How to Work With Wood Veneers
Wood veneer is basically just a layer of very thin wood that is placed over other materials to make it appear as if the item is solid wood. It is a very old form of deception, and in modern times has come to include plastic laminates on top of the wood, and even fake wood. Veneers traditionally were glued on to the surface, but today, it's easy to find "peel 'n' press" veneer that allows you to install it without a separate application of adhesive. Cabinets, shelves, tables and many other types of furniture with flat surfaces are common veneer projects. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Vibrating hand sander
- Tape measure
- Square
- Pencil
- Wood veneer sheets (peel and press)
- Razor knife
- Fist-sized block of wood
- Small towel
Instructions
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1
Use a hand sander to dull each surface where you're going to apply veneer. Get the surfaces flat and free of shine. Wipe up the dust.
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2
Measure the dimensions of the first area. Mark out those dimensions on a sheet of wood veneer that's bigger than the area, using a pencil and square. Add an inch all around so there will be an overhang.
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3
Cut the piece along the marked lines, using a razor knife.
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4
Peel off the paper from the back of the veneer piece and press it onto the surface. It should overhang by an inch all around.
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5
Wrap the block of wood in a dishtowel and press it over the surface of the veneer. Move from one end to the other, working out any air bubbles and getting the veneer firmly set on the surface.
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6
Cut off the excess veneer by running the razor knife along the edges. Repeat this procedure for each area you want to veneer.
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