Don Stephan
Posts: 825
Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
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Occasionally a piece of wrinkled veneer will have one or more tight splits at an end. It is expected that the process of wetting the veneer with flattening solution and then allowing it to dry may cause the split to open due to uneven drying shrinkage. Yesterday I started flattening a couple 30" x 40" pieces of mottled makore, and one split about 6" into the sheet while I was changing the drying paper. This morning during another paper change it appears that the split is opening as it dries.
Usually I run a strip of 3/4" or 1" Scotch brand blue masking tape across the end of each leaf of veneer when I receive it, hoping to prevent splits during handling. At that time I will apply cross strips every 3" and one lengthwise on any pre-existing split. I'm not sure how easily this blue masking tape will be removed after the flattening process is completed.
Is there a suggested tape (Scotch blue masking tape, veneer paper tape, . . .) to use to hold together pre-existing splits and to reinforce the ends of veneer that is about to be flattened with solution and
pressing, allowing for the possibility that taped area may be part of the final visible marquetry or other veneer surface?
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