How to fix lifting veneer and blisters

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Work out what's loose

   Tap across the surface with a fingernail. A hollow sound means veneer has let go. Mark the area lightly with masking tape.

2. 2

   Step 2: Clean under lifting edges

   Slide a palette knife under the lifted edge and scrape out the old dried glue and dust. Old glue stops new glue sticking.

3. 3

   Step 3: Deal with blisters

   For a bubble in the middle of a panel, slit it with a sharp knife along the grain. The cut almost disappears once it's glued down.

4. 4

   Step 4: Get glue in

   Use a syringe to put a small amount of glue under the veneer and work it around with the palette knife. If the piece has hide glue, a warm iron through a damp cloth can soften it so it sticks back on its own.

5. 5

   Step 5: Clamp it flat

   Wipe off the squeeze out, lay baking paper over the area, then a flat block, and clamp or weight it down. Leave it overnight.

6. 6

   Step 6: Patch any missing bits

   Cut a matching patch from a donor piece of veneer, in a boat or diamond shape so the joint follows the grain. Glue it in and colour match with stain or a touch up marker.