Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Apr 25, 2006 12:59am | #1

   Making invisible repairs to figured veneers isn't easy. There are veneer punches that cut out irregular shaped patches but they aren't very large. Finding a piece of veneer with similar grain and then getting the color the same is the hard part. The punches are a bit expensive for one repair. If you can find a piece of veneer that matches well, you can cut a patch. Cross grain cuts stand out, so, it's best if you can cut on the long grain to a natural break.

   If the area is small, you may be able to fake it, if you are talented. I've used a good quality professional filler like Famowood and then used artist paints to mimic the grain and color pattern. Veneer can also be painted. Typical colors that are handy around the shop can be raw and burnt sienna and raw and burnt umber, Vandyke brown, madder brown, etc. I prefer oils over acrylics. You have to be careful with filler that it doesn't get into the adjoining wood pores and make the area more conspicuous.

   http://www.joewoodworker.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=190

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 25, 2006 04:33am | #2

   Shellac stick fillers are also useful.  One particularly good feature for woods like walnut is that a hot pin can create the 3-D for pores and grain lines.  Still calls for a lot of artistic imagination but a match that will stand up to all but the very closest scrutiny is possible.  I tend to like pigment powders that can be wet with shellac, blended and applied with fine artists brushes.  Hammer1's colors are good, and I would add yellow ochre. 

1. 
   kovalev27 | Apr 25, 2006 11:52pm | #4

   Thanks for your quick response to my dilemma, Steve

2. 
   kovalev27 | Apr 25, 2006 11:51pm | #3

   thanks for your advice, I was considering famowood walnut colored filler to make this repair but wasn't sure. thanks, Steve

2. 
   blind | Apr 26, 2006 11:05am | #5

   I'v always used sanding dust from my orbital sander bag with the right type wood ,and mix it with tight bond II until I get a thick enough past to the consistancy of bondo and use that for repairs and chip outs ti holds good and is workable holds stain well and almost disapears when sanded well with 320 or higher, try it on a scrap and see if it will work for you it is a littel messy with large repairs but you can use it in layers and build it up.