Application Guidelines

Wood veneer is a natural product, which requires care when using. The following variables contribute to the success of any veneer project: Adhesives, substrates, conditioning the veneer and substrate, fabrication techniques, balancing, installation, and environmental conditions. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations as similar products directions may vary.

Please inspect your veneer product thoroughly before application. If there are questions pertaining to grade or quality issues, please notify the supplier. Once the material is applied to the substrate, the material becomes the fabricator’s responsibility and is deemed to be acceptable.

Materials should be properly conditioned before they are used. The standard recommendation is that both the veneer and substrate should be stored in the same environment for 5 days to ensure their moisture content is in equilibrium. Extreme temperature/humidity fluctuations will affect both the veneer and substrate. High humidity levels will cause veneer to expand/buckle, while extremely dry conditions will cause veneer to shrink. Both the veneer and substrate should be free of paint, grease, dirt, dust, oil, or any other foreign matter. Substrate surfaces must be sanded with 80 grit sandpaper and entire area dusted clean. Good bonds depend upon smooth, clean, dry surfaces.

Solvent based adhesives work best with veneer products. Water based products should be avoided when possible. The adhesive should be applied uniformly to both the substrate and veneer. 100% glue coverage is recommended. This is especially critical to the edges and areas where veneer sheets butt together. Any areas void of glue adhesive can bubble. If the substrate is porous and absorbs adhesive, a second coat is required. The veneer back should be coated also. Follow the glue manufacturer’s recommendation on open time before bonding the veneer to the substrate.

Keep in mind the open time is affected by humidity and temperature. Adhesives which contain higher solid contents perform better. Adhesives should always be stirred or agitated before use. This is particularly necessary with large containers. See manufacturer’s recommendations.

The Only Exception to the non-use of water-based glues is with our DuraBack™ Resin-Backed veneer, which is recommended for use with both water and solvent-based adhesives.

*Potential Trouble Areas*

1. Using water based products immediately raises moisture content and can cause delamination.
2. Too little, too much, or uneven distribution of glue can cause delamination.
3. Bonding before adhesive solvent has evaporated or after open time has expired can cause delamination.

Not recommended for use on sheet rock or drywall

To ensure intimate contact necessary for an adequate bond, sufficient pressure should be applied over the entire area using as much pressure as possible without damaging the veneer. Platten presses and bag presses work very well. If these options are not available use a fiber knife or veneer scraper and start in the center of the veneer sheet working out. Always work in the same direction as the grain of the veneer. The edges should always be scraped twice. A standard "J" roller is not recommended due to the low pressure exerted with them.

The adhesive should dry a minimum of 48 hours before finishing. High grade petroleum based urethanes and acrylic based lacquers reduce the risk of veneer checking. These finishes provide a good moisture barrier. Always seal the back of panels if raw or unsealed. Follow the recommendations of the finish manufacturer.

If you require more detailed information on Application, Fabrication and Installation items, please contact the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and request their Laminate Standards Publication LD 3-1995 at:

1300 N 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209
703-841-3200

LIMITED WARRANTY

Seller warrants merchandise to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Customer assumes all responsibility and liability for use and results of materials purchased under this agreement. Seller makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, except as stated herein. Seller’s liability under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of material and/or merchandise proved defective. No credit or claim for material returned to Seller will be allowed until such return has had prior written approval. Terms for return of merchandise will be stated when written approval is sent. Seller will not accept any claims for adjustment under its warranty or any requests for return of material after ninety (90) days following shipment of such material.

FormWood® PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) Veneer Products are available for a range of applications from cabinet refacing to job site repairs. The material is available in standard widths of 24" and 48" and on a special basis up to 60" wide. It is not recommended to join sheets to cover surfaces greater than 24” wide due to possibility of natural movement of the veneer after application.

Steps to Follow:

Remove memory and acclimatize the sheet by laying it flat between two sheets of plywood on the jobsite where it will be applied. Ideal temperatures for application fall between 70 and 80 degrees F. The ideal relative humidity is 35%.

Testing your surface prior to application is highly recommended. The surface must be clean, dry and smooth (free of grease, dust, and wax). PSA will stick to lacquered, varnished, or enameled topcoat surfaces that are not flaking and peeling. Our standard PSA's will not stick to bare wood, sanding sealers, melamine, or other plastics. Please contact our technical support group to specify specialty PSA adhesives for these applications. PSA requires approximately 48 to 72 hours to achieve its maximum bond.

Surface preparation includes:

• Use of denatured ethyl alcohol to remove grease, dust and wax.
• Uniform scuffing of the finished surface with a 100-150 grit no fill sandpaper.
• Tack-rag wiping to make surface dust free.
• Re-wiping with denatured ethyl alcohol.

Trim the veneer sheet leaving it ½” oversized to allow for a final trim after the sheet is positioned on the substrate. (Use of a sharp utility knife or scissors is required)

Apply by peeling back a small section of the backer

• Press down lightly
• Check alignment (applying centerline of sheet to centerline of substrate) and correct
• Continue removing the backer and pressing down the veneer
• Use a veneer scraper to apply pressure tightly and with the grain eliminating all bubbles and trapped air that can result in installation failure. ("J" roller not recommended)

Seal and finish the veneer promptly after application and cure time to protect from moisture penetration.

*We urge purchasers to make tests to determine whether the product is suitable for their particular purpose and operating conditions prior to full-scale production.