Wood veneers are versatile sheets of real wood that are applied on a variety of residential and commercial products and spaces. Using wood veneers allows for the creation of elegant and natural-looking surfaces without spending exorbitant amounts of money. They can be used to dress up wall panels, doors, furniture, and even art pieces. To get the best results, veneers must be properly applied to the substrate to prevent the formation of any bubbles and ripples. In this blog post, we will discuss some useful tips to help you get the best results when working with wood veneers.
1. Prepare the Surface Properly
The first step towards applying veneers is proper preparation of the target surface. Scuff the surface properly with 80 or 100 grit sandpaper to ensure a stronger bond between the surface and veneer sheet. You also need to scuff the back of the veneer as well to ensure the best adhesive bonding.
2. Use the Right Glue
There are different types of glues suitable for different types of wood veneers. Using the wrong type of glue is one of the common mistakes people make when installing veneers. For paper-backed veneers, contact cement is preferred. Standard cold press glue is ideal for natural veneers as it dries fast and requires no mixing. Additionally, it is easy to apply and is specifically made for wood veneers.
3. Use Balance Veneer to Prevent Warping
Veneer glues contain water that causes expansion of wood cells upon application. When the panel is removed from the press, the water from glue evaporates because of which the veneer shrinks. The shrinking veneer also puts stress on the substrate causing it to warp. To eliminate this issue, apply a balance veneer to the back of the substrate to even out the stress and keep the substrate flat.
4. Give Proper Time for Drying
Make sure that the veneered panels are left undisturbed for at least 4-6 six hours to let the glue dry and cure properly. Place the panels on a flat surface with support to elevate them from the surface and allow airflow beneath them. This allows even drying on both sides of the panel and prevents warping.
The Bottom Line
Wood veneers present a great option when looking to give interior surfaces and furniture an unmatched look and appeal. Proper installation is crucial to get ready value for your money. Decowood Veneers offers an array of high quality natural and engineered veneers available in different species such as oak, walnut, teak and redwood. Download the Decowood Veneers App on the App Store or Play Store and start browsing through available types of wood veneers. To get answers to all your questions about wood veneers or to discuss your requirements, call us at +91 11 4279 1399 or +91 11-4950 1499, or Toll-Free at 1800 833 0004. You can also email info@decowoodveneers.com or Send Us a Message, and we will take it from there.