Replies

1. 
   Bioman | Jun 22, 2005 03:41pm | #1

   Where possible, I think I would attempt to replace sections instead of patch.  Creating an invisible splice is tough.  Is the original glue used, hide glue?  If so this could be easier. 

2. 
   joinerswork | Jun 23, 2005 01:52am | #2

   Tom,

   Patching veneer can be a real challenge. 

   First, it is important that you not do anything to harm the value of the chairs if they are antiques.  If they are more than 150 or so yrs old, you can do real harm to their value with a careless repair attempt.  If built after 1900, then it is less of a concern.

   It is important to match not only the wood species of the veneer, but also the grain pattern (edge or face) and direction (rising  or descending) to what you are joining to.  If your patch differs with the rest of the veneer in any of these characteristics, then it will be nigh impossible to get a good match when putting on finish.

   Irregularly shaped edges (jagged, sawtoothed, or wavey) on your patches will be harder to see than straight, square edged repairs. Cut the patch to just overlap the missing area, lay it in place, and scribe around it to fit in place. If the area to be patched is loose, I like to glue it down first, then repair after it is stabilized.

   It helps to paint the end grain of the patches with shellac or lacquer before gluing them in place.  This will prevent the end grain from taking up glue and emphasizing the line between new and old wood.

   It may be possible to remove loose sections of badly damaged veneer to make patches out of, and then replace that whole section with a new piece of veneer.  The old veneer will likely be a better match for your repairs, and a whole different piece will be less objectionable, if the color ends up a little "off".

   Try to sneak up on the color gradually, instead of in one fell swoop. Use scraps of your veneer for color matching.

   Good luck,

   Ray