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Veneer Types

Veneer Basics pg 2

Veneer types

 Veneers are available in basically two major forms. Raw, meaning no backing, and paper backed. Paper backed veneer is typically thinner, which is a bit of a concern when sanding. It's a blink of an eye to sand through it. It also can leave a line at the edges, like that found on formica counters, although to a much lesser degree.

The advantage is it's already "laid up", meaning joined together to create larger sizes. It's also flat and square, with no cracks or imperfections. Using it on curved surface is also much easier, as it's less likely to crack. It is also available as peel and stick sheets veneer sheets.

Raw veneer, or unbacked veneer is my choice. I prefer the heavier thickness, even though the difference is barely noticeable, and the fact that there will be no line at the edges. Raw veneer often comes in from the supplier buckled up and cracked, or full of imperfections which must be dealt with. To the novice it could appear to be unusable. Often it must be flattened prior to using. While this sounds like a lot of trouble, it is really not a problem, as there ways to effectively deal with this.

Veneer is sold by the square foot, however the quantities don't generally have to be that great. Many suppliers sell small packets of veneers for hobbyists. Woodcraft stores stock small packets of matched veneers, with six or eight pieces in the pack. (see photo 1). Sizes range from 6" - 8" wide, and 12" - 24" long. These packs are generally high quality, with little or no flaws, and are ideal for small projects. Our logo on the top of the page was made from one of these packs. (prices for these packs range from around $ 20.00 to $ 65.00), which when you consider what you're able to create with them is quite reasonable.

I can't go to my local Woodcraft store, without going through the rack, looking for that "perfect" pattern. I have a drawer in the shop that has about twenty packs, for when "the spirit moves me", to get creative. I also buy "special" veneers when I find them, just to have. Kind of like a coin collection, I suppose. The two photos in the middle are examples of a "special" find. The good people from Certainly Woods, veneer company sent me a sample of this, and I felt it was too good to pass up. I bought all they had, which was about 600 sq. feet. We are now using some of it for a client's home bar.

As with anything else, practice is key to mastering how to work with veneer!

Pressure Sensitive Veneer
Apply without mess or expensive tools!Unfinished real woodAccepts stains and finishesStraight grained. Grain runs the length of the roll  Pressure Sensitive Veneer

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