any advice on applying veneers? (Off Topic)

by MikeH , Wednesday, July 18, 2007, 12:13 (6121 days ago) @ Bert

Stick on the least visible part first, then work your way around to the most visible part last. the paper shows on edges of the paper backed veneer.

PVA will be a nightmare. don't do it.

Buy very, very good contact adhesive, many cheap ones will be falling apart in a few years.

Let the contact adhesive get a lot dryer than you think it needs to be. follow directions precisely.

once the adhesive is ready place some dowels on the box about every 20cm, depending on how stiff your veneer is.
Get an assistant to help you place the veneer on the dowels in the right place.
once the position is correct lift that end slightly and remove the dowel, stick it down, an unplugged, cold clothing iron with a cloth tied over it helps you press evenly, "Iron" it on from the edge pressing firmly. working your way along SLOWLY, do not go in big circles and trap bubbles.
once the edge looks like it has started off well get your assistant to lift the far end of the veneer, just enough for you to remove the next dowel ONLY. work your way along slowly with them still holding the end up so you dont trap any bubbles. they can place it back down for a rest when you get near the next dowel.

You want to be gently pulling the veneer down onto the wood with the iron, if you put it down by its own weight you may get bubbles.

work in arcs from the centre out, so the centre is advancing first.

look for bubbles once you finish the first side, stick a thin sewing needle through any bubbles and "iron" towards the needle to squeeze the air out. then remove the needle.

let the first side cure, trim the veneer close with scissors then sand the edge flush with fine paper on a solid wooden block.

But don't take my word for it, do some research to see if you are comfortable first, I suggest buying extra veneer and practice on something else first.

Tags:
0