Basics Of Veneer Glue
There are many types of glues that can be used for veneering
Is there a special veneer glue that should be used?
There are many choices of glue adhesive on the market today, and it can be confusing as to which one you should be using. Not surprisingly, there are a few types of adhesives that are specifically manufactured (or marketed) for veneering, but the type of glue used in your veneering project will mostly depend on how you will be laminating (gluing the veneer down) to your substrate.
It may also depend on the use of the final product. Most times veneered projects such as furniture, will be situated inside a building. However in the odd case that the piece will be outdoors or exposed to high levels of moisture, it would be best to stray from the typically used glues to a more specific one that will enable the piece to properly endure its environment without a chance of de-lamination.
Why does the laminating material and technique matter in choosing a veneer glue?
The different lamination techniques will affect the type of glue that needs to be used in order to achieve a good final result. Different veneering equipment needs to work in conjunction with the glue’s properties, such as drying time and viscosity.
For example, although basic PVA Glue is the most often used glue for veneering, contact cement is more typically used when laminating plastic laminate counter tops in a commercial setting. The PVA glue will not bind to the plastic laminate properly to ensure a long lasting product.
What are the different types of glue that I can use for veneering?
Hide Glue
White glue (PVA woodworking glue)
Yellow glue (aliphatic resin)
Urea resin formaldehyde glue
Epoxy glue
Contact cement
Each glue will have its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the size of the project, the color and type of the veneer being used, the equipment on hand, the shape of the project (flat or curved).
What is the best glue to use for vacuum veneering?
Flat panel vacuum veneering is one of the most often used techniques. However, many different woodworkers will suggest a different type of glue based on their preference.
The most versatile type of adhesive for this veneering technique however would be a white PVA glue.
The open time of PVA is long enough to allow the woodworker to finish applying glue to the substrate without having to rush.
There is no mixing to be performed such as in a resin glue.
If a section of veneer bubbles up, it can be re-glued easily.
There are other advantages and some disadvantages, such as if the project will be exposed to high humidity levels for example, but PVA glue would be a good starting point for most woodworking veneering projects.
Another good choice would be urea glue, however I suggest you read more thoroughly through the list of glues above to get a good sense of all the advantages and disadvantages of the glue properties to find the one best suited for you.