Hello, Keith:
I am not a cabinet expert, but I know a few possible solutions. However, I
ask you to remember the motto doctors are supposed to follow, "Do no harm."
(That's what they say in TV shows, anyway). If these bumps/separations really
bug you, which they apparently do, there a few things you can try.
Humidity and dampness are the most common causes of veneer problems. The old
glues used "back in the day" deteriorate too. Horsehide glue can crystallize
and allow veneers to separate. If the surfaces are flat, you can place a
cloth, or piece of cardboard over the loosened areas and use a flat iron to
liquefy the old glue crystals. Be very careful not to damage the finish on the
affected areas.
If you can get the sections of veneer to separate at all, a syringe can be
used to inject new glue under the veneer. You then clamp and brace the veneer
just like you would a new project. Sometimes it is better to work on small
sections at a time, than to try to fix the entire problem at once.
Whatever you try, be careful not to make the problem worse. If the cabinet
is a nice one, you might consider paying a professional wood worker, or an
experienced hobbyist to tackle the project for you. Spending a little money on
the project would be better than spending the rest of your life saying, "That
was a decent cabinet, until I tried to fix it."
Now, the real experts can step in and have the floor.
Good luck,
Randy
