If you want your veener wood to look as new as the day you bought it, especially after a long period, then you need to learn how to clean and maintain it. But before we get into that, you need to ensure that your veneer wood is polished.
Although this sounds simple on paper, you need to know the different types of polish available and which one will suit your needs and make your house guests wonder how your furniture always looks so natural and fresh as new.
This article will cover the different types of polishing you can get on your veneer wood, how to pick the best polish for your veneer based on your needs, and how to clean and maintain it. Let’s take a look at the different types of veneer wood polishing.
Types Of Veneer Wood Polish
1. Melamine Finish
Melamine is a hard resin that covers a substrate like particle boards, MDF, or plywood. This is the most commonly used polish for veneer because of its elevated aesthetic appeal, ease of availability, and application. Moreover, melamine surfaces are also smooth and require minimal upkeep to maintain their appearance. They are highly customizable as they offer a variety of colors and prints.
2. Acrylic Finish
Acrylic finish generally gives a very modern look to your wood and has started gaining a lot of popularity lately. Acrylic is a glossy and reflective finish that gives a smooth look to your furniture and is applied using spray-on techniques that dries quickly. With regular cleaning, it’s an extremely durable material and retains its shiny nature for a long duration.
3. UV Coatings
UV coatings are famous for their resistance to chemicals and stains – they have a high shine finish when used in darker shades and are resistant to abrasion, guaranteeing high and long-lasting aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, manufacturing UV coating is sustainable as it is eco-friendly and gives out minimal waste.
4. Wax Polish
Wax is a traditional wood veneer polish that provides a glossy finish. It can be used on all types of wood veneer, including cherry, oak, and mahogany.
5. Oil Polish
Oil is another popular wood veneer polish that helps keep the wood free of dust and dirt. It provides a slightly darker finish than wax and helps to hide any imperfections in the wood.
6. Shellac Polish
Shellac is a resin-based wood veneer polish that can be used to give a glossy finish. It is easy to apply and provides a good level of protection to the wood.
7. Lacquer Polish
Lacquer is a more durable wood veneer polish that provides a high-gloss finish that is resistant to damage. It is often used for finishing furniture, cabinets, and other items that are exposed to heavy wear and tear.
8. Water-Based Coatings
These are made using highly innovative technology which is environmentally responsible and ensures that there are no volatile organic compounds. They provide excellent adhesion and good resistance to heat and abrasion. They can be easily applied using almost any tool, like a roller, brush, or spray.
9. Polyurethane Finish
Also known as “PU Finishes,” polyurethane finishes are extremely popular due to their water-resistant properties. In addition, polyurethane finishes can be customized according to color and either be glossy to offer a bold look or matte to offer a timeless look.
How To Pick The Best Polish For Your Veneer
Three primary factors must be considered when deciding which polish to pick for your veneer wood.
1. Type of Wood Used To Make The Veneer
Different types of wood require different types of polish based on their material. For example, some woods are more delicate and require a gentle polish, while others are harder and require a stronger polish.
2. The Finish of The Veneer
Some polishes are designed to provide a natural wood-like appearance, whereas some others are designed to protect the wood and make it more durable. So naturally, you’ll want to choose a polish that will fit the style, appearance, and protection you require.
3. Ease of Application
Some polishes require more effort to apply than others. Choose one that is easy to use and won’t take much time to apply.
How To Clean Veneer Wood
1. For Regular Day To Day Cleaning – Clean veneered furniture daily with a fully dry and lint-free piece of cloth. Always move the cloth in the direction of the wood grain and not away from it. Avoid the frequent use of wax products to avoid buildup and dust the surfaces regularly.
2. For Cleaning After Every 15 Days – First, use a damp cloth to clean the veneer’s surface, and then use a dry cloth to wipe it gently. Ensure that all soapy and detergent mixed water is avoided to clean the veneer’s surface. The chemicals present in these soaps and detergents can harm the polish of the veneer. As a result, the veneer polish can start losing its natural appeal and durability.
3. To Remove Residue From Wood Veneer – Use a mixture of soap flakes with 2 cups of warm water. Then, dip a cotton or microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out. Next, wipe the wood veneer in small sections to clean it thoroughly. Then wipe the wood veneer with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Finally, dry the wood veneer with a clean, dry cloth at the end.
Caution: do not use chemicals to treat stains!
If you follow all the instructions mentioned above and regularly clean your veneers, you can maintain their shiny or natural appeal and make them look new for at least 12-15 years.
How To Maintain Veneer Wood
1. Avoid staining the surface as much as you can. Veneers tend to stain easily and are easily visible on lighter surfaces, whereas they are barely visible on darker ones. If you spill any liquid like tea or coffee on such a surface, ensure that you clean it immediately to avoid stains.
2. Always lift objects off the table and replace them instead of sliding or dragging them across the veneer surface.
3. Place your drinks on coasters to avoid leaving stains and marks on the veneer’s surface.
4. Keep your table out of direct sunlight to avoid damage over time due to UV rays from the sun.
5. Keep sharp objects away from the veneer wood – even the smallest scratches are evident and look ugly on the surface.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wood veneers are a great option for those looking for an affordable way to upgrade their space without sacrificing quality or style. With proper care and maintenance, these veneers can last for years and keep their beauty. With a wide range of options to choose from, you’re sure to find a veneer that will perfectly suit your space. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional or modern look, you can find a veneer that will perfectly fit your needs.
Floma is here to help you with your veneer wood needs. May it be designing your new house with veneer wood furniture or giving it that natural or glossy-looking wood vibes. We’ve got you covered! Contact us today to get started.
Written by Dhruv Bhagwatkar from Floma’s creative team. Images have the copyrights of the respective sources.
