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Helpful Hints for Applying Veneer with Contact Cement
The use of a veneer press, either a vacuum, cold or hot press using white or yellow glue, is the preferred method of applying wood veneer. If press is not available, good contact cement may be used. Look for contact cement with the highest level of solids and follow the adhesive manufacturer instructions. (Flammable contact cement most often works better than nonflammable.)
1. It is critical to the application to thoroughly stir the adhesives before each use, just as in painting. The solids and solvents must be mixed to form the best contact. Most people overlook this very important step. It is also critical to dry thoroughly — lightly touch to check if it is dry. If even the lest bit tacky, allow to dry thoroughly. Store cans of finishes and contact cement off the floor during winter months.
ALSO, IT IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL to use maximum pressure when smoothing out the veneer. DO NOT USE A "J" ROLLER to smooth out flexible veneer. Instead use a scrap piece of wood approximately 12" long and 6" wide as a veneer scraper. Lightly sand the 6" edge to take the sharpness away and create a slight radius, the smaller the radius the better as it will produce the greatest pressure. A 1/16" radius will produce 4 time more pressure than a 1/4" radius. Holding the scraper with both hands and using it like a wooden squeegee smooth out the veneer from the center outward to the edges
2. While paper-backed veneer is intended for interior use, it can be used on an exterior surface only if an expoxy application is used. Call for details.
3. Veneer must be bonded to a suitable substrate of a reliable quality. MDF (medium density fiberboard) is the most stable substrate, followed by industrial particleboard, veneer-core plywood, and the least stable substrate is hardwood.
4. We do not recommend direct application to drywall, plaster walls, concrete walls or cardboard products, as delamination may occur. Veneer should be applied to MDF substrate to cover these surfaces. Installation over sub-strates that have been treated with a fire-retardant agent is not recom-mended.
5. When veneering over bending plywood materials, we have found that laminating an 1/8” MDF over the surface makes it more stable (1/8” MDF can bend around a 2’ - 3’ radius).
6. Prior to installation, the veneer should be allowed to “climatize” with the substrate in the same environment for about 48 hours. Make sure that both the surface to be covered and the back of the veneer are free of dust, dirt, oil, grease or any foreign matter.
7. To avoid sealing in too much moisture, it is best to finish the veneer when the humidity is less than 51%, as it may shrink when placed in a climate-controlled environment.
8. Wood veneers rely 100% on the adhesive. Ask your supplier which content cement contains the most solids. Even though it is more expensive, it will go much farther and will be less costly in the long run. Both the veneer back and the substrate require 100% contact cement coverage. Often, as with plywood, bending board or any other porous substrate a second coat is recommended on the substrate, as the first coat may be partially absorbed. The first coat is acting as a sealer, the second coat is the glue.
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Helpful Hints Page Two >>
More Helpful Veneer Hints:
How to Judge Spray Adhesive Coverage
Veneer Installation Reminders
Contact Cement Troubleshooting
PSA Veneer Application Guide
Iron On Veneer / PVA Glue Method
How Veneer is Cut
Veneer Matching Techniques
Glossary of Veneer Terms : A - F
Glossary of Veneer Terms : G - L
Glossary of Veneer Terms : M - R
Glossary of Veneer Terms : S - Z
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Paul. H. Steflo Builders Inc. Greensburg, PA |
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Michael W. Horizon Wood Works San Marcos, CA |
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| DISCLAIMER: Since Oakwood Veneer Company has no control over the use of the flexible wood products, no warranty is expressed or implied. Each sheet of veneer reacts differently in various conditions. Always test a small panel of veneer prior to the veneer installation to confirm your method of application. The procedures described herein are intended for use by persons having professional skills. |
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