As you can guess from our name, we at Sauers & Company Veneers have a great deal of experience working with wood veneers. Veneers are a versatile product that can be used for a variety of projects, from dressing up larger pieces such as tables or cabinets, to crafting small pieces such as jewelry or trinket boxes. To help you get the best results from your veneer projects, in this article our team will provide three expert tips for working with these thin sheets of wood.
- Prepare Your Surfaces Properly- The first tip that we at Sauers & Company Veneers have to offer is to always make sure that your surfaces–both your veneers and the substrate you will be applying them to–are properly prepared. Most substrates should be scuffed with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper in order to ensure that the adhesive can bond properly. Many paper-backed veneers will also need to be scuffed like this, but most raw wood veneers should need no special preparation.
- Use the Right Glue- Another tip for working with wood veneers is to use the right glue to apply them. The most common mistake that our team sees with veneering is using yellow wood glue, which is a poor choice due to its tendency to bleed through. In our experience, standard cold press veneer glue is often the best option, and we are happy to provide specific recommendations.
- Use the Right Amount- The third tip that we at Sauers & Company Veneers want to pass along has to do with how to apply glue, and how much to use. First, always apply glue to the substrate, never to the wood veneers. Second, make sure that your substrate surface is evenly coated with glue, and is not dripping wet with it. A good way to reach the right level of glue is to make a pencil mark on the substrate before you start applying, and make sure to stop once you have an even coat but can still easily see the mark through the wet adhesive.