Meridew 1960s dressing table

5 years ago

Does any one know how to remove the ‘glass’ effect surface that has cracked after many years of use and removals etc. Much loved dressing table!

Featured Answer

rachelmidlands

5 years ago

Hi Claire. This looks like veneer which as you say is in a sorry state. Best thing to do is remove it completely as it looks like there is a nice hardwood underneath. There are plenty of tutorials online on how to remove veneer basically using heat to warm the glue and very careful use of a scraper. If you’re not confident in doing it yourself then get a few joiners/carpenters to give you a quote. It may be possible to repair but it’s a more lengthier process. Seems a shame to lose the glass like shine but once the wood underneath is revealed and sanded back a French polish would look beautiful.

Comments (14)

Sonia
5 years ago
Hi Claire, do you have a photo?
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for your reply. It’s a bit dark now and as I think it would show up better in day light.

will send on photo tomorrow. It is only the top that has cracked possibly as it has been in a window position for all its life and gone through a long journey on a house move. We have the matching tall boy that that is in beautiful condition. Thank you again, Claire
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claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
I did sent photos but not sure I sent to the correct address! Claire
Sonia
5 years ago
Hi, you can post photos in the comments too. Look for the camera icon below, and after choosing the picture make sure you wait until it is fully downloaded - the picture goes from opaque to normal. If you try to submit before the opaqueness has gone it won’t work. Hope that makes sense!
claire853 thanked Sonia
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi,

Think I sent two photos! I am not the best with technology. Hope they get to you.

many thanks for your forbearance. Claire
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
Hello Rachel, Many thanks for the excellent info. As we love the dressing table I am inclined to give it a go myself. Not sure about what sort of heat to use but as you say the wood underneath looks to be quite good. Will ask around friends and see what they come up with. I am really grateful you have taken the time to send the posts. Thanks so much. Best wishes, Claire
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
Hello forzaitalia, many thanks for your help. Think I will give it a go. Really grateful for the info re sending the photos. I would never have worked that one out!! Regards Claire
Sonia
5 years ago
Good luck Claire x
claire853 thanked Sonia
rachelmidlands
5 years ago
No probs Claire. Quick search on google and found this which should hopefully help you: https://www.diypassion.com/2017/08/30/the-trick-to-removing-veneer-from-wood-furniture/ After some more research the cracked lines is something called checking which you sometimes get when when veneer is laid on top of wood where the grain is running in the same direction. Just my theory but exposure to heat (next to a sunny window for eg.) or humidity would cause the wood underneath to swell and contract more and over the years that movement would cause the veneer to lift crack and bubble. Although looking at the photos again I wonder if its been coated in some sort of resin. Either way you would need heat to remove it. Best of luck and hope all goes well. X
claire853
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi Rachel,

i took a look at the diypassion site on how to remove veneer. Really interesting and doesn’t seem to be too difficult as long as I get all the right gear! Many thanks.Claire
claire853
Original Author
2 years ago
Hello all you helpful people. Just looking back and pleased to tell you (very belated!) that i did remove the top veneer but it took a week or two and much patience. The wood was fantastic underneath and am ashamed to say i have left it as it is. looks very much like teak so I am more than happy to leave it alone. Perhaps a little beeswax might help to put a finish on it? The dressing table is over 60 years old and still lovely to look at. Why do people throw good stuff away?! Many thanks, best wishes to you all. Claire

Meridew 1960s dressing table

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