Replies

1. 
   DonStephan | Dec 11, 2003 04:17am | #1

   Pages and pages could be written in answer to your questions. I'd suggest you look at some of the old discussions on the forum at http://www.vacupress.com to get started. Veneering is a lot of fun, but I have studiously avoided paper backed for raw veneer, which I buy at http://www.certainlywood.com. And for glues, I have used a couple times Titebond but for the most part use Unibond, which I buy at the first site. Wealth of info on paper back, glues, clamping, ... at the veneering forum above. Primary suggestion would be to practice on scrap first. Good luck.

2. 
   jackiechan | Dec 11, 2003 09:22am | #2

   Jon,

   For paper backed veneer, your best option (but by no means the only one) is a neoprene based contact cement.  I'd recommend Titebond's Neoprene Plus Contact Cement.  It can usually be found at the home centers and/or good hardware stores.  (The can has a green label - the red label version is solvent based, which you don't want.)  A J-roller can also be found in the same locations - look in the vinyl flooring or counter top aisles.

   To apply: clean both the veneer and the substrate - vacuum it thoroughly and blast it with air if you can.  Next, using either a brush or small adhesives roller, apply a liberal coat of adhesive to the veneer and the substrate, and let it dry so that it is slightly tacky to the touch - then, apply a second coat.  For this next step I use wax paper, but thin wooden dowels can be used just as easily.  When the second coat is dried to a tacky state, lay staggered sheets of *wax paper across the width of the panel.  Next lay the veneer on top of the wax paper - this will allow you to move it into position without it instantly bonding to the substrate - you only get one chance - they don't call it contact cement for nothing!  Starting from the middle, carefully slide out the center sheet of wax paper, and press the veneer to the substrate with your hand.  Use the J-roller to apply firm pressure starting from the center outwards - this helps to eliminate air bubbles from being trapped.  Now just pull out each sheet of wax paper - one at a time and starting from the center and working outwards - and repeat the process.  Once all the paper is out, give one final pass with the J-roller, and its done! 

   Always cut the veneer larger than the panel and trim it to fit once the adhesive has cured.

   If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

   Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.