Veneering Secret - Carpenter's Glue and... A Household Iron?

Many people would be interested in using wood veneer for their small projects, but they think that the process is too complicated, or needs to be done with huge tools and a lot of space.

Let me share this little known veneering trick: with the right type of glue found in any hardware store, you can use a household iron to apply veneer to many types of small projects, like a bookshelf or a small table. First, you need PVA type glue, such as Tight bond 3, Tight bond Extend, or Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue that is labeled to have an extended open time (yep, the same Elmer's brand from Kindergarten but not the same exact glue).

Your substrate must be clean and flat. MDF, particle board or cabinet grade plywood are good substrates. If applying to wood, all finish should be removed and scratches and gouges removed so that they don't show through. It's not a good idea to veneer over old veneer because it can cause the old veneer to delaminate.

Next, apply the glue to the veneer and the substrate with a roller or a brush (foam roller applicators are good). Be sure to make the glue thin and even, about 6-8 mil thick. You will need two coats of glue on the substrate because the first will soak into the surface. Let the glue dry out. This should take longer than most glues because your glue has an extended open time.

Place the veneer on the substrate. You will be able to move it into exact placement after it is on because unlike contact cement, it has some leeway to move. Take a household clothes iron and put it on medium or wool setting so it is about 160 degrees. Between the iron and the veneer place a cotton t-shirt or sheet, or a paper bag so that there won't be markings on the veneer. Start from the center and slowly go outward. Press down moderately with your body weight and be sure to spend time ironing all sections of the veneer. Be sure that all sections are bonding and iron more if they aren't. Let it all cool for two hours and then trim the veneer to finished size if necessary. Let it sit for 24 hours before finishing.

For more information and tips on veneer and veneer application, be sure to visit the Oakwood Veneer Tips page.