Veneer on mini statements

[neilmaui]

Afternoon all, just about to look into finishing my mini statements. Looking to veneer and wondered if the iron on paper backed stuff from PE is about the best/ easiest option? I've checked all the posts about paint finish and don't think I want that route. So just thinking an iron on veneer with a nice stain would be the best option but any advice as always is greatly appreciated! Also noted that water based stains don't work well on iron on veneer as it buckles the veneer is that right?
Just want to make sure that as I've done all the hard work don't want to fall at the last hurdle!

Thanks as always!
Neil

[PMazz]

Didn't know PE sold real veneer. My only concern would be the tight rolls. Normally vendors ship them with ~16" roll. I guess if you roll them out and let them acclimate you'd be OK.

Water-based stain would probably be OK since it's paper-backed veneer but I usually make it a rule to not use water on anything wood if I can help it. It'll raise a little grain if nothing else but should be minor.

[Paulie]

I found the iron on method very easy. I bought 10 mil paper backed veneer from a local lumber store and used Titebond II.

[john trials]

I got my paper backed veneer here (http://www.veneersupplies.com/) and used the iron method with Titebond II. Worked great. I finished my veneer with pure tung oil, which I wouldn't recommend because it takes forever to dry (more than a week per coat). If I was going to do it again, I'd use some kind of processed tung oil or stain and polyurethane.

[Hank]

I suggest a good veneer species with a grain pattern you like - don't stain it. My favorite has always been Rosewood, but it's gotten quite expensive. I also like the 3D look of Anegre, Makore and Sapelle. My fav source has been Tape-Ease: http://www.tapeease.com/10_mil_%20veneer.htm

[neilmaui]

thanks guys, will get to work and post pix when complete!

[webfeet]

... but I usually make it a rule to not use water on anything wood if I can help it. It'll raise a little grain if nothing else but should be minor.

The trick with using water based finishing products on wood is to pre-raise the grain. You simply do this with an old (clean) spray bottle. Spray the wood with water. Let the wood dry and sand the now raised grain. Now it apply your water based product. It may be an extra step to using oil based products but you avoid the harmful oil based products and you can use the much nicer stain products from General.

[neilmaui]

The trick with using water based finishing products on wood is to pre-raise the grain. You simply do this with an old (clean) spray bottle. Spray the wood with water. Let the wood dry and sand the now raised grain. Now it apply your water based product. It may be an extra step to using oil based products but you avoid the harmful oil based products and you can use the much nicer stain products from General.

awesome thanks webfeet, I'll definately be trying this!

[neilmaui]

and a useful first post too!