How to tell the difference between laminate and veneer (Furniture Flippers NEED to know this!)

[@gugushabangu4097]

Thank you so much for clarifying this - I was so confused how to repaint my tv stand because of the different things I had to do before I painted it. This was so informative.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

I'm so glad it was helpful!!

[@latonyajackson4295]

This was the most helpful of all the videos I've watched on this topic. Thanks a lot!

[@joebean1]

This was so helpful. I started refurbishing today on wood and thought I was refurbishing a wood table and it's laminate! I'm so dumb but now I know!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Hey, we all start somewhere! I have done the exact same thing a time or two as well. 😆

[@whiteemic]

That was very helpful! I didn’t realize there was laminate tables until I tried sanding what I thought was veneer and had a totally different experience.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

OH yeah! That's how I learned too. 😂

[@micaeladavidson5330]

I just found this channel, and I love it....I'm here for it all, new projects in my home, here we come

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yay! Thanks Micaela! Happy DIYing!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

i am a retired ProfessionalWoodworker and a true but sort of funny story about 25 years ago i was sent to a jobsite with another guy t install a Reception Desk at a Hospital my buddy and i spent several hours doing layout and looking over the desk plus moving it around to prepare for Assembly in the lighting we both thought it was a Mahogany Veneered Desk and was pretty good looking but i discovered it really was a Laminate and you are correct the Laminate is a Composite it’s actually a photograph that they transfer onto the product in a process that was invented only about 20 or 30 years ago a great big advantage to that process is you can easily find multiple sheets that have the same GrainPatterns unlike Natural Wood Veneers so if a mistake is made and a replacement part is needed let’s say one drawer front on a dresser or a cabinet it can be made using another sheet of Laminate from that manufacturer BTW on top of you being a Pretty Woman i noticed in the video you really have Beautifulhands i will probably binge watch some of your videoes as i did like the format and the content of this one and for myself late on acWednesday evening i use KZbin as my entertainment and to keep up on my Woodworking passion and former Industry to see or learn of any new ideas and changes

[@shaheer4819]

a nicely embedded flattery

[@nork3]

This is exactly what I was needing! Thank you!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

So happy it was helpful! 💕

[@una8567]

This is really helpful, thank you. I am trying to restore my first piece of furniture for my own use, and am finding it difficult to decide how to deal with the center top surface of this wooden bar/shelf cart which has water damage and an awfully uneven surface. I am slowly narrowly it down. Your video helped to understand that the top could be veneer or laminate and the difference between the two.

[@mybeautifulcali4479]

Thank you for making this video. I purchased many furniture pieces for my home, and now that I'm getting ready to paint, I'm like what the heck did I buy? You explained everything so well, and now I can move on with my projects.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yesss! That's great to hear! Good luck with your furniture flipping. ☺️

[@Jizzlewobbwtfcus]

GREAT video! You just gave me more tools to become a competent woodworker and I thank thee for that! Got a new subber : ]

[@melindajohnson383]

I only saw this one post of yours. And I liked, commented and sub'd! I seldom do that after a single video. But u were so concise and able to explain in a manner I understood. So wanted to say thx 😊. If yr other work is even this good then I'm going to have a great experience! Have a beautiful day!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Melinda! Thank you for your kind words. Seriously- means the world. I hope I don't let you down! 😅

[@Jess_Smith0903]

Omg! This video was so informative which sparked my interest for your channel. I looked through your videos and wow! Your flips look fantastic, the thumbnails are so well made and interesting, the layout in which you style the pieces and the photos… everything looks so so pleasing! I just subscribed, am gonna watch all your videos and already can’t wait for your next one. I’m sure you’ll grow in here like weed! Keep up the great work!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

I totally missed this comment! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I appreciate the encouragement. 🥰

[@jenwood6712]

I already thought I knew the difference, but I wanted to hear it from someone else. A guy who sold my husband and I cabinets was trying to convince me that our cabinets have a maple veneer, but no. It’s laminate. He didn’t know the difference between laminate and veneer or he was trying to play dumb and trying to make me feel like I didn’t know the difference. He said, “It’s a wooden laminate, that’s wood. It says wooden laminate.” That’s like saying wood vinyl flooring and saying it’s wood. 😒😑 Thanks for your great video! Yes, you do sound like you know what you’re talking about. ♥️👍🏼

[@Ed_Gein]

On mine there is thermofoil doors on MDF but they sent some sheets of something else for the frames. Can that sheeting be removed from the cabinet frames themselves or is it so glued on that it will rip up the cabinet if it is particle board?

[@audreyplace3742]

Hello, I just came across your video. I have been trying effortlessly to find out how to remove paint from a laminate. I started to scrape the paint off, but this will take forever. It is a mirror I have had for many years. I'm trying to get the black paint off to have the orginal laminate that looks like wood. Any suggestions, or ways to remove the paint? Thank you in advance.

