Veneering rounded 90 degree corners

Question:

I am planning to apply Teak Veneer on a MDF table top. I want to round over the edges of the table, and plan to cut my MDF shape, apply a 2” band of teak around the perimeter, apply the veneer, then rout the ends. I hope that this will give the appearance of a solid piece of teak since the veneer will blend into the rounded teak edges.

Now for my question: When I round the ends, it will be going through the veneer and the solid teak edging. Is there a backer on the veneer that is going to show or get in the way or will I be able to blend the veneer into the teak edging just by sanding it smooth?

Answer:

Yes, there is a backer on the veneer but quite frankly it shouldn’t be that conspicuous. The actual thickness is only .020″. Another point is the paper backing is going to be about the same color as the veneer.

Another option is to leave the hardwood edge a little proud, about .030″ and butt the veneer to the edge. There’s also some obvious drawbacks to this in that you have to have a perfect butt joint, the height has to match well enough to allow sanding. If you have a high spot, you might sand through the veneer into the backing and the veneer probably won’t match the color and grain of your hardwood.

I suggest the easier and better way is to lay your veneer over and rout the edge just as you had planned.

Good luck!

Oakwood Veneer Tech Support

Follow-Up Question:

Great! I appreciate the fast response. This will be my first time working with veneer so this is all brand new to me. Glad to hear my plan seems to be sound.

One more question if you don’t mind. I don’t have access to a press of any kind, so I think I have 2 options regarding adhesives…

1. Contact Cement – Seems like a good solution, but I was told that if you do any inlay work, contact cement has too much flexibility and may open up the joints. Not sure if it’s true or not. It’s just what I’ve heard.
2. White or Yellow Glue – Should be easy enough to do, but I don’t have a press. I’d be forced to sandwich the veneer between 2 MDF boards and clamp and weigh it down with sandbags while it dries. Not sure that would provide enough even pressure for good results.

Sorry to pepper you with questions, but this is a new area for me. I want to make sure I do it right.

Thanks again!

Answer:

Need another answer here …

Oakwood Veneer Tech Support

Follow-Up:

Well, I finally finished my Veneer projects, a triangular table to go behind a couch, and an end-table. I have never worked with veneer before (my woodworking skills are limited), but I’m real happy with how they turned out.