Veneer is made from thin pieces of wood, no wider than an 1/8-inch. These wood thin wood slices are glued to core panels, which can either be made from wood, particle board, or medium-density fiberboard. This process is used to manufacture an assortment of products, such as cabinet panels, doors, furniture parts and parquet floors, according to “Painting and Wall Paper Secrets” by Brian Santos. Painting wood veneer must be done correctly to ensure a neat appearance.
Preparing the Veneer Surface
Prior to beginning painting, it is important to repair imperfections with the veneer. For example, if there are loose pieces, glue them back onto the original surface with wood glue. Replace any peeling, cracked, or missing pieces with new sections and affix with wood glue, according to “Painting and Wall Paper Secrets” by Brian Santos. After the glue dries, thoroughly clean the wood veneer prior to painting. Add a several drops of mild dish soap into a pail of warm water and use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the veneer clean. Remove and disassemble any hardware pieces prior to painting.
Sanding Wood Veneer
Prior to sanding, make sure the wood veneer surface has thoroughly dried or it could cause problems. Carefully sand the wood veneer with 220-grit sandpaper and make sure you do not penetrate the veneer layer. Wipe away any dust particles with a tack cloth from the wood veneer or surrounding surfaces or it could get into the paint.
Priming the Wood Veneer
Paint the wood veneer with a coat of primer before using the paint with a roller. Use a small nylon brush to get into the corners or crevices. Allow the primer to dry for at least 24 hours. After it has dried, carefully sand the primer with 220-grit sand paper. Wipe away dust particles with a tack cloth. Add a second primer coat. Again, wait for it to dry for 24 hours. Add as many primer coats as necessary to cover the wood veneer.
Painting and Applying Varnish
Add the paint to the veneer by using the same method you used to apply the primer. Allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours before proceeding. Carefully sand the paint with 220-grit sandpaper after it dries and wipe away dust particles with a tack cloth. Apply a second paint coat and wait for it to dry. Add as many coats as necessary for adequate coverage. Once you are finished with the final paint coat, add two layers of varnish. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time between coats.