[dryan01uk]

Hi Guys,

Another query which I hope you can help me with.

I've ordered my paper backed veneer to finish my speakers (x-statik and X-voce).  I'm planning to paint the rear baffles of all speakers and the internal flat base of X-voce with a 'smooth' finish duratex.

Should I wait for my veneer to turn up and get it attached to the remaining cabinet faces before masking and painting up to the veneer edge, or should I paint first then veneer up to the paint edge?

My instinct says veneer first then paint up to it to 'hide' the veneer edge and slightly visible paper backing but was interested in thoughts from the community.

So many 'firsts' with this project - this is going to be my first attempt at the hot iron veneering, which I've seen Peter do so successfully over on YouTube!

I guess if I'm going to sand and polish the veneer, I'd need to be careful at the painted edge!

David

[subsonic1050]

I have tried over and over again to paint first, then veneer - hoping to avoid having to mask off the veneer. This DOES NOT WORK. No matter how careful you are, some veneer glue will get on your paint, and even if it doesn't your flush trim bit will damage the paint. Beyond that you still have to sand the corners of the veneer slightly which will also damage the paint. Trust me - veneer first. I have found however that masking off the veneer is not bad at all - I decided to try using contact paper (stuff used for drawer liners) and it works fantastically well. Get the stuff that says the adhesive is removable. They come in rolls about 20" wide by 15' long for 5 or 6 bucks a roll. It covers everything and comes off easily. I use a razor blade to trim the edges right up to the edge - creates a perfect paint to veneer line. Then pull off the contact paper, sand, and finish the veneer. Do not sand the veneer before the contact paper goes on other than to gently take the sharp corners off.

[dryan01uk]

Awesome.  Thanks for the detailed answer.  It makes a lot of sense.

Guess I'll just have to wait for the veneer to turn up then.  I'm sure my wife will find plenty of things to fill my time until then.

D

[hawkeyejw]

I have tried over and over again to paint first, then veneer - hoping to avoid having to mask off the veneer. This DOES NOT WORK. No matter how careful you are, some veneer glue will get on your paint, and even if it doesn't your flush trim bit will damage the paint. Beyond that you still have to sand the corners of the veneer slightly which will also damage the paint. Trust me - veneer first. I have found however that masking off the veneer is not bad at all - I decided to try using contact paper (stuff used for drawer liners) and it works fantastically well. Get the stuff that says the adhesive is removable. They come in rolls about 20" wide by 15' long for 5 or 6 bucks a roll. It covers everything and comes off easily. I use a razor blade to trim the edges right up to the edge - creates a perfect paint to veneer line. Then pull off the contact paper, sand, and finish the veneer. Do not sand the veneer before the contact paper goes on other than to gently take the sharp corners off.

The contact paper recommendation is great, I may try that for my NX-Studios.