Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Peeling Veneer

My Mom gave me her Lane cedar chest from the 1950's. It is black. Problem is that the black is veneer and having gotten wet a few years ago, the veneer is peeling on the bottom. The wood underneath is pretty. How can I -- or can I -- remove the veneer and refinish the chest's natural wood?

I'd really rather not see you peel the veneer off that piece for a number of reasons. First being, even though the wood you see looks pretty, your chances are slim at finding similar wood under all the veneer. That's why the veneer was put on in the first place - to dress up an inferior wood. But, yes, you can peel it off. Hot white vinegar (brushed on) usually loosens most older glues, including the ones used in factories.

A hair dryer (on high) directed at the area you're trying to peel off may also help.

If you decide to try to save the piece (veneer intact) drop a line and I'll tell you how you can do that.

PS - The Lane Company is located in Altavista Virginia. If you can provide them with the code number (usually under teh bottom) they can tell you exactly when the piece was made. Lane also stocks replacement parts, including hardware, for just about everything they every made in cedar chests.

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George T.

Thanks, I'll try contact the Lane company (after I find the number) The receipt is still in the chest, so that may give me some info. Again -- thanks.