How do you refinish face veneer kitchen cabinets?
These cabinets are original to my house (47 years old) and handmade. They are made of MDF with a veneer face and a oil based poly was used to seal which has turned them an ugly shade of yellow. I would like to change it to something darker but I think I am limited on how much sanding can be done. Any ideas?
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I’m assuming the problem is colour only and that the veneer is, itself, undamaged.
The old varnish will come off reasonably easily with a polyurethane removal agent. However, you have to be careful that the remover does not soak through the veneer and disrupt the veneer adhesive.
Therefore I suggest you use the old French Polish trick.Wrap a good chunk of cotton wool, impregnated with poly remover, in a piece of lint free cloth. Then, using plenty of elbow grease and small circles, vigorously rub the poly varnish until it is all removed.
I would then, using the same technique, apply dark "antiquing polish". It will stain the veneer to the darkness you require and give a really great sheen to it! Antiquing Polish comes in a variety of shades and is very hard wearing. I have used it on my garden furniture and it has lasted better than the previous yacht varnishes!
Carefully.
I would use a chemical stripper to remove the old oil based poly. There are many options at your local hardware store. Sand lightly because veneer is thin thin thin. Once the oil based stain is removed…get a good primer, and paint away. Just re-did ours and they look good!!
Things You’ll Need:
* Replacement veneer
* Glue
* Seam roller
* Rag
* Weight or clamp
* Waxpaper
* Sandpaper
Step 1:
Take a knife–a utility knife is best–and carefully cut around the damaged piece of veneer on your furniture. Stay with the natural grain as much as you can.
Step 2:
Cut out a template of the shape you want to replace. Take this outline and apply it to your replacement veneer. To make your replacement piece look as good as possible, match the grain.
Step 3:
Place the cut out over the damaged area and make sure it is the right size and that the grain matches up correctly.
Step 4:
Put glue on the back of the veneer replacement, and press into the piece. Use a seam roller over the veneer, and then take a rag and wipe away the extra glue.
Step 5:
Apply pressure to the new veneer, but put wax paper between the weight and the veneer so there is no damage or scratching. A clamp works well for this step.
Step 6:
Sand down the veneer if it is thicker. Be careful not to damage your piece.
MDF didn’t come out until the 1980′s, what you probably have is particle board cabinets. I don’t believe that you can use a chemical solvent to remove the veneer or it will deteriorate the panel. so you are basically stuck with a heat gun and a heavy putty knife…