[@twylahcampbell2277]

I have a 10’ cabinet that is from Hobby Lobby. It was originally used as their floral arrangement station. If you go to Hobby Lobby and look at their super long green fabric cutting counter, the cabinet I have is the exact same thing. It doesn’t have a wood grain. How do I tell what kind of material it’s made from? How do I go about refinishing this very very heavy (no wheels) almost non-moveable counter. I would simply like to paint it a nice light color and do some decoupage work on it. What kind of paint would be best?

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Any type of paint will do. But you will DEFINITELY want to do a scuff sand and Zin Binser primer before painting. That will help it last.

[@ryand555]

Oh my goodness!! Awesome video and much needed info! Thank you so much!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment. :)

[@RecruitingJunkie]

Does anyone know how to restore laminate wood? I have laminate trim in kitchen cabinets that are worn due to water damage. I accidentally used some wood stain (before I realized it was laminate). Do I sand it all down and use some sort of laminate finish with matching color? Please help

[@ec5788]

All my questions answered in one video. Great informative video!!!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

So happy to hear that! Thank you for watching. :)

[@monsiebabe2817]

You can get veneer on solid wood. I looked at a solid oak table with oak veneer From The Range). I’m here to see if it’s a good idea to purchase it as I had another table, bought elsewhere, where the top of the table lifted so I’m wondering if that was laminate. My grandson left an ice lolly on the table without me knowing. Would veneer do the same in those circumstances? Hope you can help.

[@kavyaadka3492]

Perfectly explained ... Thanks!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback. ☺️

[@TatianaBalashova]

Thank you! So how would you refinish a veneer kitchen cabinets? I tried light sanding to make it less glossy and painted as a test a piece of the door with an old craft acrylic paint from a dollar store :) and it seemed ok if 2 coats but I wonder how durable and easy to clean that would be? I was able to peel & wash off the paint in an hour. I spend a lot of time in the lounge room where the kitchen is joined to and it is wet winter in Vancouver so need to minimize any smells and toxic products

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Sanding, cleaning with TSP, deglosser, 2 coats of primer, 2 coats of paint AND 2 coats of polycrylic. Paint also takes 1-2 months to fully cure. So it will naturally want to chip more until then. Not sure on low VOC products. But that might be where to research.

[@TatianaBalashova]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY ok thank you! gosh that would be quite expensive with a few coats (( I was thinking of using Country Chic paint but it is even more pricey than some other options. I am actually still puzzled whether those old cabinets are laminated or veneer (saw anonther video with some cupboards of similar look to mine and they were saying it is laminated . Wonder what the different of the materials is if to see a "cut through" not sure about the term in English (the inside of the door material).

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

@@TatianaBalashova yes! That would be interesting to see the cut through and compare. Laminate tends to be a bit thicker than veneer from my experience.

[@shariharniss7745]

Thanks for explaining that! I love learning!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

I'm so glad it was helpful! It makes furniture refinishing so much easier if you know what you're working with. ☺️

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

subscribed! I just picked up a stereo stand, looks similar to teak but not sure if it is. I just realised that I'm now not sure if it is a laminate or veneer. If I cannot figure it out I might ask to send you pics to get your opinion. I was going to try and remove scratches on top and refinish but now I'm not sure!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

If the color of the stereo stand looks okay, you might try Restor-a-finish instead. It's MUCH easier than sanding and refinishing.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

But, you are welcome to send pictures of it on my IG: instagram.com/unsophisticated_diy

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY Thanks! I'll check it out!

[@zahraal-batul6964]

could you maybe do a video of how to make like a picnic garden party table ? love your videos

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

FUN! I'll look into that (perhaps when wood prices go down a bit more) 😂😂

[@zahraal-batul6964]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY yayyy thank you !

[@chutneyferret3569]

Awesome job I appreciate that so much

[@carolynscornerrr]

Hi, I have a veneer couch piece that I want to water proof and protect for outdoor use. What do you suggest I buy. Also do I have to sand it before protecting it with a sealer? Thank you

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

I usually do a scuff sand with 220 grit before top coats/sealers. My go-to for outdoor use is Helmsworth It works so well!

[@carolynscornerrr]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY thank you I really appreciate your help

[@juliannalopez4071]

This was so helpful thank you!!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Thank you so much! Happy to hear!

[@estherm7070]

Thank you so much for this important information.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Of course! Happy it helped. :)

[@nomopms1]

Greetings Chicklet! Have a question: My kitchen cupboards, circa 1989, desperately need a makeover. I tried lightly sanding, and it's like paper wads rolled off. I'm guessing laminate. I want them white, so what do I do to get them ready for paint? Much thanks!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yep! Sounds like laminate. Try also using a deglosser, a really good primer, two coats of paint, and 2-3 coats of a polycrylic.

[@nomopms1]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY Thanks!!

