COLOUR CONSISTENCY

As with traditional wood, so with Eveneer Prefinished surfaces it is not possible to guarantee an absolute consistency in colour between one batch and another. Therefore, a slight colour difference between two sets of panels cannot be considered a defect.

REACTION TO LIGHT

All woods, including Eveneer Prefinished, react to direct and indirect light, both natural and artificial (such as incandescent and fluorescent lamps). Therefore a change of the surface colour and appearance over time is a natural characteristic, not a defect. In particular, heat and humidity will interact with light to accelerate the ageing process. Furthermore, when exposed to direct and strong light, pastel coloured, melamine-finished patterns can undergo sudden and irregular changes in the original colour.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Eveneer Prefinished surfaces are easy to clean using a damp cloth and mild soap or non-abrasive wood cleaning products. Do not use abrasive cleaners, pads, or harsh solvents. Do not allow any solvent, acetone or trichloroethylene to come in contact with the surface. Accidental spills, splatters or over sprays should be wiped off immediately with a soft cloth and mild soap. If done immediately the solvents should not have an effect on the veneer. Alcohol, ammonia and other light solvents may be used for tougher stains.

POSTFORMING

Eveneer Prefinished can be post-formed utilising similar equipment and techniques used with HPL. The post forming temperature is 145°C. In the static postforming process, an excessively rapid rate of plug fall in conjunction with a failure to properly regulate the temperature can lead to fractures on the curve. If the plug stays on the decorative surface for too long it may cause a blistering effect on the polish. In the dynamic postforming process, if the panel moves forwards too quickly fractures may form on the curve. The edge that is being sheathed must be of regular and constant curvature along its entire length. Glue applied to the surface must be of appropriate grammage in order to avoid detachment and surface defects. The pressure rollers and bars that make up the curving envelope must be kept very clean, be accurately regulated along the outline of the curved edge, and be fully sheathed in plastic (the rollers) of between 50 and 80 Shore hardness. When post-forming with the wax finish it is important to remove the protective film prior to form. If the protective film is not removed prior to the post-forming the film will burn and adhere to the veneer.

Given the complexity of different processes, industrial production tests are always advisable.

EDGES

Finish any exposed edges of the Eveneer Prefinished sheet on your finished product to prevent moisture absorption into the timber layer. This is most easily done with an aqua stop pen.

CUTTING

Panel saws or table saws may be used to cut Eveneer Prefinished before or after lamination. Panels should not be machined within 24 hours of pressing. Routers for trimming edges after bonding must have a smooth, clean base plate, so that the surface of the veneer will not be scratched. Use carbide-tipped bits with ball bearing guide rolls. Keep the bits sharp. Drilling into Eveneer Prefinished may be done with standard wood bits or with router bits. Use a flat, smooth or fine file for a final edge finishing. You may consider applying a light or dark stain to the edge to hide the phenolic line.