To attach veneer, the basic process involves applying adhesive to the substrate, positioning the veneer, and applying pressure to bond them. Based on the provided information, a common and stable method involves veneering both sides of a panel simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Veneer Attachment
Attaching veneer, especially to a panel substrate like MDF or plywood, often requires applying veneer to both the "face" (visible) side and the "back" (less visible or unseen) side. This helps prevent the panel from warping due to unbalanced moisture absorption or tension created by the veneer.
Here's a process for attaching veneer to both sides of a substrate panel, drawing directly from the reference:
- Prepare the back side: apply the glue to the back side of the substrate and lay the backer veneer onto that surface. This backer veneer balances the tension created by the face veneer.
- Prepare the face side: Then quickly move on to applying veneer glue to the face side of the panel. Speed is important to ensure you can apply pressure while the glue is still effective.
- Position the face veneer: Put the face veneer in place.
- Apply pressure: get it under clamping pressure as soon as possible. Pressure is essential for ensuring good contact between the veneer and the substrate and achieving a strong, lasting bond.
Why Apply Both Sides?
Applying a veneer (sometimes called a "backer") to the opposite side of the panel from the "face" veneer helps create a balanced construction. Wood and wood products expand and contract with changes in humidity. When veneer is applied to only one side, this movement can cause the panel to cup or warp. By applying a backer veneer, you balance these forces, leading to a more stable panel.
Attaching veneer requires careful application of adhesive and sufficient pressure over the entire surface until the glue cures. Following a balanced approach as described ensures stability and durability.
