Veneer repair in Exeter
Professional veneer repair services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Chipped or peeling veneer repaired and colour-matched to blend back in. Small chips filled, loose edges glued down - your furniture looking decent again without replacing it.
That Annoying Chip Everyone Notices
You've got a perfectly good chest of drawers or table except for that one bit where the veneer's chipped off or lifting at the corner. Drives you mad every time you see it.
💡 Pro tip: Veneer damage gets worse if you ignore it - water gets under loose sections and the area spreads. Fix it early and it's a simple job.
Why Professional Repair Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Bodged |
|---|---|
| Chip filled level, colour-matched | Obvious blob of filler |
| Peeling edge glued flat, invisible | Still lifting after "repair" |
| Sealed to prevent moisture | Peeling again within weeks |
| Blends with existing finish | Stands out like a sore thumb |
The trick with veneer repair is matching the colour and getting a smooth finish. Use the wrong filler or rush it and everyone can see the repair.
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Check damage type, test colour match |
| Repair | Fill chips or re-glue peeling sections, clamp if needed |
| Finishing | Sand smooth, colour-match, seal |
📦 You're Left With
- Repaired area blending with rest of piece
- Properly sealed against moisture
- No need to replace perfectly good furniture
Pricing Guide
| Damage Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small chip or edge peel | 30-45 mins | £60 |
| Multiple areas or larger damage | 45-60 mins | £60 |
| Extensive damage (needs assessment) | 1-1.5 hrs | £60-85 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Drying time not included - I'll do the repair and come back if needed.
Perfect For You If...
✅ Quality furniture damaged - too good to throw out, too expensive to replace
✅ Moving house - fix it before photos or before the new owners see it
✅ Inherited piece - sentimental value, worth repairing properly
✅ Rental property - fix tenant damage without buying new furniture
Why Choose Us for Veneer repair in Exeter?
Chips filled and colour-matched
Peeling edges glued back properly
Blends in with existing finish
Much cheaper than replacing furniture
What to Expect
Step 1: Assess The Damage
I'll look at what's happened - is it chipped, peeling, dented? Check if it's just cosmetic or if there's moisture damage underneath.
Step 2: Make The Repair
Chips get filled with matching filler. Peeling sections get cleaned, glued, and clamped. Once dry, I'll sand it smooth.
Step 3: Colour Match & Seal
Touch-up markers or stain to blend the repair. Light seal to protect against moisture. Should blend right in.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to have a go yourself? Here's how:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Wood filler (Ronseal or similar)
- PVA glue or wood glue
- Clamps or heavy books
- Fine sandpaper (240 grit)
- Touch-up markers in wood tones
- Clean cloth
For chips and dents:
- Clean the damaged area with white spirit
- Fill with wood filler, slightly overfill
- Let it dry completely (24 hours minimum)
- Sand flush with surrounding veneer
- Colour-match with touch-up marker
- Light coat of furniture polish
For peeling edges:
- Gently lift the veneer to access underneath
- Scrape out old glue with a thin blade
- Apply fresh wood glue to both surfaces
- Press veneer down firmly, wipe excess glue
- Clamp or weight it heavily for 24 hours
- Sand any rough edges, colour if needed
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using too much filler (creates a lump)
- Not letting glue dry before removing clamps
- Colour-matching in artificial light (check in daylight)
- Rushing the sanding - this makes or breaks the finish
💡 Pro trick: For small chips, furniture wax filler sticks work brilliantly. Choose a shade slightly lighter than your furniture - they darken as they cure. Rub it in, buff it smooth, job done in minutes.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Multiple pieces damaged? Do them all together - I'm already there with the materials, makes sense to sort everything in one go.
Entire surface peeling? That's a bigger job - might need full re-veneering. I'll assess it honestly and let you know if repair is worthwhile or if replacement makes more sense.
Old Exeter houses? Damp is often the culprit behind peeling veneer. If your furniture is against an external wall, check for moisture issues - fixing the veneer won't help if it gets damp again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is veneer?
It's the thin decorative wood layer on the surface of furniture. Underneath is usually cheaper wood or MDF. Veneer chips or peels when it gets knocked or when the glue fails - classic problem on older furniture.
Can you really make it look invisible?
Depends on the damage. Small chips and edge repairs I can blend in really well with filler and touch-up markers. Big missing sections are harder - I'll be honest about what's achievable when I see it.
Will it peel again after you've fixed it?
Not if I've done it right. I clean out old glue, apply fresh adhesive, clamp it properly, and seal the edge. Should last years. If it's peeling because of damp though, we need to fix that issue too.
Do I need to strip the whole piece?
No - this is a localised repair. I work on just the damaged bit, blend it in, and you're done. No need to refinish the entire table or chest.
What if the veneer is really old?
Older furniture often has better quality veneer that's easier to work with. The main challenge is colour-matching - wood darkens with age. I bring touch-up markers in different shades to blend it properly.
Veneer repair Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your veneer repair job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Veneer repair in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your veneer repair job in Exeter today.