Veneer repair is the restoration of thin decorative wood sheets applied to the surface of furniture, where they have lifted, blistered, cracked or been lost. Because most fine furniture from the late seventeenth century onwards is veneered, this is one of the most common tasks in antique furniture restoration.
Veneer problems usually arise from changes in humidity, failure of old animal glue, shrinkage of the carcase beneath, or knocks to vulnerable edges and corners. A skilled restorer will first reattach loose veneer, often by softening and re-gluing the original hide glue with heat and pressure, as this is reversible and compatible with period work. Missing sections are replaced with patches of matching timber selected for colour, figure and grain direction, then cut to follow natural lines so the repair is as discreet as possible. The new veneer is coloured and polished to blend with the surrounding patina without stripping the original surface. Collectors generally accept careful, sympathetic veneer repairs, but extensive replacement, poorly matched patches or modern adhesives can reduce value. A good repair should be stable, nearly invisible at normal viewing distance and respect the age of the piece.
