How to glue strips of veneer

1 We use an Evo-Stik trade contact adhesive, which is very effective and also reasonably priced in five-litre tins. Other types such as the retail Timebond shown work almost as well. 2 Here we’re applying a strip around the curved corner of the heads compartment. Adhesive is first applied to the ply structure – we find it easier to use a brush than a palette knife. 3 Adhesive is also applied to the veneer leaf. Both are then left for a few minutes. The knack you’ll soon learn is leaving it long enough to be just touch dry, but not so long the adhesive dries out. 4 When ready the veneered leaf is applied to the ply taking care to get it perfectly aligned – either with your start pencil line or with the previous leaf – before finally pressing into place. 5 Here the veneer is carefully taken around the curve and aligned. With curves like this take care not to apply too much pressure in firming it down until everything is properly lined up. 6 The roller can now be used to go over the whole new veneer to ensure the leaf is perfectly flat and properly adhered over the whole surface with no air gaps underneath. 7 Here’s how the finished panels look. Note the simple rectangular motif – it’s glued on the face of the veneer rather than being set in. The final appearance looks professional and costs a fraction of the price of using teak faced ply.