Learn how to refinish a veneer table top with this beginner-friendly guide! You got a veneer table that's seen better days? Those scratches, water rings, and faded spots don't mean it's time to throw it out. In fact, veneer tables have a thin layer of real wood over a sturdy base, which means they need gentler care than solid wood furniture.
But don't worry, with the right wood veneer restoration, you can make your table look like new again without spending hundreds of dollars on a replacement. We'll walk you through a detailed step-by-step on how to refinish wood veneer table top. Everything from figuring out what kind of damage you're dealing with to putting on that final protective coat.
Let's get started!
Understanding Veneer Table Top
If you have a veneer table top that needs to be refinished this week, you should first understand what type of wood you're working with. A veneer table top looks like solid wood, but it's actually made differently.
The top has a very thin layer of real wood glued onto a base made of pressed wood or plywood. This makes the table cost less than solid wood, but you have to be more careful when restoring under any “how to refinish table top veneer” guide.
1. What is Veneer Table Top?
Veneer is a very thin slice of wood (often only 1/32 to 1/8 inch thick), thinner than a dime. It gets glued on top of cheaper wood to make furniture look expensive. You'll find this on dining tables, coffee tables, and desks.
Solid wood tables, on the other hand, can be refinished multiple times over decades. They're built to last and actually get more beautiful with age. But if you want the ultimate in durability and style, epoxy resin table tops combined with solid bases offer the best of both worlds
Veneer is a very thin slice of wood
Photo: Freepik
Sometimes people aren't sure if their furniture has real wood veneer or fake laminate covering. Here's an easy test: find a small hidden spot and sand it lightly. If you see real wood grain patterns, you have veneer. If you see layers of paper or plastic, it's laminate. This matters because you can only refinish real wood veneer.
2. 4 Famous Issues with Veneer Table Top
Over the years, your veneer table top might experience these common problems:
- Scratches: These are marks on the surface from everyday use, like moving dishes or decorations.
- Water rings: These white or dark circles appear when wet glasses or hot items sit on the table for too long.
- Peeling edges: This is because sometimes the thin wood layer starts to lift up or come loose, especially around the edges.
- Faded color: The finish layer might look dull or change color from sunlight, or just get old
3. Why Refinishing Veneer Table Top is Different?
You can't treat veneer the same way you would solid wood. Since it's so thin, you have to use a gentle touch. Heavy sanding will go right through the wood layer and expose the cheap base underneath. You need to use light sandpaper and take your time.
But don't let that intimidate you — thousands of DIY enthusiasts successfully on learning how to refinish table with veneer top every year.
Can you Refinish Wood Veneer Table Top?
YES, you can refinish a veneer table top, but it's a project that demands respect for the material and careful execution. Unlike a hardwood table top that can withstand strong sanding and multiple refinishing cycles, veneer gives you essentially one chance to get it right.
The hardest part is about sanding the table with veneer top, but no worry, as Lumber Grand’s expert has given our team the most accurate guide on how to sand a veneer table top. (Don’t forget to check our guide below.)
How to Refinish a Veneer Table Top
The vener table top refinishing process is entirely possible, but it requires abandoning the "more is better" approach that works with solid wood. Instead, you'll use lighter grits, gentler pressure, and more patience. The reward for this careful approach is a beautifully restored piece that can look as good as new.
No more waiting, below is how to refinish a veneer table top with tools and a step-by-step guide.
1. Tools and Materials Needed for Restoring Veneer Table Top
Veneer wood table are popular furniture in many living and working spaces. Over time, veneer furniture can have surface damage and paint stains that reduce the aesthetics and value of use. We can renew the tabletop quite simply by refinishing veneer furniture at home.
First, we must prepare the following tools and materials needed:
- Tools: Orbital sander or sanding block, sandpaper (120 — 320 grit), plastic or stainless steel scrapers, natural bristle paint brush, methylated spirits, soft brush, soft cloth, wood edge cutter, and screwdriver (if needed).
- Materials: Paint stripper, wood stain, methylated spirits, polyurethane.
How to refinish a table with a veneer on top
Photo: The Spruce
2. 5 Steps for How To Refinish a Veneer Table Top
Refinishing a tabletop table with veneer top yourself is not too difficult when you have the necessary tools and materials. And before you even touch your table, you need to get organized.
Find yourself a good spot to work. We think your garage is perfect, or maybe a covered patio. You definitely want to be somewhere with plenty of fresh air because some of the products we'll use have pretty strong smells. So, here is the step-by-step guide on how to refinish a veneer table top on a budget.
Step 1: Remove Old Paint on Veneer Table Top with Paint Stripper
You know how sometimes you can just paint right over old paint and call it good? That works fine most of the time. But if you really want your veneer table top to look its best, or if that old paint is already peeling and looking rough, you'll want to strip it down to bare wood first.
That's why we recommend using eco paint stripper as the first step in how to refinish wood veneer table top at home.
Using eco paint stripper as the first step in how to refinish a veneer table top at home
Photo: Freepik
Here's how to do it without making a mess of things
- First, you use a soft cloth to remove dirt from the surface.
- Next, you need to remove any old finish on veneer table top. You can start by putting on a thick, even coat of eco paint stripper using a natural bristle paint brush. We highly recommend working on small areas at a time, about the size of a large book (2-3 square feet).
- When you brush on the stripper, go in just one direction and put on a nice thick coat. Now comes the waiting part. Give the stripper 30 to 60 minutes to work its magic. You'll see the old finish start to wrinkle up, bubble, or peel away from the wood. That's exactly what you want to see. If you have really stubborn old paint or varnish, you need to apply the stripper a second time.
