May 16, 2008, Newsletter Issue #80: Methods Of Installing Veneer

Tip of the Week

Prior to installation, the veneer should be allowed to either come up or go down to the substrate (material) temperature for about 48 hours. To avoid sealing in too much moisture, it is best to finish the veneer
when the humidity is less than 51%, as it may shrink when placed in a
climate-controlled environment. Make sure that both the surface to be covered and the back of the veneer are clean with no dust, dirt, oil, grease or any foreign matter. Nothing is worse than getting a piece of veneer down only to find a bump in the middle of the sheet.


Wood veneering relies on 100% adhesive. Repairing an air pocket under the veneer after it’s dry can be frustrating and complicated. The use of a veneer press to apply cold or hot veneer while using white or yellow glue is the preferred method of applying wood veneer. If a press is not available, good contact cement may be used. Look for contact cement with the highest level of solids and follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.


Atmospheric pressure is what makes a vacuum veneer press so strong. When vacuum is applied, atmospheric pressure presses down with tremendous force. Not only does this press the veneer onto the substrate, it also compresses the fibers of the materials being glued. As the fibers are compressed, the air inside of the materials is replaced with glue and within an hour, a bond is made. There are lots of good sites on the Internet offering interesting information on the subject of vacuum veneering.

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