How to Clamp Wood Veneer with Blocks

Wood veneer can make almost any inexpensive wood appear more elegant and desirable. When wood veneer becomes damaged or when bubbles appear under a veneer surface it may become necessary to repair or patch the veneer.As long as matching veneer can be found, making a repair to a veneer surface is relatively easy, using nothing more than melamine or wooden blocks, C-clamps and a dash of good wood glue.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Melamine Blocks
• C-Clamp(s)
• Wood Glue
• X-acto Knife
• Clean Damp Cloth
• [Wax Paper
• Wood Blocks]

How to Clamp Wood Veneer With Blocks

1. Spread a light even coating of a good wood glue on the area that is to be patched and then carefully lay your cut piece of veneer over the glue. Make certain that you have matched the color and grain pattern of the veneer patch as closely as possible with the grain and color of the original piece. Use your X-acto knife if necessary to trim your veneer to exactly the correct size. Press the veneer down firmly with your fingers, working as much glue as possible out from under the veneer. Use your damp cloth to wipe away any excess glue.

2. There are two types of blocks that can be used to clamp a repair that is being made to a veneer surface. The most desirable type is a Melamine block. This is a piece of (generally) composite material with a smooth coating of Melamine on each side. Your hardware dealer can supply you with Melamine. Melamine is an excellent choice when clamping veneer as wood glues do not bind it to the veneer surface.The other alternative is to use a smooth board such as spruce or cedar or even half inch thick (or greater) plywood. Place a piece of waxed paper over the glued veneer and then place the wooden clamping block on top of the waxed paper.

3. Now, either place a Melamine block that is slightly larger than the area being patched directly on the veneer or place a sheet of waxed paper and then a smooth wooden block slightly larger than the patch over the glued veneer. Use one or more C-Clamps to firmly clamp the block onto the veneer surface. Do not hesitate to use multiple C-Clamps for even a moderately-sized patch job--the idea is to make the pressure on the clamping block as even as possible all the way across the block. Wipe away any excess glue with your damp cloth.Allow to dry for 24 hours.

4. Remove your C-Clamps and your block from the repaired surface. If there is any glue on the veneer surface carefully scrape it off using a putty knife. Scrape with the grain of the wood (never across the grain) and work slowly and carefully so as not to damage the veneer.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use an excessive amount of glue when gluing veneer. A very thin, even coat is more than enough.
• Waxed paper is not necessary if you use a Melamine clamping block.
• Be certain to wipe away any excess glue that is forced out from under your veneer patch using a damp cloth.
• When scraping off excess dried glue be certain to use caution and work slowly so as not to damage your veneer surface.