Step 2: Scrape Wrinkle Old Paint on Veneer Table Top with Scrapers
Once the finish is soft and bubbly, it's time to scrape it off. In such a case, you should use plastic or stainless steel scrapers, which can gouge the wood. For areas that are hard to reach, you can use steel wool to finish. Scrape along the wood grain, not against it.
How to refinish a veneer table top with plastic or stainless steel scrapers
Photo: AboutLawsuits
Next, you should keep some newspaper handy to collect all the gunk you scrape off. You need to work steadily through each section, and you'll have a clean veneer top ready for your new finish.
Finally, you use methylated spirits to take all the dregs of the stripper off to make sure the veneer table top will take whatever you put on the surface. Let it dry again and check that the veneer surface is completely clean.
Step 3: Removing Imperfections on Veneer Table Top with 120 — 320 Grit Sandpaper
Sand the surface of the veneer table to remove any stains, glue, or old paint. The best way to protect a thin veneer table is to use fine-grit sandpaper (120 — 320) and sand slowly by hand.
Do you see any deeper scratches and rough areas? 120-grit sandpaper will do the job well. Lighter damage? Then, 220-grit sandpaper would suffice. After sanding out all the major problem areas, you use 320-grit sandpaper, which is a fine grade for a smooth surface ready for the next step.
Sand the surface of the veneer table to remove any stains
Photo: freepik
Sanding should be done using light, steady pressure. You shouldn’t press hard or you'll damage the very thin veneer layer, so just let the sandpaper do the work. Moving across the entire surface will help you avoid creating rough spots that later stand out.
How about the rounded areas? You can sand by hand and use a sanding block for tight spots and corners. For larger surface areas like tops and sides, we suggest using an orbital sander for the best results. When you’re done, remove all the dust from the veneer surface.
Step 4: Apply Wood Stain for Veneer Top
The next step on how to refinish a veneer table top is to test your chosen stain first. Here is how whole finishing process that you need:
- Find a hidden spot like the inside of a drawer or the back of the veneer table. Apply a small amount of stain there to see how the color looks. This saves you from disappointment if the color isn't what you expected.
- If you're happy with the test results, we'll go ahead and stain the whole surface. After that, you follow the instructions on your stain container carefully, especially the drying times. Please don't rush this final step, as proper drying makes all the difference in how your project turns out.
The 4th step on how to refinish a dining table with veneer top
Photo: photoroyalty
Step 5: Apply a Clear Protective Finish for Veneer Table Top
After the stain is completely dry, it’s time to apply a clear protective finish like polyurethane. This PU coating helps prevent future scratches and everyday wear. Again, you follow the product directions and let it dry completely before moving on.
Read our full guide at: How to Refinish a Table Top with Polyurethane
Once everything is fully dried and cured, you can put back any hardware you removed at the start. Your veneer table top should now look refreshed and be protected for years to come.
Finish the veneer table top with a Polyurethane coat
Photo: BobVila
3. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Damaging Veneer Table Top
Characteristics of thin veneer tables, easily damaged if not used properly. Some common mistakes when using veneer tables and notes to protect the tabletop, you should know:
- You should not let heavy, sharp objects directly impact the veneer table surface when using.
- If water is spilled on the veneer table surface, dry it immediately.
- Warm water, soap, or a specialized detergent for veneer tables should be used. Remember, do not use strong detergents highly corrosive to veneer wood table surfaces.
- Veneer tables should be placed away from direct sunlight.
- You must maintain the veneer table periodically, every 6 months, by coating it with protective varnish.
FAQs
1. Can a Veneer Table be Refinished?
Yes, veneer tables can be refinished, but you need to be careful. Veneer is a thin layer of wood, so you can't sand as aggressively as you would with solid wood. Light sanding with fine-grit sandpaper usually works well. If the veneer is severely damaged or peeling, you might need to replace sections rather than refinish the whole piece.
2. Is it Better to Sand or Strip Veneer?
Sanding is usually the safer choice for veneer. Chemical paint strippers can be too harsh and might damage the thin veneer layer or cause it to lift from the base. If you do sand, use fine-grit sandpaper and work gently. Only consider stripping if the finish is very thick or if sanding isn't removing it effectively.
3. How to Restore a Wood Veneer Table Top?
Start by cleaning the surface thoroughly. Sand lightly with 220-grit sandpaper, then move to 320-grit for smoothness. Test your stain in a hidden area first, then apply it evenly across the surface. Once dry, you can add a protective clear coat. Replace any loose or damaged veneer pieces before you start the refinishing process.
4. Can you Refinish Veneer Furniture Without Sanding?
Sometimes, yes. If the existing veneer table top finish is in good shape, you might be able to clean it well and apply a new topcoat directly. You can also try using a liquid deglosser to prepare the surface without sanding. However, most refinishing projects benefit from at least light sanding to help the new finish stick properly.
Wrapping Up
Learning how to refinish a veneer table top can definitely save you money and give your furniture a fresh new look. We know that the process takes time and careful attention, but the final results are worth it when you see your old veneer table top looking like new again.
However, if you're tired of dealing with veneer's limitations: the careful sanding, the risk of going through the thin layer, and the constant worry about water damage. It might be time to consider a more durable alternative, such as epoxy table.
You can contact us for more information about the product. Lumber Grand hopes that the above instructions on how to refinish a veneer table top will help you breathe new life into old furniture.
60% OFF ALL TABLE TOPS