How to apply and fit a wood veneer to a round table top

Charles:

Hey Bob Morgan, I have a round table that I want to put veneer on.  How do you recommend that I apply the veneer sheet to the round table top?

Bob Morgan:

Hi Charles, and thank you for your question.  If the table top has a flat edge, applying the veneer is real easy.  You cut the veneer oversized, stick it down, then turn the table top upside down on a flat surface.  Then, trim off the excess veneer with a razor knife.

If the table top has a sculpted edge, applying the wood veneer sheet is a little more tricky.  You can apply the veneer over sized, then sand off the excess.  ---- Not my recommendation, as this can be done, but it requires great care and it is a time consuming and cumbersome process.

Here is what I recommend for how to apply the veneer to a round table top:

This method requires that you use the peel and stick (PSA) veneer.  Before you apply the veneer, cut the veneer sheet for an exact match to the round table top (not easy!)

With the release paper still adhered to the back of the veneer surface, get someone to help you position the veneer sheet to lay perfectly on the table top.  Clamp the veneer sheet down using a board and C clamps. 

Lift up the veneer sheet about 1/3 of the way.  Peel off the release paper off of this portion of the veneer sheet (and tear it off).  

Now, use your hands to apply even pressure to lay down this portion of the veneer  to stick it in place. 

Next, unclamp the  board and remove it.  Now, lift up the remaining portion of the veneer that still has the release paper on it.  Peel the release paper off and use your hands to apply even pressure to lay down the veneer for a perfect fit!

Use a blunt piece of wood, about 1" wide, or a 1" wide wallpaper seam roller to apply pressure all over the veneered surface to help the veneer bond to the table top.  Do NOT use a roll pin or a wide roller for this.  Reason: the wider the roller, the less pressure per area.  Example: If you use a 1" wide roller and you apply 20 pounds of pressure to the veneered surface, you get 20 pounds of pressure per 1" .  If you use a 4" wide roller and you apply 20 pounds of pressure to the veneered surface, you only get 5 pounds of pressure per inch.

Regards,

Bob Morgan,Pres.

Veneer Factory Outlet, www.veneer-factory-outlet.com

Wood Veneer Factory Outlet  www.wood-veneer-factory-outlet.com