DIY for Gluing Veneer

Lightly sand and clean the surface you plan to veneer. Prepare the glue you chose to use according to the directions on the package. Some glues must be mixed with water, while others are ready to use.

Apply a thin layer of glue to the wood surface with a glue roller. Apply the glue evenly to prevent bubbling. You may need to apply two coats to get an even layer. Never put the glue directly on the veneer. Place the veneer on the glued wood surface, backing side down. Add veneer to both sides of the wood, even if one side will not be seen. This prevents warping due to uneven stress on the wood.

Smooth the veneer in circles from the center out. Clamp the veneer down in the center of the panel and let the glue dry. Follow the drying time indicated for your type of glue. If you are using heated glue, instead of clamping, cover the face of an iron with a cloth. Using high heat, iron the top of the veneer from the center out. Use light pressure and make sure you get the entire surface with the iron. Contact glues can be used for surfaces that can't be clamped or heated.

Allow the glue to dry before trimming the veneer to its finished size. Let the glue cure for at least 24 hours before finishing the veneer by sanding and staining, if necessary.