Directions for Use  

flexiply® is easy to use and offers practically no resistance to bending.  Lined with a second piece it will retain its given shape.   Prior to use gently flex the board by hand this will make it easier to bend.

 Bonding two pieces of flexiply® together

Create the shape or curve required and then hold in position in a jig or by using clamps.

Bond a second piece of flexiply® to the first with 100% coverage of a  suitable adhesive and hold in place until the glue is set.  Additional layers may be added to increase the strength for structural applications.

For prototyping or individual pieces it is possible to use G-clamps to hold the sheets together until the glue dries.

 Fixing a single sheet

 A single sheet can be fixed rigid in its curved shape by applying a veneer or other facing material to one side and a low cost backing material to the other.

 For volume applications the procedure is similar.

Make a re-usable mould that will create the desired form.

Place face veneer, flexiply® and a backing material into the jig with two glue lines, when pressed together they produce a rigid form.                                                                                 

 Ensure all pieces are aligned correctly and carefully gauge the amount of glue required.

 Panelling

When fixing between other surfaces such as in bar units, cupboards, door units.

A fairly rigid curved surface can be obtained by slotting flexiply® into pre-routed grooves of the necessary dimensions.  If the grooves are deep enough it is possible to avoid the use of glue thus making a flat-pack, transportable unit.

Gluing

Ordinary PVA glue works well or other specialised adhesives to meet own requirements etc.

If using contact adhesive,  BS 111 is recommended.

Staining

flexiply® takes stain well and the appearance of Oak, Mahogany or other species can be emulated easily.

 Apply a sealing coat    

 Fill any grain opening on the convex surface.  

 Fine sand and apply stain as usual

Tests for stain have been carried out independently by Rustins and Hicksons and both achieved good results.

 Painting

 For painted finishes fill any grain opening with a suitable wood filler. 

 Sand, and follow usual method for wood priming and painting.

Independent tests have been successfully carried out by Polycell who recommend Polycell High Performance Wood Filler.

  RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION 

With an all-purpose paper backing flexiveneer pre-sanded veneer sheets are suitable for laminating to curved and flat surfaces.   flexiveneer offers ease of handling and extra flexibility with less waste and damage.

 Surface Preparation

 A stable, smooth flat surface is essential for successful adhesion. 

The surface to be veneered should be carefully cleaned to ensure the face is free of all dust, dirt, grease, oil or any foreign matter.

Indentations or raised areas should be filled and sanded.  Ensure the surface is completely dry prior to application.

For the best results when using contact adhesives with flexiveneer, room temperature should be around 65F or above prior to use. 

Humidity levels should not exceed 50%.

Prior to application

Cut and shape veneer sheet to approximate size required allowing a 10mm overlap for trimming.

Application

Apply a liberal coat of high quality adhesive to the substrate  (for best results coverage should be 100% to give resistance to bubbling.  For very porous surfaces it will be necessary to apply a second coat).

If using contact adhesives also apply a coat to the backing of flexiveneer and allow to dry prior to use.

Place a piece of kraft or waxed paper between the veneer and substrate, and align flexiveneer onto the substrate.  When correctly aligned, carefully slip the paper out a few inches at a time ensuring the veneer is in the correct position. 

Using a suitable tool smooth out the veneer by applying firm pressure in the direction of the grain over the entire surface.

 Should bubbles or blisters occur, deflate the air bubble by slitting with a knife in the direction of the grain and press and smooth towards the slit to remove trapped air. 

 Finishing

For best results for on-site work allow 24 hours after application prior  to finishing.  This can be reduced in factory or workshop conditions.   Lightly sand with the grain to remove any adhesive from the face veneer and trim edges to size.    Minimise the amount of penetration for desired finish (stain, oil, varnish, lacquer) with a suitable sealer or shellac and finish as desired.

A test panel is recommended - incorporate a joint in the test this will allow a good representation of the finished work.