Veneer - can I use wax?

[lizziecupcakes]

Hi all,
i have a coffee table now! I found it in a charity shop and love it. It has solid wood legs but the top is polished veneer.

Some of you may remember the dining table I also bought a few months back. It’s the same - has a veener top. I wanted to sand and stain this but I think i will ruin it, so decided to keep it as it. I’m thinking of other ways to “upcycle” it and make it look/feel traditional.

Does anyone know how I can protect both surfaces? Can I use wood wax or varnish on veneer?

Thank you

 

[Cubist]

No and Yes.
Varnish - absolutely not, under any circumstances unless the piece has been stripped back to raw wood - and never for decorative pieces.
Wax - can be used to enhance the final appearance and hide small blemishes in the surface of the piece. It does afford some very small protection to the surface. It can be used on both the occasional and dining tables you have there but with the latter always ensure that hot or wet tableware is not in direct contact with the surface.
Never sand a veneer, particularly if it's a fairly modern piece, unless it's absolutely unavoidable.

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks Cubist!

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Do you have any recommendations for wax?

 

[Cubist]

A clear paste type (not liquid) wax applied thinly using a brush or cloth pad. Once it's dry buff with a clean brush first of all and then with a soft cloth - lots of elbow grease needed though and particularly if you used too much wax.
Liberon, Ronseal and other makers readily should be available from your local hardware store.

 

[CliffordPope]

My wife's grandmother always sore by a regular wiping with a thin smeer of boiled linseed oil. It certainly works wonders restoring light scuffing and cloudy colouring from standing wet mugs on the top.

 

[mardinor]

That looks modern, so probably spray lacquered. Either way, wax polish is best to keep the shine (little wax, lots of polishing). It won't protect it though, really. If you want to use it for coffee cups then get an oval piece of glass cut (but will cost more than the table).

 

[lizziecupcakes]

Thanks @mardinor ! The table was £20! (I am someone who loves second hand goods). I was thinking about glass. What is the name of the tradesperson that does this job? I think i’ll consider it.

 

[Cubist]

Lots of on-line suppliers for toughened glass LCC but as @mardinor says - it aint cheap. Checks these guys out and look around.

Glass Cut to Size Online - Delivered - Glasstops UK

Toughened Glass Cut to Size / Made to Measure with Selectable Delivery Dates & Instant Pricing for Tables, Showers, Windows, Mirrors, Splashbacks and more.

www.glasstops.co.uk