Simple errors can ruin a a veneering project.
- Use the right glue for the application
- Use the proper backer material for your project
- Use the right tool to apply the glue
- Always balance the substrate by veneering both sides
- Prepare the substrate surfaces properly
- Make sure all your equipment is ready before gluing up
- Buy enough veneer to finish your project
- Unseen areas of your project can use less expensive veneer
- Using the proper amount of glue
- If veneering over plywood, make sure to veneer cross grain
- Know your veneer; it’s strengths and limitations
- Flatten wavy veneers before gluing them to the substrate
- Prepare brittle veneers before working on them
- Apply glue to the veneer and the substrate
- Make sure the veneer caul does not overhang the substrate by too much
- Use the proper finishing product that won’t de-laminate your veneer
- Make sure you do a dry run before putting any veneer project in the vacuum press.
- Make sure you let the panel dry properly before you start working with it
All of these are common wood veneering mistakes that can be easily avoided with a little for-sight.
Overall, the most critical time is the glue up, and with any woodworking glue up situation you want to make sure that everything is prepared ahead of time so there are no surprises. And if there are, you will have all the tools necessary nearby to make sure that whatever problem arises can be fixed in a timely manner.