Iron On Veneer Vs. Contact Cement Veneer
When it comes to adhesives for veneers, there are two types most people typically look for in hardware and home improvement stores: iron-on glues and contact cement. There are diehard fans of both types. Some prefer contact cement because it bonds quickly. Others like the forgiving nature of iron-on glues. It’s always best to follow the recommendations of the veneer manufacturer in making a choice, as some veneers are better suited for iron-on glues and others work best with contact cement. Does this Spark an idea?
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Iron-On Glues
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Iron-on glues are used as an alternative to contact cement. The glues are white or yellow in color and bond veneers to substrate surfaces with a common household pressing iron. Yellow glues are typically used with medium to dark-colored woods, such as elm, oak and mahogany, and the white glue is used for lighter woods, such as ash and maple. Iron-on glues can be used with either raw veneers or paper-backed veneers. The glues are applied to substrate surfaces such as medium-density fiberboard, particleboard or cabinet-grade plywood with a brush or roller. In cases where you might need to reapply glue, it is best to remove the old glue to prevent it from delaminating when the heat from the iron is applied.
Contact Cement
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Contact cement is often considered a universal adhesive for flooring types. It is a petroleum-based adhesive that also includes chemicals such as toluene, hexane and acetone, and it is highly flammable. Contact cement sets up and dries quickly. This is why you have to exercise caution when using contact cement with veneers because once it’s on -- it is on. You won’t have time to experiment with positioning the veneer. Contact cement is suitable for veneers that have a paper backing. Do not use it on raw veneers because it can seep through the fibers and spoil the grains.
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Similarities
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When correctly applied, contact cement and iron-on glues create a long-lasting bond and give veneer projects a smooth look. However, both types of adhesives require careful handing during the application process. You have to be very diligent when applying the glue to the substrate material and the back of the veneer. If either type drips onto the face of the veneer, you must scrape it up immediately to avoid marring the surface.
Differences
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Irons-on glues typically require two coats because the first coat has a tendency to absorb into the substrate material. Once iron-on white or yellow glue is applied, it needs time to air or “skin up” so it is almost dry to the touch before you lay down the veneer piece and apply the iron. Yellow iron-on glue is known to dry quicker than white formulations. This can be beneficial in terms of reducing the drying time needed before ironing. Unlike iron-on glues, contact cement dries on contact, hence the name. As a result, you have to work quickly and accurately lay down the raw or paper veneer. Iron-on glues, on the other hand, are more forgiving because they stay wet and malleable until they dry. And since iron-on glues require drying time, you typically have to wait about two hours before doing any trimming and another 24 hours for the glue to fully cure.
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References
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