Veneer Newbie

[earbleeder]

Any tips on replacing veneer? I just picked up a mahogany Amberola 75 that needs the front door and sides done. Someone peeled some of it away so I figured I try to replace it in sheets. I've been reading some on how to do it. Should I do paper backed or bare? Titebond hide glue or contact cement? Has anyone matched the stain and have a recommendation on color/brand/method?
Thanks,
Steve

[mattrx]

I have used both the paper backed and the non backed veneer. The paper backed had fewer bubbles to deal with and was generally less fragile, and the paper backed did not appear to be too thick once applied. I used the tite bond hide glue to glue it down, a .75 inch glass plate and lots of clamps. Search Veneer Repair here on the site, read many posts, and then decide what seems right to you, but that is what I have done. There are many caveats, too many for me to list-even if I knew them all! I spent a lot of time on this site reading and decided to do the above.
Good Luck!
Matt

[Bruce]

Steve,

I agree with Matt there have been lots of posts over the last couple of years on using/applying vernier and stains.

The more you read the more comfortable you are when you start and the better the outcome.

I have restored several large projects with great success but wished I had read more the first time than I did. Either way it was fun learning and you will be pleased with the results especially if the beginning project is very rough.

Best of Luck

Bruce

[mattrx]

The new veneer I have used came from here: http://www.veneer-factory-outlet.com/
The examples below are of a VV-130 that Jerry Blais was kind enough to sell me to allow me to try my skills. The veneer is American Walnut and the top of the lid veneer was what I replaced. The original veneer was completely unattached and was also incomplete and severely damaged, so I replaced it. The usable parts left over from the lid veneer was used on other parts of the machine where veneer was missing and the pieces were small enough. Every technique I tried came from reading here on the forum.

Matt

[earbleeder]

Thanks for the info. I do read a lot of posts on here. Thats just about all I do. It seems when I do searches I get varied results. I might not be utilizing all of its avenues or searching too specifically as in the color of stain. Your machine looks great. I hope mine comes out that good. Thanks again

[mattrx]

If I can be of help to you, feel free to pm me. Thanks for the kind words. I still have more I want to do to this machine, but for now, I will give it a rest.
Good Luck,
Matt

[ke7285]

I have used a peel and stick veneer with some real good success, this is local to me oakwoodveneer.com so I am able to pickup what they call backer board basically seconds with sun fade or damaged in 4x8 sheets fairly cheap.

Kevin

[Henry]

Mattrx, that lid veneer job looks terrific! Considering what you started with, you now have a beautiful piece there. (surprised nobody has commented on this!)