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Finishing cracks on veneer

9/11/13       
Ron Kollitz Member

Website: http://www.optimaproductiongroup.com

I did a fairly large veneer job a few years ago...looked great thru finish and install. Over a period of 2 years the finish developed significant cracks. There was a piece of veneer on an underside that did not get finished and it looks as good as the day it was veneered. I presume that we have a finish failure...the veneer appears to be bonded well in all of the cracked areas. Solutions for repair? Can we sand thru the finish and so long as we don't burn the veneer go straight to refinishing (don't want the cracks to reappear over time)? Or perhaps sand it down well, ensure a good bond on the old veneer and apply a new veneer layer? ...or strip down completely and start over?

9/12/13       #2: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Peter Rodgers  Member

Website: http://www.oakwoodveneer.com

Hi Ron,

This tends to be a bonding issue rather than a finish issue. What you should do is iron down the finish with a standard household iron. Then push down the finish with a wood block (not a roller), just as you would use a squeegee.

After you do this, use a new polyurethane finish. Polyurethane will be able to expand and shrink along with the veneer rather than trying to stay stable which is what likely caused your problem.

9/12/13       #3: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Ron Kollitz Member

Website: http://www.optimaproductiongroup.com

Thanks Peter,

To clarify, I should iron down the cracked finish and squeegee it, scuff then top coat with Polyurethane? Will the existing (old) finish impact the flexibility of the poly? Would you recommend using an isolante barrier between the old finish and the poly?

9/12/13       #4: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Peter Rodgers  Member

Website: http://www.oakwoodveneer.com

Ron,

So sorry - I should have started by saying that you should sand down to remove the finish without sanding into the veneer.

If you want to use a catalyzed finish, change to a 2 part urethane or standard urethane.

A barrier or vinyl sealer can help, but wouldn't be necessary with a standard urethane.

9/12/13       #5: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Ron Kollitz Member

Website: http://www.optimaproductiongroup.com

Peter,
Thanks for clarifying...for a second I thought we were going to have an "easy" fix...I should know better. Actually we have already started sanding off the finish. The veneer beneath is laying flat and looking good! A few small burn-thrus that I may be able to touch up with a little care. I appreciate your coaching...helps me feel more confident in providing a good solution. Regards!

9/13/13       #6: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Chaim Gottesman

I like to use a scraper to remove finish in veneer before a light sanding.'nothing too aggressive mind you but is can cut down on the amount of sanding needed and hence the chance for burn through.
Chaim

9/13/13       #7: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
rich

Can you tell the finish problem is caused by the veneer? What kind of finish? What kind of veneer? What adhesive was used? We need specifics if you want real help instead of speculations. Some finishes, especially precatalyzed lacquer has a maximum film thickness, and if exceeded, it will crack. No matter what you sprayed it on.

9/14/13       #8: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Ron Kollitz Member

Website: http://www.optimaproductiongroup.com

Hello Rich,
The details: Brookside paperback veneers - primarily ebony and some Ceylon rosewood. Contact adhesive glue.
Mohawk pre-cat sealer and topcoat. Due to the varying intensity of the cracks, I am assuming (I know, dangerous) that it is a finishing failure with probably too much finish and/or the primary seal coat put on too thick. Most of the cracks are with the veneer grain, though after sanding, the veneer still seems to be well-glued down. I plan to use a Lorchem poly finish on this pass...starting with a light dusting to lock the surface.

9/16/13       #9: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
scott

Contact adhesive did not flash off completely.

Underside, unfinished, same method of application and is OK, right?
You have a even cracking all over, about 1/2" to 3/4" cobweb pattern of cracks? Cracks are slightly raised?
Use a block to evenly sand down to the veneer, leave it for awhile & shoot it again. After the finish is off, the iron won't hurt, don't know how much it will help, Don't over do it and give it a day or 2 before coating.

If you use the contact, and it can be done, harder to get right than other methods tho, it needs to Totally flash off, or use phenolic back if you can. Or do the bag or press.

9/16/13       #10: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Peter Rodgers  Member

Website: http://www.oakwoodveneer.com

One other item to consider - How thick was the paper backing? 10 mil with contact cement is bound to cause problems. 22.2 Mil double paper-backing is a far better choice with contact cement.

9/20/13       #11: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Joe Darter

Ron,
Your panels will probably crack again. Contact adhesive allows too much movement in the veneer. Wall panels exposed to low angle sunshine this fall will expand in the day and contract with night temps. Your new finish will crack with the changing of the seasons, again.

10/15/13       #12: Finishing cracks on veneer ...
Seth

I'm late to the party, but without seeing pictures, I'd bet that you laid on the pre cat too heavy on the top. The precat I use puts restrictions on how thick it can be. Too thick, you get cracks. N addition, I do not agree with using contact cement, but don't feel that is your issue based on what you describe.


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