This desk is so very useful as a checkout counter at our store. At 64 inches long with lots of storage drawers, it’s functional and prettier than a big old table or counter. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been treated well since originally refinishing the oak veneer top and layering with stain and poly. Something most people don’t realize is that anything that will dent, scratch or gouge wood (pressing hard with ball-point pens, dropping heavy items, sliding rough or sharp items) will still cause damage regardless of how much urethane is applied. Wood is wood and should be treated with the respect it deserves.
So…. I pulled it out of use and worked on refinishing it (again).
As you can see above, after carefully sanding out the areas with damage, the grain was still visible in some areas, but no longer in areas with heavy damage and therefore deeper sanding. In addition, the stain really didn’t want to soak into those areas since there were effectively no pores available, so the finish took unevenly. Ugh. I love this desk! What to do?
What a great opportunity to learn how to apply new veneer!!
Following the instructions on the can and those provided by the knowledgeable staff at our local Woodcraft store, I gave it a try!
I absolutely love the results so far!
After making sure everything was stuck on and sanded, I stained and sealed with FUSION Ebony Stain and Finishing Oil (stain and topcoat in one!).
I absolutely LOVE the result, and it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.
Next time, I will roll on a can of liquid adhesive rather than spray, as I found the spray terribly messy, difficult to clean up, and too easy to puddle. I also skipped the router and used my razor knife to score and sander to trim since my cuts were so close, there wasn’t a ton of overlap to remove.
The EASIEST part was staining and sealing with Fusion SFO. Pour on, smear around, allow to soak and wipe off.
DONE.
I can’t wait for this to cure so I can start using it again!!!
You can find Fusion SFO at our store Lakeside Restoration in 1833 Monroe Ave Rochester, NY 14618.
You can also purchase for shipping or pickup at our online store http://www.lakesiderestoration.net