Refinishing Veneer Furniture

We have a unique layout to our house. It is a split-level (not split-foyer). The first room at the front door is an open living room. It is great for entertaining, yet we don't really use it a lot. In addition, it has a large picture window with a nice view to our back yard and the setting sun. For some time, I thought it would be cool to have a writing desk facing out that window. Perhaps then, I would spend more time in this living room. Although I wanted a desk, I didn't want a behemoth hunk of furniture taking up space. Nor, did I want to spend much money. Then, the opportunity came. I was at a garage sale and found a nice three-drawer desk with sliding out top. It was the ideal size and shape for what I wanted. Not only was it ideal in dimension, but the thing was solidly built and only $15.  I showed my wife it. She was not impressed with the color, or with the idea of buying a new piece of furniture. I told her I could change the color. While we were 'discussing' as to whether or not to get it, the man selling it told us we could take it for $10. 

And of course, I took it home and checked it over. The desk was made with thick MDF and covered with veneer. A quality veneer, not that painted on crap. Thus, I had two options for recoloring it. Painting. (Oh. But I loathe covering up beautiful wood texture.) Or, staining. (Which is really what I wanted to do.)  Either way I had to start by sanding it. I examined the veneer and it seemed quite thick, with my fingers crossed and a finishing sander in hand, I worked at stripping the varnish from the desk. Normally, I like to attack removing varnish like a man with a belt sander, but I didn't dare wear away the veneer. Even with the finishing sander, on a few of the thin edge strips, I ended up wearing hints of veneer away. 

After a few hours of sanding, I felt I had removed enough varnish to attempt staining.  Did I sand it enough? I applied the stain, and then wiped it off. It came off clean. "Dang!" I said. The veneer wasn't absorbing the stain. I even tried letting the stain sit for a few minute before wiping it off. I didn't know how much more I dare sand it, and I most certainly did not want to paint it. So, I thought I'd try one more trick. I applied the stain as evenly and smoothly as I could, but did not wipe it off. I let it dry. 

Once dry, I added several layers of varnish. I was relatively pleased with the results. It was not perfect, but I liked the rustic feel, and the wood-grain is still visible. The option was far superior to painting. 

Have you have your own experiences restoring furniture with veneer?  How'd it turn out? Do you have any cool tips? I'd love to hear about them. Comment below. Let me know.