[@tiffanyglenn546]

Thank you! Exactly the info I was looking for. 😊

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

[@alos.h256]

I bought a dinning table from Ashley furniture (big mistake) and after a few months the top started to chip. After watching your video I think my table top is a veneered top. I want to fix it so it can look nice again, but I have no idea what kind of paint to use, or if I need to sand it. I wish I could sent you a picture 😫😢

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Oh no!! My hunch is it is probably veneered too. I would use enameled paint. It's a bit spendy but worth it (Sherwin Williams makes a good one!)! OR use a paint for touch up and do a light sand with 220 grit across the whole thing and top coat it again (polycyclic).

[@DS-qw1tp]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Thank you!

[@ilsesage]

Thank you

[@zozanahmad2168]

I have wood furniture in different shades of colour. Can you tell me how to unify the colors

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

You might try a paint wash or just painting the furniture a solid color. Getting stains to match on different woods is really tough.

[@kandy7142]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

So glad it was helpful!

[@thebritfix]

Very helpful, thank you so much

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you! ☺️

[@willtheman840]

Basically sound information. I would say that understanding is that veneer has been around a long time, often of high quality, and used on high end furniture. As you say, it is a wood product. I have seen that even something really thick, like one by fours on top of a piece, is a type of veneer. Laminate is that artificial stuff, which can still be of good quality. I still am learning about the subject, and determining whether either one is over wood or particle board.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yes! Great points. Thanks for your comment.

[@indoinspector6218]

For expert furniture, we can identified with knocked the panel to knowing is solid or veneer

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

That's a whole notha level! 😆

[@Biztalkcontrolcenter]

good one

[@GaXiTin]

Can I glue a veneer layer on top of a laminate layer?

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Totally! I haven't tried it, but it's very possible. I would do a really good scuff sand beforehand.

[@toniagarcia2885]

So helpful..Thank you 😊

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

You're very welcome. Thank you for your comment!

[@Alesya81]

Girrrrlllllll y have no idea how helpful this to me lol I been thinking about refinishing one desk and it has I believe laminat stuff on top.. very plastic

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yes, it sounds like laminate. Definitely best to prime and paint or use a gel stain (if you want a wood look).

[@mastiffmom2592]

I’m hoping I have to thicker piece of veneer on one of the pieces I’m going to do. Everybody says to not sand through the veneer but what can you do, if anything, if you do sand through it? Would you have to paint it?

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yeah, just be super careful not to sand too far down. If you notice you're sanding too much-- sometimes you have to use some type of wood filler to smooth out the surface so you won't see big divets in the paint. (😂😂Ask me how I know)

[@mastiffmom2592]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY 😂🙈

[@mastiffmom2592]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY oh trust me, I’m a rookie. My middle name is Mistake. 💯😆💕

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

@@mastiffmom2592 haha! It's how we learn, right? 😆

[@sherrypayton6871]

I didn’t watch the whole thing, But mini antiques have nice wood veneers on top of them. They use the veneers to give variation in color. Having a wood veneer does not necessarily make an antique less desirable.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Thanks for your comment Sherry.

[@biggdogg35810]

Someone, HELP: are Walmart’s Mainstays bookshelves veneer or laminate???

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

It's probably particle board with printed paper that looks like wood glued to it.

[@biggdogg35810]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY is it possible to sand and paint this? I have a black one that I want to give a cherry wood look.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

@@biggdogg35810 if there is, I'm not aware of how. :(

[@ShereenMSalah]

It was super helpful.. thanks a million

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Yay! So glad to hear!

[@juliantruong7707]

I wish I had seen this video hours ago before sanding my furniture. Still can't tell if my furniture is veneer or laminate.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Hmm.... send me a picture on IG and I'll see if I can help you. (@unsophisticated_diy)

[@melissanerby7668]

@@UnsophisticatedDIY I can’t find your Instagram

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

​@@melissanerby7668 It's instagram.com/unsophisticated_diy

[@captainvlog]

You lost me on vinier is a solid wood.

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Oooh, I'll explain a bit more here: veneer is a very thin piece of wood and laminate is a plastic material (faux wood).

[@adelafirme]

veneer👊YASsssssss

[@LukeMackaman]

Pronouncing veneer like vignette is triggering me 😂

[@UnsophisticatedDIY]

Hahahahaah!

[@sth8559]

She's pronouncing it correctly...?

[@LukeMackaman]

@@sth8559 No, she says it like “ven-year” where there’s a slight pause in the middle and she’s making a “y” sound. There should be no pause, and no “y”

[@tibbytx1]

Let me get this right. You did a whole video about how to tell the difference but you were still guessing the difference at the end?

[@eshoebox]

Let me get this right. You watched her entire video until the end and that’s what you had to say about it? 🤡

[@sth8559]

Still can't tell the difference between veneer and laminate when there is no damage!