Fix a chipped or scratched veneer edge on furniture with filler or glue, then sand and refinish to blend in.
RV-01Assess the damageLook closely at the chip to see if the veneer flap is still attached, loose, or missing completely. Check what's underneath — usually chipboard or MDF — as this affects how deep you can fill or sand. Decide whether you need to re-glue a loose flap or fill a missing chip.
RV-02Protect the work areaMove the piece to a well-lit table and lay down a dust sheet to catch drips and dust. Mask off the surrounding good veneer with low-tack masking tape so glue or filler doesn't spread onto it. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe up any spills straight away.
RV-03Clean out the chipUse a cocktail stick or the corner of a scraper to lift out any loose veneer, old glue or dust from inside the chip. Blow or brush out the fine debris so new glue or filler can bond properly. Don't force out any veneer that's still firmly stuck down.
RV-04Re-glue a loose flap of veneerIf the chipped veneer is still there but lifted, work a small amount of PVA wood glue underneath with a cocktail stick. Press it flat and wipe away excess glue straight away with a damp cloth. Cover with greaseproof paper and clamp or weight it down for at least an hour while it dries.
RV-05Fill a missing chipIf a piece of veneer is missing altogether, use a wood filler or veneer repair kit close to the natural colour of the wood. Press it into the chip with a flexible filler knife, slightly overfilling so you can sand it back level later. Leave it to cure fully following the tin's guide time, usually 30 minutes to a few hours.
RV-06Sand the repair flushOnce the glue or filler is fully dry, sand gently with fine 240-grit sandpaper wrapped round a small block, working with the grain. Check often with your fingertips so you don't sand through into the surrounding good veneer, which is often only 0.6mm thick. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.
RV-07Match the colour and finishUse a wood stain pen or a small artist's brush to blend the filled area with the surrounding veneer colour, building it up slowly in thin layers. Once dry, seal the repair with a matching clear varnish or wax to protect it and even out the sheen. Let each coat dry fully before adding another.
RV-08Tidy upRemove the masking tape carefully so it doesn't lift the fresh finish, then wipe the piece down with a soft cloth. Dispose of any solvent-soaked rags safely and let the piece cure fully, usually 24 hours, before using it normally. Wash brushes and tools according to the product label.