If you’ve ever tackled a furniture flip, you know the thrill of uncovering beautiful woodgrain beneath layers of old finish—or the agony of realizing you’ve gone a bit too far. Veneer mishaps happen to even the most experienced refinishers. Knowing when you’ve blown through the veneer is the first step to salvaging your piece (and your sanity). Let’s talk about the telltale signs, why it happens, and how to move forward. Here is a link to my favorite supplies to repair furniture.
Signs You’ve Blown Through the Veneer
1. Uneven Coloration
If you suddenly notice a patch that’s lighter or darker than the surrounding wood, it’s likely you’ve sanded right through the veneer to the substrate (the wood or particleboard underneath).
2. Texture Changes
Veneer is thin and smooth, but the substrate beneath it might feel rough, fibrous, or grainy. If the texture feels inconsistent, you’ve probably gone too deep.
3. Edges Look Ragged
Veneer tends to peel or splinter when compromised. If the edges of your piece look jagged or frayed, it’s a clear sign you’ve sanded beyond the veneer.
4. Visible Particleboard
The kiss of death for most refinishing projects is the telltale sight of pressed particleboard or MDF. If you see specks of what looks like oatmeal, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Why Does This Happen?
• Over-Sanding
This is the #1 culprit. Using aggressive grit sandpaper or overworking one area can wear through veneer in seconds.
• Thin Veneer
Some vintage and mid-century furniture features incredibly thin veneers, making it easy to damage without realizing.
• Warped or Damaged Veneer
Old veneer can lift or bubble, creating uneven spots where sanding pressure breaks through quickly.
What to Do Next
The good news? Blowing through veneer isn’t the end of the world. Here’s how to fix or pivot:
1. Embrace the Damage
If the exposed substrate isn’t hideous, you can sand it down and stain it to blend with the surrounding veneer. A distressed or rustic look might be your saving grace.
2. Patch the Veneer
For small areas, you can cut a replacement veneer patch, glue it down, and sand it flush. Be sure to match the grain direction and stain color for a seamless fix.
3. Paint the Piece
When all else fails, paint is your best friend. A solid coat of paint can disguise any veneer mishap and still make your flip look intentional and professional.
4. Add Texture
Consider stenciling, decoupage, or a textured finish like limewash. These creative techniques can make your piece stand out while hiding the flaws.
How to Avoid This in the Future
• Start with Higher Grit Sandpaper
Use 120-150 grit to remove the finish before moving to finer grits. Avoid anything coarser unless you’re stripping paint.
• Check Veneer Thickness
Inspect your piece before sanding. If you’re unsure, work cautiously, using chemical strippers or light hand sanding instead of a power sander.
• Test in an Inconspicuous Spot
Always start sanding in a less visible area to gauge how much material you can safely remove.
This is my favorite sandpaper for my festool sander.
Final Thoughts
Blowing through veneer is a frustrating mistake, but it doesn’t have to ruin your flip. In fact, with a little creativity and know-how, you can turn a mishap into a masterpiece. So, next time you hear that dreaded sound of sandpaper scratching into the substrate, take a deep breath, regroup, and remember: every refinisher has been there. It’s just another part of the process.
Have a story about a veneer disaster? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you saved the day!
