Not designed to remove materials: Liquid sandpaper may remove some finish material, but it's a minimal amount — only enough to take off the gloss surface. That makes it valuable on thin or delicate materials like wood veneer that can easily be sanded through.
In preparation for a new top coat, you'll want the surface to be super smooth. Use 240+ grit sandpaper and sand by hand. Apply gentle pressure at all times - remember veneer is super thin! Follow the direction of the grain whilst sanding.
You may want to investigate airbrushing in a background color for the sand throughs. Then you can etch in the grain texture (using the exacto knife), and then continue with your finish schedule. I have had good success using a block out toner on sand through areas on veneer.
Conclusion: Chemical stripping is your better option for a veneered piece. If you have sanded veneer and feel comfortable doing, it can certainly be done, just be patient, start at 100 or 120 rather than a 60 or 80 grit. Don't press hard with the sander, let it do the work.
As you might expect, veneered pieces are very delicate and require careful sanding to avoid irreversible damage. If you sand veneer too much, you may render it unusable.
Remember that veneer is really thin. With aggressive sanding, you will sand through the veneer very easily, causing irreversible damage. Always start sanding with fine-grit sandpaper (120-grit).
You can often see the thickness of veneer on the edges and corners. When refinishing veneer furniture, it's important not to over-sand a project, otherwise you'll break through to the plywood below. Too little sanding won't remove all of the scratches and dents. We recommend having a variety of grits, 100, 120, 320.
If the veneer is too thin to remove the finish, consider painting some areas and sanding and staining other areas of the piece that are solid wood. We almost always start by trying to sand the veneer and, if it doesn't work out, we paint it.
Step 3: Sand and strip the veneer
Using a sander with a 220-grit sandpaper and move in the direction of the grain, making sure to also sand the areas that have been affected by the water. Take a clean paintbrush to wipe away the dust before applying a chemical stripper to the wood.
You will still need to sand down the substrate as this will provide a key for the paint to adhere to. Before sanding, ensure the surface is clean and free of any grit or grime. Once it's clean, abrade with 180p or higher sandpaper.
Using sandpaper
It's also a natural and chemical-free way to remove varnish. It can however be labour-intensive: Start with 150-grit sandpaper and sand the entire surface. Then, move onto 220-grit sandpaper and repeat.
Tip on how to strip down a veneer wood top! - Generously coat in Citristrip spray. - cover for 5 hours minimum with cling wrap. - leaving it in the sun helps but not a must.
To complete the refinishing of your veneer, you need to apply staining with wax and polish. The wax is applied to give veneers a darker look. The wood stain wax is applied for a longer time so that it is absorbed properly and evenly by the veneer. Wipe off any excess stain wax with a dry cloth.
For smaller, missing veneer chunks like this dresser had, you need Dixie Belle Paint “Mud” and a Putty Knife. The “Mud” makes it so easy. All you have to do is spread it over the areas of missing veneer with the putty knife to fill it and make it smooth so it is flush with the rest of the dresser.
Veneered tabletops can be retreated in the same way as solid wood tabletops. We recommend that you oil your tabletop regularly, all depending on the location and use. As the veneer is relatively thin, great care must be taken when using abrasive sponges and sandpaper.
Whenever you're painting veneer furniture, it's highly recommended that you sand beforehand. Veneer tends to be on the sleeker side, and sanding adds friction to the surface, which allows the paint to adhere to it better. If you're using oil-based or acrylic paints, sanding is an especially important step.
Make sure the veneer doesn't have cracks. If needed, remove any sections of peeling veneer. Clean the piece well, prime, and then apply a few coats of chalk paint to the veneer furniture. It'll look brand new!
220 grit sandpaper should be good enough to deliver a well sanded surface to work with. Never Sand Across Grain: Be sure to sand with the grain to get a smooth finish. Staining an improperly sanded piece will only ruin your veneer visually and physically.
Apply small amount of gunstock (boiled linseed or tung) oil to a clean, soft, cotton cloth. Wipe small sections at a time in direction of grain using a circular motion until the entire veneer surface is coated. Be sure to apply oil to all exposed edges of the veneer.
Is there already veneer on the surface you're looking to add your new wood veneer to? It's not always necessary to remove the old wood veneer before moving forward, but it should be intact, not bubbled or cracked, and firmly attached, if you are even considering veneering over it.
Since veneer is thin, it is possible to sand through it so I start with 120 grit. For larger pieces I use a pad sander but smaller pieces I use a sanding block. The wood grain is going in all different directions so it is not possible to always sand with the grain.