antique restoration question

My mom's antique Singer sewing machine cabinet for her treadle machine was in my sister's garage for a long time and the veneer on the part that closes over the machine has come loose.

ALso the finish is a mess with drips from something and white paint splotches.

How do I fix the top? Should I refinish first and then put the veneer back (it's more like a layer of wood about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick, than true veneer)...

Did not know where to post this so put it in here...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Janie
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Janie,
The only thing I can tell you is that the least amount of work is best on antiques. There value goes down with to much refinishing.

HoniBee,

I appreciate your input... but believe me, this is such a mess is just about ruined.

My parents collected antiques and I am relatively knowledgable about them, I just don't know how to restore this poor thing.

In honor of my mom, I'd like to restore it so I can use it. I don't think I would ever sell it. I can see Momma sitting there sewing our clothes for school... it still has the same stuff she used to sew with in the drawers of the cabinet!

I will take care not to destroy the integrity of the piece, believe me. It means too much to my heart.

Love
Janie
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Know what you're talking about Janie,just gave my treadle(1893 with authentic papers,Singer)to our youngest son' His wife has this thing of stripping and redoing antiques,I'm just sick. I told them that the value is drastically reduced,sure hope she doesn't touch it either'Mine was kept inside though unlike yours,sorry to hear that too' Somewhere I read that using a steam iron carefully will relax the veneer' Then weight it down with heavy books. I know the glue(original) is probably no good at this point either,weather takes a toll on it'
My old gal had water marks from spills and all I did was keep plenty of lemon oil on the cabinet' The top I covered with a antique large doily(sp) that draped(sp not good today,lol) over the sides and the top was disguised well' But that's the "country"in me,keep everything except dh covered with cloths,lol'
I'd personally call some antique dealers and ask them if they can recommend someone,you might get lucky'' Hope so' Good Luck' Sis'

Hi JanieJoy,
We have an antique oak library table
with thick, curved, feet. The feet were
covered in oak veneer, but the previous
owners of the table had used it as a
kitchen table, then had stored it in
their damp basement for 30 years.
The veneer on the feet had rotted away.
So, we brought it home, stripped the painted table,
removed the veneer on the feet,
then took it to a neighbor
who does vintage furniture repair.
He applied new, oak veneer to the feet
and then we finished the piece with
stain and polyurethane.
It's a beauty! :-)
'Just call around in your area
to see if you can find a wood-worker
or a lumberyard that sells wood veneer.
I'm not a furniture restoration expert,
but I would just
prep the area on your sewing machine's cabinet,
glue the veneer with wood glue,
and you should be all set.
Good luck with your project! :-)

Use a hypodermic needle to glue your veneer back down.You can get them at the drugstore. Suck your wood glue up in them and inject just enough to stick the veneer back down without peeling it up any more.Softening it with steam is a good idea,just be careful. If you have not messed with this kind of stuff before,get a professional. You kinda have to have a 'feel' for this kind of work and have tons of patience.If you have any doubts,you'll be money and stress ahead to get a pro.
It doesn't sound hopeless as long as you don't do any more harm to it.

Check out some sites on the net....here's one that might give you some ideas: http://www.refinishfurniture.com/newsletters/arc2001-03.htm