I bought a desk on Facebook Marketplace that was solid overall, but the top was veneer, and one section had been worn down from years of use. The finish was thin and uneven, with lighter areas where the original protection had clearly failed. Veneer can be intimidating to refinish because there is very little room for error, but with patience and a light touch, it can be restored beautifully.
I started by sanding very lightly at 120 grit. I set my sander to a lower speed and avoided applying pressure, letting the sandpaper do the work. Once the surface felt consistent, I followed up with a gentle pass at 220 grit to refine it further. Throughout the process, I was careful to avoid lingering in any one spot to prevent sanding through the veneer.
Because the veneer had a walnut tone, I chose a walnut-colored gel stain. Gel stain works well on veneer because it sits more on the surface rather than soaking deeply into the wood, which helps control color and reduce blotching. I applied the stain evenly, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wiped off the excess with a clean cloth. After the first coat dried, I lightly sanded again with 220 grit to smooth any raised grain or uneven areas, then applied a second coat to deepen and even out the color.
Once the stain had fully dried, I moved on to sealing the surface. I used a matte polyurethane to protect the veneer while keeping a natural, low-sheen look. I applied three thin coats, allowing proper drying time between each one. Between coats, I lightly scuffed the surface to ensure good adhesion and a smooth final finish. Taking the time to build up the finish gradually helped avoid drips, brush marks, and an overly thick appearance.
After the final coat dried, the desk top had a consistent color, a smooth feel, and a durable finish that respected the limitations of veneer. Refinishing veneer requires restraint and patience, but the payoff is worth it. With careful sanding, controlled staining, and thin protective coats, a worn veneer surface can be brought back to life without risking irreversible damage.