In the repairs I have done, veneer is always the trickiest! The boxes that need repair are often hundreds of years old and need very specific wood and/or veneers in order to match the repair area properly. When I first started, I went to a couple of antique restorers and they would quote ridiculous prices for small repairs $600 to $1000 — for what I thought at the time was not a big job. They would tell me “I have to pay my guys” — $150 per hour of work. Oh boy?!
Well then, I said to myself, if it’s labor I need, and I can buy a whole supply pack (all materials needed to make repairs) for less than a third they are charging me per hour ($50), then I will do the labor myself. And charge the customer a fair price based on my work. I was really in for a big learning curve – matching veneers, finding the right varnish, applying a clear coat, and the while trying to match wood that for all practical purposes was aged to perfection – is not an easy task. And if you have a “very fine” antique for home – please pay a highly skilled professional to do the work! Unless you know you can do a great job.
Minwax products are a godsend – also Woodcraft is a good place to find veneer you need. It’s all about finding the right veneer and then blending varnishes to make sure your “patina” is correct. Also, you must pay attention to the thickness and source of veneer when buying it. The other hard part is cutting, fitting, and gluing it to original piece. This is a labor of love and will take time to be done right. Helpful Hints:
- Don’t rush, if it takes hours, it takes hours – don’t be time restrained. Remember if this is a hobby, time is not a big issue.
- Buy the correct materials before you start – seek out the right type of woods needed. In some cases this will take some time – a Rosewood can have many types of appearances, find the one needed to match the job.
- Use YouTube as a resource – if you’re stuck, watch how other hobbyists to do it.
- Don’t be afraid to fail – you might get it wrong more times than you get it right. A job done correctly is well worth the time!!
See photos of a recent veneer job that was completed – can you spot the pieces replaced (there are eight to ten)? If not, I didn’t do so bad.
