| Wood-Veneer Basics |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-612 |
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Q: Can you show me how to apply veneer? A: (Bruce Johnson, DIY woodworking pro and author) Veneer is a very thin layer of real wood (figure A) that is applied over a foundation of plywood, particle board or less expensive types of wood. It is used to cover wide expanses -- particularly in furniture-making -- to give less spectacular wood the appearance of fine, attractively grained hardwood (figure B). - For example, beautifully grained oak or cherry can be sliced into very thin sheets of veneer, then applied over an ordinary door to make the door look as if it's made of solid hardwood.
- When applying veneer, contact cement is frequently used rather than ordinary woodworker's glue. In some applications, a vacuum press is used to help bond the veneer to the substrate beneath it. In our demonstration, we applied veneer to a small piece of scrap poplar using contact cement.
- Apply contact cement evenly over the entire back surface of the veneer using a paintbrush (figure C). Be sure to cover every square inch.
- Repeat the process on the surface of the wood foundation (or substrate) onto which the veneer is to be applied.
- Carefully position and press the two surfaces together.
Tip: Once the glued pieces come into contact, they bond permanently. To avoid accidentally sticking the veneer sheet in the wrong position, place a piece of wax paper between the surfaces as you get the pieces in the proper position (figure D). - Use a roller to press the two pieces together and remove any air-bubbles from beneath the veneer (figure E).
- Allow the veneer to dry according to the directions that come with the cement. Trim off excess veneer along the edges using a razor knife.
- Veneer is also often used to conceal the layers along the edges of plywood (figure F).
- Edging veneer in several common widths can be purchased in rolls (figure G ) at home centers and cabinet stores.
- Edging veneer comes with glue already applied to the backing. Simply lay the veneer carefully along the edge), and use a hot iron to activate the glue and form the bond (figure H). Keep the iron moving to avid scorching the wood.
- Alternatively, you can use a band-saw or table-saw to cut strips of hardwood yourself to create edging veneer. Set the saw-blade to cut 1/8-inch strips.
- In this case, simply use woodworker's glue to secure the edge-veneer to the wood. Apply the glue, position the pre-cut strip carefully (figure I), and use clamps or masking tape to secure the veneer to the substrate (figure J) as the glue dries.
Tip: If your veneer becomes brittle before you've had a chance to apply it, dampen it slightly with water using a sponge or spray bottle to soften it back up.
RESOURCES :
The Weekend Refinisher:
How to Make the Most of Your Furniture-A Step-by-Step Guide
Author: Bruce E. Johnson
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 034535866X
The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
Author: Bruce Johnson
ISBN: 0345372972
Ballantine Books
Fine Woodworking
A magazine devoted to high-quality craftsmanship in woodworking.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Woodworker's Guide to Wood: Softwoods, Hardwoods, Plywoods, Composite, Veneers
Model: 080836878
Author: Rick Peters
(2000)
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
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