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Description
Exotic Purpleheart Wood Veneer
Purpleheart (Peltogyne) is one of the most distinctive exotic hardwoods in the world. While it is primarily found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, this legendary species is known by many names across the globe, including Amaranth, Violetwood, Korobeli, and Pau Roxo.
The Natural Color Transformation
The most striking feature of Purpleheart is its dramatic "photo-reactive" color transformation. When the wood is freshly sliced into veneer, it often exhibits a muted deep brown or grayish-purple cast. However, upon exposure to UV light and oxygen, the fibers undergo a rapid oxidation process, revealing the vibrant, royal purple hue that has made it a favorite for "statement" woodworking projects.
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Pro Tip: To maintain this vivid color long-term, we recommend using finishes with UV inhibitors to slow down the eventual shift toward a deep, dark espresso-chocolate tone.
Global Origins and Regional Varieties
Sourced from the sustainable forests of Central and South America, our Purpleheart inventory represents the pinnacle of exotic quality. Depending on the specific harvest region, the wood may be referred to locally by names such as:
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South American Designations: Nazareno, Morado, Tananeo, and Purperhart.
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Traditional Trade Names: Saka, Sakavalli, and Amaranth.
Durability and Professional Application
Purpleheart is not just an aesthetic marvel; it is an incredibly dense, stiff, and water-resistant species. Because solid Purpleheart can be notoriously difficult to machine—often dulling carbide tools due to its high Janka hardness—our high-quality veneer sheets provide an accessible, stable way to incorporate this exotic wood into your designs without the weight or tooling frustration of solid lumber.
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Texture and Grain: Characteristically straight-grained, though it can occasionally produce a stunning wavy or "fiddleback" pattern.
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Best Uses: Ideal for luxury cabinetry, custom furniture accents, musical instruments (luthier supplies), and intricate decorative inlays.
Professional Backing & Adhesive Options
To ensure a permanent bond with this dense exotic species, we offer several high-performance backing options tailored to your substrate:
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10-Mil Paper Backer: The industry standard for flexibility, ideal for marquetry and curved surfaces.
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22.2-Mil Wood-on-Wood (WOW): Provides a thicker, stable surface that hides minor imperfections and prevents "telegraphing."
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3M™ PSA (Peel & Stick): A premium pressure-sensitive adhesive perfect for fast, professional refacing on existing flat surfaces.
Expert Assistance
Because Purpleheart is a specialized wood that requires specific finishing techniques to maintain its color, we recommend speaking with a professional before starting your project. For information on current stock or technical advice, please call our veneer specialists.
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Exotic Purpleheart Wood Veneer
Purpleheart (Peltogyne) is one of the most distinctive exotic hardwoods in the world. While it is primarily found in the tropical regions of Central and South America, this legendary species is known by many names across the globe, including Amaranth, Violetwood, Korobeli, and Pau Roxo.
The Natural Color Transformation
The most striking feature of Purpleheart is its dramatic "photo-reactive" color transformation. When the wood is freshly sliced into veneer, it often exhibits a muted deep brown or grayish-purple cast. However, upon exposure to UV light and oxygen, the fibers undergo a rapid oxidation process, revealing the vibrant, royal purple hue that has made it a favorite for "statement" woodworking projects.
-
Pro Tip: To maintain this vivid color long-term, we recommend using finishes with UV inhibitors to slow down the eventual shift toward a deep, dark espresso-chocolate tone.
Global Origins and Regional Varieties
Sourced from the sustainable forests of Central and South America, our Purpleheart inventory represents the pinnacle of exotic quality. Depending on the specific harvest region, the wood may be referred to locally by names such as:
-
South American Designations: Nazareno, Morado, Tananeo, and Purperhart.
-
Traditional Trade Names: Saka, Sakavalli, and Amaranth.
Durability and Professional Application
Purpleheart is not just an aesthetic marvel; it is an incredibly dense, stiff, and water-resistant species. Because solid Purpleheart can be notoriously difficult to machine—often dulling carbide tools due to its high Janka hardness—our high-quality veneer sheets provide an accessible, stable way to incorporate this exotic wood into your designs without the weight or tooling frustration of solid lumber.
-
Texture and Grain: Characteristically straight-grained, though it can occasionally produce a stunning wavy or "fiddleback" pattern.
-
Best Uses: Ideal for luxury cabinetry, custom furniture accents, musical instruments (luthier supplies), and intricate decorative inlays.
Professional Backing & Adhesive Options
To ensure a permanent bond with this dense exotic species, we offer several high-performance backing options tailored to your substrate:
-
10-Mil Paper Backer: The industry standard for flexibility, ideal for marquetry and curved surfaces.
-
22.2-Mil Wood-on-Wood (WOW): Provides a thicker, stable surface that hides minor imperfections and prevents "telegraphing."
-
3M™ PSA (Peel & Stick): A premium pressure-sensitive adhesive perfect for fast, professional refacing on existing flat surfaces.
Expert Assistance
Because Purpleheart is a specialized wood that requires specific finishing techniques to maintain its color, we recommend speaking with a professional before starting your project. For information on current stock or technical advice, please call our veneer specialists.
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