Wood veneer is a great way to add a natural, classic, or rustic look to any substrate.. Most commonly used in furniture, wood veneer can also be used to add texture and character to walls, cabinets, and commercial fixtures, as well as automobile, RV, and marine interiors, , and more.
Peel and stick wood veneer, specifically, is a blessing for DIYers. Some peel and stick veneers are made with PSA, or pressure sensitive adhesive which is an adhesive backing created by 3M. This backing is applied to veneer sheets which allows them to be easily applied to a wide variety by substrates by “peeling and sticking,” hence the name. Veneer made with PSA backing is also reponsitionable; if you lay it down in the wrong place, you can pull it up and reposition it before the adhesive sets completely, which makes it even more convenient and user-friendly. This product is an easy and relatively affordable way (though, be advised, our PSA veneer is a special order item and therefore costs more than other types of veneer sheets) to add the look of real wood to various surfaces and objects. See “how to properly apply peel and stick veneer” below.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you can do with peel and stick veneer, how to apply it properly, and where to get it:
Things you can do with peel and stick veneer
Update your furniture
If you have old or worn-out furniture that you don’t want to replace, you can give it a fresh, new look with peel and stick veneer. Simply clean and sand the surface, cut the veneer to size, peel off the backing, and carefully press it in place. (See more complete instructions below) This is a great way to update desks, tables, dressers, or any other furniture or cabinet that needs a quick facelift. Keep in mind that wood veneer covers only flat surfaces.
Refinish your cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most noticeable elements in a kitchen and can quickly become outdated. With peel and stick wood veneer, you can give your cabinets a new look without the hassle of a full-scale renovation. Generally, the cabinet facings (the part of the cabinet without the doors and drawers) is covered with wood veneer, unless the doors and drawers are also flat.
How to properly apply peel and stick veneer
Peel and stick veneer works best with surfaces that have been properly prepared before installation. Surfaces that have already been finished should first be lightly scuffed with a medium sandpaper (120 grit), which will clean it up and remove any defects. After sanding, you’ll want to wipe the dust and particles off with a tack cloth or a clean cloth dipped in denatured alcohol or another suitable cleaning solvent. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before installation.
For plywood, real wood, or any other porous substrate material, you’ll first want to seal the surface with shellac, varnish, polyurethane or any sealer of choice before applying the peel and stick veneer. Wait for 24 hours to allow the sealer to dry, and then apply as normal. Keep in mind that it might be a good idea to add a wood adhesive to those surfaces that will be in or near a source of humidity, such as a dishwasher or stovetop vent.
The ideal temperature for working with peel and stick or PSA pressure-sensitive veneer is between 70°F to 100°F. For best results and perfect placement, you’ll want to cut the veneer to a slightly larger dimension than the actual size of the area being covered. After placing, peel and stick veneer should be pressed from the center outwards, using a stiff bladed scraper tool or a wooden scraping block, to prevent trapping air pockets.
Where to get peel and stick veneer
Oakwood Veneer is the #1 choice when it comes to all things wood veneer! Founded in 1986 by Peter Rodgers, Oakwood is located in the metro Detroit area. They possess the knowledge and expertise to help you with any veneer-related DIY project, including those using PSA, pressure-sensitive or sticky-back veneer. The company offers domestic, exotic, and burl wood veneers, all available on their website and by phone through their sales team.
All in-stock offerings can be shipped on the same day you order, anywhere in the nation. Should you wish to see their selections in person, Oakwood Veneer also has a showroom where they can show you a huge selection of veneer samples so that you can easily pick out which one is best for your project.
The company is also happy to answer any technical questions regarding veneering, as well as general customer inquiries, over the phone or via email. Additionally, they have a helpful knowledge base on their website that includes video tutorials and articles that can answer most of your questions. Start your DIY project with Oakwood Veneer today!
