How To Remove Bubbles In A Table's Wood Veneer

A very thin layer of hardwood veneer is often glued over a less-expensive piece of wood furniture. Although veneer is usually durable, placing warm or damp objects on the veneer can cause the glue bond to fail. When the glue bond fails, bubbles can form on the surface of the wood veneer. Wood bubbles can ruin the appearance of a beautiful piece of furniture, causing the furniture to appear dull and dingy. Fortunately, these unsightly bubbles can be removed and a table can be restored.

Step 1

Lay a sheet of white parchment paper over the wood bubble. Iron the parchment paper with a warm clothes iron for 10 seconds.

Step 2

Continue ironing the parchment paper in 10-second intervals. Remove the parchment paper and inspect the wood bubble.

Step 3

Cover the wood bubble with two layers of masking tape, if the wood bubble remains. If the veneer has already split, place two layers of masking tape along both edges of the split.

Step 4

Make a split through the center of the entire wood bubble, using a very sharp razor knife. Follow the direction of the wood grain, when cutting through the tape and wood.

Step 5

Scrape out any dirt or debris from underneath the wood bubble, using a toothpick. Insert a small piece of masking tape through the slit and into the wood bubble, to pick up the loose chunks of debris.

Step 6

Apply some yellow carpenter's glue to the entire surface under the bubble. Insert the glue through the slit you just cut into the veneer.

Step 7

Press down on the veneer, to spread the glue underneath the bubble. Wipe away the excess glue from the veneer using a cloth dampened with water.

Step 8

Remove the masking tape from the veneer. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the split to prevent the glue from oozing out and sticking to the flat wood blocks you are about to place over the plastic wrap.

Step 9

Place a couple of flat wood blocks on top of the plastic wrap to act as weights. Allow the glue to cure overnight with the wood blocks in place.

Step 10

Remove the wood blocks and the plastic wrap. Lightly sand the veneer with fine grade sandpaper until the wood is completely smooth.

Step 11

Apply wood oil directly to the veneer to prevent new bubbles from forming. Rub the wood oil into the veneer with a cloth until the table is completely restored to its original condition.