About Alder Veneer a Short Guide
Alder wood, and by extension alder veneer, is widely regarded as a choice species for a wide range of applications. If you’re thinking about a project involving cherry veneer, alder may also be a suitable alternative. Here are a few thingsyoushouldknow. Why Alder Veneer? Alder veneer, which is produced from the world’s copious stocks of alder wood, is widely available, fairly sustainable,andattractively affordable. Alder has a very smooth, tight grain that takes most finishes well and can be polished to a bright gleam. The wood isalsofairlyhard and strong, makingit suitablefor numerousapplications.
Though it is not quite as durable as harder alternatives like oak, is it still strong, hard, and relatively wearresistant whileremaininglightweight. What Are Some Top Uses of Alder Veneer? Becauseof the reasons mentioned above, alder veneer is a choicespecies for a widerangeof applications. Similar in tone to cherry (though it doesn’t darken) alder veneer is highly suitable for cabinet making. Since alder canbe sandedand finishedto producea very expensive-looking,glossy surface, it is excellent for this purpose. Thesame features make alder veneer anattractive species for furniture-making, inlays,and marquetry. Because it responds well to so many different types of finishes, alder veneer can also be used for interior woodwork,paneling,and even for the ornamentation of musical instruments.
Doing It Right: Application Tips If you choose alder veneer for your woodworking project, you’re going to want to make sure you do everything right! Many thingscannotbe undoneonce completed, so it’s important you follow best practices the first time. ● Use a veneer press if you have one. If not, use contact cement to apply the veneer. Consult the followingguidefor applicationtips with woodveneer and contact cement. ● Allow the wood veneer and substrate to acclimate under the same conditions for a period of 48 hoursbefore applying. Do not apply veneer if relative humidity levels are above 50%. ● Whenusing contact cement, always thoroughly mix adhesives before applying or else you may runinto problems withinconsistentsurfacebondage, suchas bubbling. ● Before applying adhesive, ensure that both the veneer backer and the substrate surface are entirely free and clear of particulate matter like dust, dirt and sand that will inhibit proper adhesion. ● Depending on how porous the substrate is, it may need a second coat of adhesive if the first one sinks in. Apply a second coat (after the first coat dries) if necessary, ensuring even coverage. Most plywood will require a second coat. Next apply the adhesive t o the back side of the veneer sheet.
● When rollingout veneer, always work from the center out to help prevent bubbles from forming. ● Do not use a J-roller to apply veneer (you will not be able to press hard enough). You can improve a scraperby creating a small radiusalongthe edgeof a pieceof 2×4. ● When rolling out veneer, press down hard. You can use a light to check for bubbles. Shine it across the surfaceof the veneer and look for shadows, which will indicatethat a bubble haspopped up. ● Allow 24 hours to pass before applying any finish to the veneer surface. If applying a stain and then a sealer, allow another 24 hours to passbefore applyingthe sealer to ensurethe stain has driedproperly. ● Water-borne stains andfinishesare not recommended foruse with woodveneer. Where Can You Get Quality Alder Veneer Online? Looking for high-quality alder veneer panels? Visit Oakwood Veneer online via the previous link. They carry a huge assortment of veneer sheets and panels of domestic and exotic species (including alder) as well as valuable wood veneer reference materials. They also offer excellent customerservice. Get intouch withthem at 800-426-6018 if you have any questions.