Phenolic back wood veneer info

[nikbrewer]

well, after talking to a few people about box building, i always recommend a phenolic backed wood venner. It seams most people dont know abotu this, so i though i would post up what it is.

1st, phenocil resin in a hard resin, and used in makingplastic laminates. basically plastic laminate is layers ofcraft paper, soaked in penlic resin, and then the top color sheet is attached.

a phenolic backed venner just uses the same backing as a laminate instead of paper or another layer of cross grained veneer.

Why is this better? Well 1st, its stiffer and thicker, so it contours more smoothly to the surface, unlike a paper back that will show the slightest flaw.

Also due to the phenolic, it wont easily dent. It is just as resistant to dents as a plastic laminate

Also it finishes easier. The phenolic is a true barrier between the glue and the venner, so you dont have to worry about the finish interescting with any solvents in the glue, ect


Now, the only negatives are it leaves a black line on the corners just like a plastic lamiate would. I dont mind this, and with carfull box construction you could minimise the amout shown.

Cost is also slightly higher as wll, but i fel its well worth it

here are some pics

here is it applied to a radius desk



pics of corner





full sheet pic



pic pf phenolic backing



hope this opens up another option of veneers to everyone

[brianpowers27]

--Where do you source your veneer?
--What type of adhesive do you use?

[jclin4]

Why is this better? Well 1st, its stiffer and thicker, so it contours more smoothly to the surface, unlike a paper back that will show the slightest flaw.

Nik,

great info and option to have in our back pockets. I assume that this veneer still does not resolve the problem of veneering roundovers smaller than 3/4"?

- John

[nikbrewer]

i buy it locally, but remeber, i work at a commercial cabinet shop. just call the local plywood suppliers and tell them you whan phenplic backed veneer. come sin 4' x 8' sheets like p.lam. We sometimes will used a water based venner glue, but most og the time we apply it just like a plastic laminate useing a spray contact adheasive

[RABrown]

Whoa, "spray contact cement"? What a great idea! What name would I look for? That would sure remove one really nasty part of veneering. Thanks!

[nikbrewer]

you can use the 3m super 88, but call around to local cabinet shops or suppliers and stry to find sta'put or star stuk.

Also, this will not o tight radius at all. It acts just like a plastic laminate.

However, if you laminated a box with this, the rabetted out all the corners, lets say 1/2" x 1/2". you could thn glu in some hardwood, put a round over on it, and you would have round corners AND no black lines

[RABrown]

Thanks, Nick. I want to make sure I've got this correct: can I use the spray adhesive on paper backed veneer too?

[nikbrewer]

i have done it, but would be leary on what finish you use. the solvents in the glue sometime soak though the paper and show up in spot in the inish, or sometimes the finish soak throu and affects the glue. i like water based contact glues for wood and paper back veneer

[tyler213]

I work for a Phenolic Manufacturer. We've been producing Phenolic products for over 20 years and are very experienced with this material. I can provide materials for anyone who is interested in building a phenolic speaker box. If you want more information you can send me a message. Also check out our website www.specritedesigns.com