• Use 220-grit sandpaper to finish sand the veneer surface.sandpapier image by Thomas Aumann from Fotolia.com
  
  Veneer is a thin slice of wood that comes in rolls or sheets when used in woodworking. The veneer layer is 1/8 inch thick and typically glued onto an inexpensive wood core or panel. The veneer is made from hard woods such as oak, walnut and cherry. A stain and sealer is applied to the veneer after the glue has dried and secured it into place.
  
  

Acclimate to Work Area Temperature

• Veneer shrinks and expands according to the temperature. Never place cold veneer on a surface that is a different temperature. Always acclimate the veneer to the work environment temperature before use. If not, the veneer will separate at the seams and/or pull in from the edges. The problem cannot be fixed without removing the veneer and starting over.
  
  

Application

• Use a wood adhesive to secure the veneer to the desired surface. Read the instructions on the wood adhesive to make sure it is good for veneer. Even pressure along the veneer presses out air bubbles and spreads the glue evenly. A smooth surface free of air bubbles creates the best finish.
  
  Do not use a "J-roller" intended for pressing Formica into place. Instead, use a piece of wood with a curved edge that is at least 12 inches long and five inches wide to create a squeegee-type tool. The solid length provides even pressure across the veneer. Always move the tool from the center to the edges of the veneered surface.
  
  Look at the surface after it has been squeegeed into place. Use a warm, dry iron over areas where air bubbles can still be seen. The warm iron will reactivate the glue. Re-squeegee the area. Remember to always put brown paper between the iron and veneer so the surface will not scorch.
  
  

Sanding

• Sand the veneer surface with the grain of the wood. Do not sand across the grain, which will leave scratches in the veneer surface that can be seen after the stain is applied. A good sandpaper to use is a 200 grit. Either sand by hand or use an electric finishing sander to sand the veneer.
  
  Veneer is very thin, so pay close attention to avoid sanding through the veneer. A yellow color will begin to appear if the surface is sanded too deep. Stop sanding immediately.
  
  Run a hand over the surface to feel for areas that are rough or fuzzy. Sand all areas smooth before staining. Dark spots will appear in areas that have not been sanded well enough. Lightly sand over the area if this happens. Re-stain the area to match the rest of the veneer.