Photo: Freepik
How to Refinish a Veneer Table Top: 6 Easy DIY Steps
Solid wood can withstand multiple refinishing sessions and heavy sanding, but veneer cannot. With veneer, you only get one shot to refinish it or risk ruining your table completely. But don’t worry, Flowyline will guide you step by step in restoring it to its original beauty.
Step 1: Gather Tools & Prep Workspace
Next, let’s get a few essential tools ready so we can start restoring your old veneer table. We’ve put together a handy checklist for you in the table below.
| Tools and Materials | Why You Need This |
|---|---|
| Paint stripper | To soften and remove old paint or finish more easily |
| Wood stain | Refreshes and enhances the color of the wood |
| Methylated spirits | Cleans the surface and removes residue after stripping the old finish |
| Polyurethane/varnish/lacquer | Provides the final protective coat |
| Sandpaper | 220 — 320 grit to smooth the surface and prepare it for stain and finish to adhere properly |
| Use an orbital sander/sanding block | For faster sanding |
| Scrapers | Used to scrape off the old paint or finish |
| Brush | Best applied with a soft, lint-free brush for paint stripper, stain, or finish |
| Soft cloth | Wipes away dust and removes any excess stain |
| Wood edge cutter | Neatly trims or repairs veneer edges that are chipped or uneven |
| Screwdriver | Removes and reattaches hardware (if needed) |
Once you’ve gathered all the tools, it’s time to set up your workspace for veneer wood furniture refinishing. Ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated area since some steps involve strong odors, and sanding can create dust.
You may also want to lay down paper or drop cloths underneath to protect your floor from paint drips or spills.
Step 2: Soften Old Paint
First, we’ll need to remove the old paint layer. Start by wiping away any dust or dirt with a clean cloth.
We then use a brush to generously apply a coat of paint stripper to small areas. The best option for this step is to use an eco-friendly paint remover. It is more environmentally friendly, safer to handle, and kinder to the veneer surface.
Now it’s time to let the stripper do the work. Allow the stripper to sit for about 30 — 60 minutes, until you see the old paint start to bubble, wrinkle, or lift from the surface. You might need to apply a second coat if the finish is difficult to remove.
DIY tip: To guarantee that the stripper works, always apply it in a single, steady direction and spread it on in a thick, even layer.
Remove old paint with paint stripper before sanding veneer
Photo: Mad City Modern
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Step 3: Scrape Off Old Paint
Once the old paint starts to lift, you need to scrape it off. We use a scraper and gently remove the softened finish following the wood grain. Because the veneer is thin and easily scratches or breaks, use caution when applying pressure. You should work in small sections to maintain control.
Apply a thin layer of paint stripper to areas that are difficult to remove and wait a little while before scraping again. Finally, remember to use methylated spirits to wipe the table surface. This stage makes sure the surface is clean and prepared for the following step in how to refinish a veneer table top.
Scrape old paint to repair veneer table top
Photo: Mad City Modern
Step 4: Sand Surface Smooth
Sanding is the 5th step in refinishing a veneer table top. It prepares the surface for staining and the protective coating by smoothing it out and helping to remove any remaining paint.
- For small scratches, 220-grit is sufficient
- To smooth the entire surface, use 320-grit sandpaper at the end
- For tight corners or rounded edges, you can use a sanding block or do it by hand
- For large surfaces like the table top, an orbital sander can speed up and even out the process
After sanding, wipe away all dust before moving on to the next step.
DIY tip: Because the veneer is so thin, apply very little pressure. The veneer layer can be easily cut through by applying too much pressure or sanding for too long.
Can you sand veneer before applying wood stain
Photo: Freepik
Step 5: Apply Wood Stain
The next step is to apply wood stain to refresh the color and give your table a warm, natural look. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by testing the stain on a hidden spot, like the underside of the table. It’ll make sure the shade is what you want.
- Once you're satisfied with the color, apply it evenly over the veneer top using a gentle brush or sanitized cloth.
- If it looks a bit too dark, just wipe off the excess with a cloth until you reach the tone you like.
After that, let the stain dry fully as directed on the product label. Most stains take 12 — 48 hours to dry to the touch, and up to 72 hours to cure completely.
DIY tip: Work in small sections and control the amount of stain to ensure an even, streak-free color.
Changing the color of wood veneer with stain
Photo: Freepik
Step 6: Seal with Protective Finish
The final step is applying a protective finish. This layer will keep your veneer top looking beautiful while protecting it from scratches and water damage. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose the right finish: You can use polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer, depending on your preference. We recommend polyurethane for its durability, ease of use, and excellent scratch and water resistance.
- Apply thin, even coats: Use a soft brush or clean cloth to apply the finish along the direction of the wood grain. Avoid applying too much at once to ensure the finish dries evenly and doesn’t clump.
Can you refinish veneer furniture with polyurethane
Photo: Freepik
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After applying a coat, allow it to dry completely according to the product instructions. You can refer to the drying times for polyurethane in this table.
| Polyurethane | Water-based | Oil-based |
|---|---|---|
| Dry to the touch | 2 — 4 hours | 8 — 12 hours or more |
| Recoat time | Within 2 — 4 hours | 6 — 10 hours or overnight |
| Light use | 24 — 48 hours | At least 4 days |
| Complete cure | 3 days to a week | Up to 30 days |
If you’re applying multiple coats, wait for the previous coat to dry thoroughly, then lightly sand with fine-grit (220 — 320) sandpaper before applying the next layer.
