HERE ARE SOME SPECIAL REMINDERS FOR APPLYING VENEER
USE A STIFF SCRAPER
Use a stiff scraper.IT IS EXTREMELY CRITICAL to use maximum pressure when smoothing out the veneer.
DO NOT USE A “J” ROLLER to smooth out flexible veneer. Instead, use a piece of scrap wood approximately 12″ long and 6″ wide as a veneer scraper. Lightly sand the 6″ edge to take the sharpness away and create a slight radius. The smaller the radius, the better as it will produce the greatest pressure. A 1/16″ radius will produce 4 times more pressure than a 1/4″ radius. Holding the scraper with both hands and using it like a wooden squeegee, smooth out the veneer from the center outward to the edges.
Have an iron ready
Have an iron ready. A warm iron (set between wool and cotton) may reactivate the cement and flatten the “bubbles” if enough contact cement was applied in the first place. If cement is too scant, the bubbles will pop back up.
When you put the iron on the veneer, be sure to use a piece of grocery bag-type craft paper under it to keep the veneer face clean.
Keep the iron in motion. Never keep it in one place or you might soften the factory adhesive and cause the veneer to loosen from the backer sheet. If veneer should come loose under heat, then reheat and scrape hard until the area cools down again.
Shine on It!
Shine a light cross the wood grain and quickly deal with any imperfections you see. Be satisfied all is okay before proceeding with finishing steps.
Stick to It!
Stick to it! Coat both surfaces with adhesive. If you spray, apply the contact cement. Do not apply dry, scant, open web patter. Apply 100% coverage so no empty spots are left. Be sure to start the clock. Be sure to honor manufacturer’s instructions.
