I just started dying the flat panel doors I made for the kitchen and lo & behold, some of the glue lines on the veneer are visible. This was the highest grade maple ply I could find (B2 I think) and I gave it a very light sanding when assembling. Now I have some doors with really visible white lines down the middle.
Is this typical? Should I have sanded more (I didn’t want to go through the veneer)? Lastly, is there anything I can do to hide this?
Thanks, Jake
Replies
Unfortunately, that's pretty common - particularly with thin (1/4') plywood. I usually have to carefully inspect my panel plywood so I get as few "lines" as possible.
You definitely don't want to try to sand them out. If you think the lines are unattractive, wait 'til you see sand-throughs - lol.
Maybe one of the finishing guru's can suggest something.
>> This was the highest grade maple ply I could find (B2 I think)
If so, it is not a top appearence grade. The best cabinet grade is "A" and it will give you a better appearence when you clear coat it. In general, "B" grade is considered a paint grade but with careful selection you can frequently find some pretty good B2 hardwood plywood.
Edited 4/30/2006 3:55 pm ET by HowardAcheson
They previously had A2 but when I went to buy they were no longer stocking it. I don't know why. Kind of PO'd but they are the only game in town. I'm hoping I can use something to at least hide the line to match the color since right now it looks white against a cherry dye.
Any suggestions?
ohcomeon ,
As has been stated the B 2 grade is imo not always face grade material , especially in the split face veneer panel you have used . If you found the same grade B 2 , but in whole piece face the seams would not be a factor .
The only way I can think of to hide the glue lines would be to shade the color on as opposed to wiping . This method tends to really be more like spray painting and typically will produce a less transparent look and can be more opaque .
good luck dusty
Jake,
About the only way I know to correct the light seam area, is to glaze the doors. This will darken them overall slightly, but will also enhance and deepen the finish. The way I would approach is to seal and sand door, then cover the complete door with glaze and start wiping out, avoiding the lighter seam area. Allow the glaze to flash off a bit and then wipe with scotchbrite to strike out the areas where color is needed less and then use a blending brush to feather in the color over the light seams. Allow the glaze to build in the corners and panel edges. Your door should finish up with light and dark areas, but faded softly into each other. Maybe a better term would be highlites.
Make sure your panel is sealed and sanded with 320 lightly. If the color or results do not suit you, wipe off with MS and redo. As long as the glaze hasn't dried fully it shouldn't be a problem to remove with MS.
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