Finishing Veneer Surfaces
Wood Finishes are essentials for protecting wood surfaces and enhancing their beauty by highlighting the grain of the wood. In India, primarily clear finishes are used as they help in retaining the natural look. Pigmented finishes hide the grain hence they are rarely used. Wood finishes are classified as solvent-based and water-based wood finishes.
 Matt finish |  Gloss Finish |
Types of Finishes
There are three kinds of finishes recommended for the veneers based on the use(interior/exterior) and application(horizontal/vertical) of the veneer. Below mentioned are the same:
Melamine Finish
This is the most commonly used finish for a veneer due to its ease of application and availability
This is the most commonly used finish for a veneer due to its ease of application and availability
- It can be used for interior and exterior applications.
- Available in Gloss and Matt.
- It can be applied using a brush or a roller.
Polyurethane Finish
Polyurethane is very popular now a days and is easily available too. It is commonly known as P.U.finish.
Polyurethane is very popular now a days and is easily available too. It is commonly known as P.U.finish.
- It can be used for interior and exterior applications.
- Thicker layer of this polish gives better protection to the veneer surface.
- Has higher water resistance.
Wood Finishing Tips
- Veneer surface should be protected from all kinds of dust particles during storage. Application of sealant on the veneer surface immediately on arrival can be helpful in doing so.
- Thorough cleaning of decorative veneer surface is recommended before finishing.
- Protection from moisture is equally important; else the colour of the veneer after finishing might change.
- For all pre-dyed veneer it is advisable to use clear finish to retain the dyed colour.
- Usage of brush, roller or spray and the number of finish coats can vary on the basis of the type of wood finish being applied.
- Next coat should be done after the previous coat dries.
- Sanding in-between coats is advisable.
- It is recommended not to use chalk powder as it could either result in yellowing or penetration, which may be visible after application of the wood finish.
- It bubbles are formed while applied of wood finish, most of the times they an be eliminated by changing the application medium(brush,roller or spray) being used.
- Post application, it smells pungent for some time.
- Available in Gloss and Matt. It can also be tinted for special effects.
- Should be applied using spray-on.
Acrylic Finish
Acrylic finish is the latest introduction to the market. This is the most premium wood finishing solution.
Acrylic finish is the latest introduction to the market. This is the most premium wood finishing solution.
- Best suited for interior use and is recommended for horizontal surfaces as well.
- It is a fast drying finish compared to other alternatives.
- It can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
- Available only in Gloss, this finish result in a very thick top layer that gives the appearance of placing a glass/acrylic sheet on the top of the veneer.