Staining and finishing wood backed veneer. Staining and finishing the edge profile of wood backed veneers to match the surface veneer.

Q.How can I stain the exposed edge of the 3/64” wood backed veneer to match the color of the surface veneer?  Does the paper backed veneer have less of an edge profile than the wood backed veneer?  Drew

A. Hi Drew,

Thanks for your email.

Here's what I would try: Put at least one coat of finish on the surface of the veneer. NO finish on the 3/64" thick exposed edge of the wood backer. This may prove to be challenging, as the finish might want to seep into the exposed edge of the wood backer anyway.

The edge I'm talking about is the 3/64" thick edge of the wood backer that you want to try to blend to the same color as the top surface.

You should use a varnish as your finish, or possibly lacquer (I would choose varnish over lacquer all day long, water based or solvent based), or a high tech finish.

I don't recommend an oil finish, linseed oil, orange oil, Danish oil, waxed finish, etc. because they don’t protect the wood surface very well.

Let the finish dry thoroughly. Run some blue painter's tape along the top surface right next to the 3/64" exposed edge of the wood backer. Now, stain the 3/64" exposed edge of the wood backer, using a Q tip.

You will need to experiment with mixing stains to come up with just the right color that you want.

Peel off the painter's tape slowly, so as not to loosen the finish.

You can stain the exposed edge of the 3/64” wood backed veneer without first applying finish to the top surface, but It is better if you can apply a finish.

Finished surfaces do not take a stain well, and you are only wanting to stain the 3/64" exposed edge of the wood backer.

As for mitigating the edge effect of the 3/64" wood backed veneer, ----- Yes, the paper backed veneer is a good choice, as the edge profile is a lot less visible.

Regards,

Bob Morgan, pres.

www.Veneer-Factory-Outlet.com

www.Wood-Veneer-Factory-Outlet.com