DIY tip: Work in small sections and apply thin, even coats to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, professional-looking surface.
Once the final coat is completely dry, your veneer table top will be glossy, evenly colored, and well-protected. After everything is dry, you can reattach any hardware and table legs to complete the project.
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6 Common Veneer Table Top Issues and How to Fix Them
Refinishing your veneer table top isn’t always necessary. Check out these six common problems and how to handle them.
1. Peeling & Lifting
Because veneer is a thin layer of wood, it can peel or lift if exposed to moisture, substantial impacts, or improper handling. In this case, you can use wood glue to reattach the veneer. Clamp it for a few hours to let the glue set firmly. You should ensure the table avoids direct contact with water in the future.
2. Cracks & Holes
If you sand too aggressively or apply too much pressure, you might tear or even sand through the thin veneer layer. That’s why it’s best to use light pressure when sanding. You can apply wood filler or veneer putty for small cracks, then sand it smooth and refinish.
One of the issues veneer tabletops face most often is cracks and holes
Photo: Freepik
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3. Scratches
Veneer is also prone to scratches from daily use or contact with sharp objects, especially on dining tables or desks. You can try using wood filler or a wax stick to fill the marks for smaller ones. Lightly sand the area and reapply the finish to restore the surface.
4. Water Rings & Stains
If you place cups or damp objects directly on the table, moisture can seep into the veneer and leave white water rings or dark spots.
- White marks: Use an iron (no steam) or a hair dryer to remove moisture. You can also try simple home remedies like baking soda paste, non-gel toothpaste, mayonnaise, or olive oil mixed with vinegar.
- Darker stains: You may need something more substantial, like 3% hydrogen peroxide or oxalic acid. Just be careful, always test on a hidden area first, as these chemicals can alter the veneer’s color.
How to refinish a wood veneer table top with dark stains
Photo: Freepik
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5. Finish Peeling & Bubbling
When the old paint/finish is of poor quality or gets damaged by water and heat, it can start to peel, wrinkle, or bubble. In this case, you must strip off the old finish completely before applying a new one. To prevent the problem from happening again, choose a high-quality finish like polyurethane or varnish.
6. Uneven Color
If the veneer has been over-sanded, stained unevenly, or the stain was misapplied, the color may turn out blotchy or inconsistent. To fix this, sand the entire surface evenly, paying extra attention to the edges and corners. Then, apply the stain in small sections, always following the wood grain. Finally, we wipe away any excess stain to achieve a smooth, even color.
5 Expert Tips for Refinishing Veneer Table Top
Finally, don’t forget to keep these handy tips in mind to keep your veneer table looking like new:
- Work in small sections: Focus on areas about 2 — 3 feet at a time instead of tackling the whole surface. This makes it easier to control and prevents uneven drying.
- Use two cloths when staining: Keep one cloth for applying the stain and another for wiping off the excess. This gives you much smoother color control.
- Flip your sanding direction slightly: Follow the wood grain, but change your angle to 5 — 10 degrees. It helps remove old scratches faster without leaving new marks.
- Layer thin, build strong: Multiple thin finish coats are stronger and look better than one thick coat. Apply a light layer, let it dry, then repeat.
- Mind the edges: Veneer edges chip easily. Use a sanding block or wood edge cutter to clean them up before applying the finish.
Refinish in small sections for better control
Credit: Flowyline Design
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FAQs
1. Is it Better to Sand or Strip Veneer?
It’s usually better to strip first and sand lightly after. Since veneer is so thin, sanding too aggressively can tear through the layer and ruin the table. A safer approach is to apply a coat of paint stripper (preferably eco-friendly).
It can soften the old paint so you can gently scrape it away without removing too much veneer. After stripping, we do a very light sanding with fine-grit paper (220 — 320) to smooth it out, clear away residue, and prepare the table for stain or finish.
2. Can You Sand and Repaint Veneer?
Yes, you can absolutely sand and repaint veneer. However, it’s essential to sand very gently if you don’t want to damage the thin veneer layer. We recommend using 220 — 320 grit sandpaper. And applying only light pressure to keep the surface safe.
3. Can a Veneer Table be Refinished?
You can refinish a veneer table, but it must be done gently. When sanding, use only light pressure with fine-grit sandpaper. Pairing this with a paint stripper will make it easier to remove the old finish without putting too much stress on the veneer. However, if the veneer is severely damaged or peeling in a large area, replace it rather than attempt refinishing.
4. How Can I Make My Veneer Look New Again?
Clean the surface, repair scratches with filler or glue, sand lightly, and apply fresh stain with a protective finish. For long-term care, polish every 6 months and choose veneer-safe products to keep your table looking new.
How to Refinish a Veneer Table Top: Final Verdict
With a few simple steps, your veneer table top can feel completely renewed. Start by removing the old paint, sand gently, apply a fresh coat of stain, and finish with a protective layer for your table. This process will restore the look of your table and add years of durability. Try the tips above, and you’ll be surprised at the transformation.
The key thing to remember in how to refinish a veneer table top is to go gently. Take a little time this weekend to care for your furniture; you can see how cozier and more refined your home can feel. And don’t forget to check out our other blogs for more handy tips on restoring and DIY projects. Thanks for reading
