| The Veneer Flattening solution is used to plasticize and flatten buckled, dry or warped veneer so it can be worked and pressed without cracking apart. It is premixed for a long shelf life, and has a pump spray nozzle for easy application. The solution should be lightly sprayed onto both surfaces of the veneer and set in a shady spot where air can circulate around both sides for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the surface no longer looks wet. The veneer will be quite pliable which then should be placed between two platens, gradually increasing weight until the veneer is flat, and left for about 8 hours. When flattening two or more leaves, the veneer can be stacked together, flipping over every other leaf so the bumps meet the bumps and valleys meet the valleys to assist in the flattening process. After the veneer is flat, it needs to be dried out by placing two sheets of absorbent paper between each leaf and pressing the veneer in a veneer press, or under some clamps, changing out the paper every few hours until the veneer is dry. This may take between three and five changes over a few days until the veneer is about 12% moisture content. After flattening the veneer, store the veneer between plywood platens ideally, in a 70-degree, 70% humidity area. If it is stored in a hot or dry area, wrap the veneer in plastic to prevent buckling again. The Veneer Flattening Solution should not be used more than two times on any single piece of veneer, because the glycerin may eventually compromise glue strength after the panel is glued-up. |
