Cabinet Refacing     Veneering Tips     Veneer Cuts

TIPS FOR EDGEBANGING OR VENEERING
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The best way by far for applying veneer is our Vacuum Bag Systems, use a fast drying premium wood glue for this application. Or, contact cement as explained below.

FIGURING AMOUNT OF VENEER NEEDED:

Our Peel & Stick veneer is stocked in 2' x 8'. Our wood backer & 10mil veneer comes in 4' x 8'.
Measure the width and height of the area and divide it by 144. This will give you the sq. ft. needed for each piece. Each 2' x 8' sheet has 16sq. ft and 4 x 8' are 32 sq. ft. Figure at
least one extra sheet for waste. You can sketch out a lay-out drawing to help you figure
out the yield per sheet for your sizes needed. For strips of veneer for doing face frames,
simply figure how many 8' long strips you can yield from a sheet accordingly.
 

Veneering Tips Using Contact Cement:

1. Cut with straight edge and utility knife or scissors
2. Prepare to glue your veneer with contact cement. Make sure substrate is free of dust and particles. Lumps will show up. Pre-fit all pieces prior to contacting, use reference marks to line up veneer, always cut veneer to hang over and trim off later. On raw wood, always seal the surface prior to contact cementing with a sealer or contact cement.
3. We do not recommend water-base contact cement with veneer. Use solvent-based and we have found that any brand has been good.
4. Use a scraper such as a edge of hardwood, not a j-roller. Scrape the veneer after contacted from the center to the outer edges. You can trim veneer edges with the grain with a VIRUTEX Double Edge Trimmer. And across the grain with a utility knife. Sometimes cutting from the back works also.
5. 10mil is the standard in paper-backed veneers and works very well.  
   NBL Veneer  or 2ply is a higher quality and has less chance of common problems occurring.
6. Use thin wood lattes to hold veneer away from substrate when applying.
7. Practice on scrap pieces first.
8. Be very careful when sanding not to sand through the veneer.
9. Use the right tools for the job. Contact Cement Roller Covers work well and fast.

Veneering Tips Hot Melt or Peel and Stick:

1. Cut with straight edge and utility knife or scissors
2. Make sure substrate is free of dust and particles. Lumps will show up.
3. Hot Melt must be heated well and thorough. As the glue is cooling, use a wood scraper. 
   Hot Melt cannot be pre-finished before installation.
4. Peel & Stick needs a smooth, non-porous surface to stick to. Sanding the surface prior to installation is not recommended. It will not stick to raw wood. 
   Peel the backer off then heat with a hair dryer. Line up exact, then press on with J-Roller. 
   Peel & Stick can be pre-finished before installation. This material is mainly used in strips and for Cabinet Refacing. 
5. Pre-fit all pieces prior to contacting, use reference marks to line up veneer, always cut veneer to hang over and trim off later. 
6. Use a scraper such as a edge of hardwood, not a j-roller. Scrape the veneer after contacting, go from the center to the outer edges. You can trim veneer edges with the grain with a VIRUTEX Double Edge Trimmer. And across the grain with a utility knife. Sometimes cutting from the back works also.

Edgebanding Tips:

1. Heat iron to "cotton" setting for Pre-Glued Veneer.  
   Melamine & Polyester require less heat.
2. Make sure substrate is free of dust and particles. 
   Always cut veneer to hang over and trim off later. 
3. Place the edgebanding on the surface to be covered. 
   Apply a limited amount to bond the two together. 
4. Use a J-Roller to press the edgebanding as the glue is cooling. You can trim veneer edges with the grain with a VIRUTEX Double Edge Trimmer. And across the grain with a utility knife. Sometimes cutting from the back works also.

MORE TIPS & WARRANTY:

Wood veneer is a natural product, which requires care when using. The following variables contribute to the success or failure of any veneer project: Adhesives, substrates, conditioning the veneer and substrate, fabrication techniques, balancing, installation, and environmental conditions. Always follow manufacturer recommendations as similar product directions may vary.

Please inspect your veneer product thoroughly before application. If there are questions pertaining to grade or quality issues, please notify' the supplier. Once the material is applied to the substrate, the material becomes the fabricator's responsibility.

Materials should be properly conditioned before they are used. The standard recommendation is that both the veneer and substrate should be stored in the same environment for 5 days to ensure their moisture content is in equilibrium. Extreme temperature/humidity fluctuations will affect both the veneer and substrate. High humidity levels will cause veneer to expand/buckle, while extremely dry conditions will cause veneer to shrink. Both the veneer and substrate should be free of paint, grease, dirt, dust, oil, or any other foreign matter. Substrate surfaces must be sanded with 80 grit sandpaper and entire area dusted clean. Good bonds depend upon smooth, clean, dry surfaces.

Solvent-based adhesives work best with veneer products. Water based products should be avoided. The adhesive should be applied uniformly to both the substrate and veneer. 100% glue coverage is recommended. This is especially critical to the edges and areas where veneer sheets butt together. Any areas void of glue adhesive can bubble. If the substrate is porous and absorbs adhesive, a second coat is required. The veneer back should be coated also. Follow the glue manufacturer recommendation on open time before bonding the veneer to the substrate.

Keep in mind the open time is affected by humidity and temperature. Adhesives, which contain higher solid contents, perform better. Adhesives should always be stirred or agitated before use. This is particularly necessary with large containers. See manufacturer recommendations.

(1) Using water based products immediately raises moisture content and can cause delimitation.

(2) Too little or uneven distribution of glue can cause delimitation.

(3) Bonding before adhesive solvent has evaporated or after open time has expired can cause delimitation.

Bonding

To ensure intimate contact necessary for an adequate bond, sufficient pressure should be applied over the entire area using as much pressure possible without damaging the veneer. Platten presses and bag presses work very well. If this option is not available use a fiber knife or veneer scraper and start in the center of the veneer sheet working out. Always work in the same direction as the grain of the veneer. The edges should always be scraped twice. A standard "J" roller is not recommended.

Finishing

The adhesive should dry a minimum of 48 hours before finishing. High-grade petroleum based urethanes and acrylic-based lacquers reduce the risk of veneer checking. These finishes provide a good moisture barrier. Always seal the back of panels if raw or unsealed. Follow the recommendations of the finish manufacturers.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Seller warrants merchandise to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Customer assumes all responsibility and liability for use and results of materials purchased under this agreement. Seller makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, except as stated herein. Seller's liability under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of material and/or merchandise proved defective.

No credit or claim for material returned to Seller will be allowed until such return has had prior approval. Terms for return of merchandise will be stated when written approval is sent. Seller will not accept any claims for adjustment under its warranty or any requests for return of material after ninety (30) days following shipment of such material.

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