How to Prep Wood for Veneer
- 1). Remove doors and molding from the wood. Use a screwdriver to remove the doors and hinges from the wood. A pry bar and hammer can be used to remove moldings from the furniture or cabinetry.
- 2). Check the surface of the wood to make sure it is flat. Use a putty knife to scrape away any bubbled or peeling finish, paint or veneer. You do not need to remove the old finish from the wood completely. Rough areas can be sanded with a low grit sandpaper until they are smooth. Fill depressions in the surface of the wood with wood putty using the putty knife.
- 3). Gently sand the wood with 150 grit sandpaper. The wood should be smooth. However, it is not necessary to use a hand sander. A gentle sanding by hand should be enough to rough up the surface of the wood lightly in preparation for the veneer.
- 4). Wipe the wood with a tack cloth to remove any sanding dust.
- 5). Clean the wood with dish detergent and water. Use a cloth to wipe down the wood with the detergent. Allow the wood to dry completely. Remove any wax that might be present using ammonia.