- 1). Lift the veneer slightly, enough to get a putty knife under it to scrape away all glue residue, if possible. Remove any ridges, bumps, etc. from under the veneer using the small putty knife then dust debris away using a soft dry cloth. Do this if you are saving the veneer, so it can be flattened and glued back down. Tear off all old veneer if you are replacing it with new veneer, then use the putty knife as a scraper to remove all old glue and any remaining veneer from the surface. Do this to ensure the new veneer will lie flat.
- 2). Measure the surface where new veneer will be placed, finding the width and the length. Measure and mark the backside of a new piece of veneer using a straight edge and marking pencil to create clear dark cut lines according to your measurements. Cut the veneer by running a utility knife along a straight edge that is being held firmly along the cut line. Do not allow the straight edge to slip or the cut will be crooked. Run the utility knife along the straight edge once, then again, then move on to the next side. Fold the edge over where the lines have been cut to break the pieces apart. Score the backside again with the utility knife if need be, rather than ripping the veneer by pulling the pieces apart.
- 3). Apply wood glue to the surface under the veneer using a small paintbrush if you are not adding new veneer. Do not water down the glue, even if you have read it is recommended. Spread the glue evenly then press the old veneer down and move on to Step 4. Apply wood glue to the entire wood surface the new veneer will be adhered to, spreading the glue in a thick even coat. Lay the new piece of veneer down, making sure all edges are even with the edges of the wood surface they are being adhered to. Slide the veneer sheet gently into place. Rub the top of the veneer with a soft dry cloth to help the veneer adhere to the wood. Remove excess glue from the edges or from the veneer before it dries using a damp cloth, making sure the veneer does not remain wet.
- 4). Lay a large piece of fabric over the new veneer surface, then a large piece of wood on top of the cloth. Do this to add weight to the veneered surface, helping to adhere the veneer flat if it is new, and helping to flatten old veneer that is being repaired. Clamp all sides of the wood to the surface around the edges to keep the wood held down firmly on the veneer. Position two clamps per side on all four sides. Tighten the clamps and allow the clamps to remain tightened for 12 hours. Do this so the glue has sufficient time to dry as removing the clamps and board before the glue is dry will result in bubbling of the veneer.
- 5). Remove the wood clamps, board and fabric once 12 hours have passed. Do not allow your new or newly repaired veneer to get wet or be in areas of high moisture or you will need to flatten the veneer again.
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