Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - oak veneer refinishing

I am attempting to refinish an "40's" secretarial desk with an oak veneer top. It is marred with cigarette burns, ink splls that go through the veneer & some small holes in the veneer. I want to convert it to a computer desk because of all the neat features it still has. I've already stripped the desk top of it's shellac finish but am unsure how to attack the burn marks & the ink marks without further damaging the veneer. Any suggestions?

From what you describe, it sounds like a touchup job. I normally use artist oil colors, and in the situation you describe I would paint the grain and color of the wood back on. The only drawback is you almost have to use an aerosol for your finish (at least on the repaired areas) as a brush will destroy your work.

For oak, raw sienna, van dyke brown, Flake white and perhaps burnt umber should give you all the colors you need for a match.

My technique is to sand the surface and apply a coat of sealer. After sanding that, a light coat of finish. Then I mix the colors to match what I'm working on and paint the grain/background in. It's easier to go for the background first, then the grain. If you make a mistake, or it doesn't look quite right, a rag dampened with paint thinner will wipe it away. When you get it right, spray finish over it to 'lock it in'.

Naturally, if any of the burns left holes, you'll need to fill those first, sand them out, then start with the sealer/finish routine.

-------------
George T.