How to Veneer Wood: 13 Steps

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Veneering wood, which has always been considered a long and complex operation, has become easier and easier over the years. Several varieties of easily applicable veneers have appeared on the market and, nowadays, anyone can carry out such an operation. Using quick-setting glue is one of the simplest ways to lay the veneer and achieve a lasting result. Follow the steps in this article to learn how to veneer.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Materials

Step 1. Choose between a veneer made by peeling and a veneer made by shearing

In general, the veneers obtained by peeling are not particularly appreciated, being those used to produce plywood. However, they are available in wider sheets and are more attractive for large-scale projects. The veneers produced by blanking have the appearance of the original wood and their use allows extremely detailed results to be obtained.

Step 2. When purchasing a set of veneers, choose between the later sheet variant and the mixed sheet variant

The first is made up of sheets cut in succession, so that the wood grain on the various sheets match each other (this allows you to create particularly interesting effects). Using mixed sheets can lead to a more "natural" result.

Step 3. Decide which method to use to apply the veneers

The simplest to install are adhesive veneers but, if you already have experience in this field, you can use the method explained in the next section.

These veneers are applied as an adhesive label; however, read the enclosed instructions, in case the product requires a particular use

Step 4. Choose the surface to be veneered

Veneers must be bonded to a base material. Generally it is other wood (if you are veneering a door or a cabinet, for example) or a cheaper material, such as MDF.

Step 5. Choose the type of adhesive

If the climate in your area is dry, just use yellow glue or carpenter's glue; if you live in a humid place, these types of glue could compromise the strength of the veneer: in this case, it is better to opt for a glue designed specifically for veneering.

There are many methods of veneering with these glues. Choose wisely, especially if you live in a humid climate area

Part 2 of 2: Applying the Veneer

Step 1. Cut the veneer

Cut out the veneer to give it the right size; leave a minimum margin. More than half an inch of margin could cause the veneer to crack.

Step 2. Apply glue to the surface to be veneered

Using a small roller, pass the glue over the surface to be veneered. Roll the roller back and forth, like you would paint a wall; cover the entire area evenly.

Step 3. Glue the veneer

Do the same thing to apply the glue to the veneer, making sure to cover the entire area. There should be no glue-free spots.

Step 4. Let the glue dry

Wait for the glue to dry slightly, it should feel sticky to the touch without sticking to your fingers or arm hair. It usually takes 5-10 minutes to wait.

Step 5. Apply a sheet of wax paper

Place a sheet of paraffin paper on the surface to be veneered. During alignment, the sheet will remain between the surface to be veneered and the veneer, helping you to carry out the operation precisely.

Step 6. Align the veneer

Line up the corners of the veneer with those of the surface to be veneered, then press lightly to make the two surfaces adhere, gradually removing the paraffin paper sheet.

Step 7. Smooth out the veneer

Flatten the veneer with one hand, starting in the center and moving towards the edges. Press firmly to make the veneer adhere well. Finish everything off by wiping a flat object, such as a putty knife, over the veneer. Pass the tool in one direction and then in the other, just like you did to apply the glue.

Do not use a roller, as the pressure exerted would be weak and uneven

Step 8. Refine the edges

Cut out the edges using a utility knife and finish the edges with fine-grit sandpaper (180-220).

Advice

A useful method to check the correctness of the alignment is to cut out a sheet of paraffin paper giving it the same dimensions as the veneer (leaving a little margin on one of the sides) and place it between the surface to be veneered and the veneer. This should allow you to position the veneer in the best possible way before removing the wax paper.
To eliminate any air bubbles left on the veneer, make tiny incisions with a cutter. Follow the direction of the wood grain to make the cuts.

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