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.

Low to Mid-Priced Wood Veneer With a High Priced Look

The recession may or may not be turning the corner, but one thing for sure is that folks are still looking to cost-cut wherever possible. However, they would also rather not sacrifice style when making necessary changes to the budget.

For this reason, we are highlighting some of our veneer that looks like it should be in the top of our price range, but is actually in the middle or toward the bottom of the price ranges. Here are four species you should pay attention to:

1. Iroko Veneer - This is a modern-looking wood with streaks of light and darker blond color, along with some very nice figure. It is often used in architectural panels, on high-end boats and furniture, and anywhere a nice blond figure might be needed. Thinking Iroko Veneer is $9 or $10 per square foot? Nope, it's just $5.99

2. Kewazinga Veneer - This is a nice dark reddish brown wood that you'd almost believe was a burl if you didn't know better. The pattern is shimmering, wavy, and concentrated grain. This wood looks like $12 a square foot but it is actually $5.49.

3. Ribbon Mahogany Veneer - This is a very nice looking multi-shade wood that can complement many differ decor styles. It has nice straight grain lines and a very interested texture. Ribbon Mahogany Veneer looks like it should cost about $8 per square foot. The real cost? $2.49/sq foot.

4. Tiama Veneer - This is similar to Ribbon Mahogany because it has straight multi-shade interesting grain lines. However, it has a bit more exotic flavor to it, and has thicker strands of shades that are more pronounced in tone. I would guess Tiama Veneer to be about $10 per square foot. Really it's just $4.49.

February is Red Oak Veneer Month - 99 Cent Red Oak Veneer

If you haven't already heard, Oakwood is now running a 99 cent veneer of the month. This month, (February 2010), Red Oak Veneer is on special. Normally $1.49 per square foot, 99 cents is a real deal.

Just call 800-426-6018 and ask for the 99 cent Red Oak Veneer special today. Limit 10 sheets.

The Oakwood Veneer 2009 Wood Veneer Design Contest Winnner Is...

After reviewing dozens of great looking projects and being wowed by some stunning designs from all over the country, we at Oakwood Veneer have come to a final decision on our 2009 Wood Veneer Design Contest.

The Winner is... (drumroll) Schoenstein and Company from Benicia, California. Their winning design was a stunning pipe organ which is now in use at the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York. A large picture of the organ is located just below this post - click on it to see a larger and higher resolution file.

The organ was made using Karelian Birch, Quarter-sawn Oak, and Honduran Mahogany Veneer, all purchased from Oakwood Veneer.

The Oakwood Veneer website gallery will be updated to show our winner and other honorable mentions. Stay tuned to the Blog for further information.

Click on the Picture for Higher Resolution (More Detailed)