I would like to replace the top wood laminated area of an old table I have. It has been burned through although the under area looks good. I've seen tables like this before and feel it is not an uncommon table. The laminated areas appear to be about a 16th of an inch thick and are 16 1/2 in by 27 in. Would like to know where to get the wood laminate and any tips for completing the project. _ I have also thought about just replacing a strip of the laminate but feel it would be difficult to match the wood. Also, the cutting and mating of the replacement is a concern.

Alan Butts, December 2007

Your talking about a drawleaf table, solid wood frame with a vanneer panel in the middle of the leaf ?

The problem will be matching, it will be impossible. It's also not a job for a DIY as stripping the old vanner might leave a lumpy surface and if not that gluing the new one on will if you don't use the right glue and apply the right pressure in the right place.

Here's what I think you can do.

If the burn mark is not big use a craft knife to cut a diamond shape around it. Then slowly life out the burn section with the point of the knife. Then get some wood filler a similer colour as the wood. When dry lightly sand that flat then look at the grain of the wood either side of the diamond shape. Use a pin of the knife to gently score in match line on the filler to make that look like wood. or you could use a very think felt tip pen. When dry apply a clear water based varnish thinning this down 50% and apply with a cloth. To get the whole finish right you might want to cut back the whole surface with very fine sand paper then apply the varnish as instructed over the whole surface. Applying in thin coat and sanding back inbetween till happy.

007, February 2008