Finishing cherry veneer particle board

[Gnovice17]

I recently was able to purchase unfinished furniture/cabinet grade cherry veneer particle board of various sizes at a ridiculously low price.  I plan to make a wide screen tv stand and some other small pieces of furniture.  I need help on how to finish it.  It is sanded and edge banded.
Can you use an oil finish or will it affect the glue of the veneer? If I decide to stain it darker, what type of stain.  I have never dealt with a veneered surface before. Any pointers will be helpful

 

[tiralie]

Can you use an oil finish or will it affect the glue of the veneer?

Yes. It won't affect the glue unless you are soaking it in it for some time.

If I decide to stain it darker, what type of stain.  I have never dealt with a veneered surface before. Any pointers will be helpful

If you don't have experience staining cherry, you will need to make plenty of test panels.
The easiest stain to apply and get a good result is a wiping stain. A gel based stain works well on wood like cherry that can be difficult. General finishes, Old Masters and Sherwin Williams make good wipe on/wipe off stains. Gel stains are the easiest to use on blotchy wood like cherry, but the do obscure grain.

Test test, and test again!
Tim

 

[Gnovice17]

Thanks for your help.  I tested the veneer with a light coat of waterlox.  The color was great.  It did not affect the glue yet. I just didn't know if something like waterlox or watco Danish oil would affect the glue of the veneer long term.

I had considered dyeing first and then spray lacquer to get a darker color.