Q&A

The following are some of the questions we are frequently asked. Though if you would like specific information relating to your project or would like one of our sales representatives to contact you please call the ELTON Group office from anywhere within Australia on 1300 133 481.

Is Eveneer made from real wood?
Yes, it is made from veneers of natural wood and preserves all the typical characteristics of natural wood: its main advantages compared to natural wood are surface homogeneity, more even colouring and standard dimensions. The process of creating Eveneer comprises an initial peeling followed by slicing, that is why it is known as reconstructed, reconstituted, recon or recut.

Can Eveneer be finished using the traditional polishing systems used for other types of wood?
Yes it can, without causing any significant changes.

Does Eveneer require special polish?
No it doesn’t. It only requires a polish with high wetting power and good resistance to yellowing which has already been designed for deep pore wood or light-coloured wood such as maple and birch. Please note that the use of good UV absorbers in the topcoat increases the resistance of finished products to light.

Can Eveneer be finished with water-based polishes?
Yes it can, without causing any problems, but bear in mind that specific hardwood emulsion must be used, since this wood usually has a slightly acid reaction.

Is Eveneer as resistant to working environment exposure as the main natural wood species?
When used for internal cabinetry and finished using the correct quantity of polish with the aforementioned characteristics, the answer is Yes. Obviously, the quantity of polish applied and the polishing methods used produce substantial qualitative differences in terms of strength, abrasion, permeability, etc.

MANUFACTURING

Peeling
The logs selected are rotary peeled into thin sheets with a peeling machine and then cut into the sizes required for the manufacturing process.

Toning
The core of this process is in the toning of the sheets to obtain the required shades of colour. Thanks to the constant research on wood toning carried out by the manufacturer, toning systems based only on water cycles have been developed.
Wood sheets are impregnated by immersion into steel tanks at controlled temperatures with the addition of soluble colours made of an organic structure and therefore without chrome or other heavy metals.

Drying
During the retoning process, moisture reaches 100%. Through the drying of the retoned veneer sheets in hot air dryers, the excess moisture is eliminated. After coming out of the drying tunnel, retoned veneer sheets undergo a further quality selection.

Image—Veneer blocks prior to pressing

Composition
According to the wood species to be reproduced or the selected design, the retoned veneers are mixed, superimposed with the same fibre direction and piled up for pressing.

Gluing
The pack of sheets is then put into a gluing roller that spreads some glue on each sheet. The gluing operation serves two important functions: it transforms the pack of sheets into a monolith and determines particular patterns according to the colour of glue used.

Pressing
The block of glued sheets is put into a flat press or presses with particular moulds according to the design to be obtained.

The different moulds determine the crown and/or burl designs.

At the end of this stage we get a compact rectangular block a few metres long and about 700mm wide and high.

Slicing
The compact rectangular block is squared and sanded before being sliced or sawn to obtain veneers or boards.

Final Control
Every sheet undergoes accurate quality controls and, if necessary, is repaired by experts using cabinet making techniques.

EDGING

Matching veneer edging is available for Eveneer products in 0.5mm and 1.5mm thickness.

REACTION TO LIGHT

All timbers change colour over time when subjected to direct and indirect light, both natural and artificial. In addition, heat and humidity will accelerate the ageing process and finished colour may also be affected by such things as staining, polish, excessive heat in panel production and reaction to glues and other chemicals. Some timber colours change more than others. To minimise this change we recommend the use of a toner in the finishing system as well as sufficient amounts of UV inhibitor in each coat of polish at a percentage recommended by your qualified polisher. However, we stress that no timber products or finishes will withstand prolonged exposure to light without exhibiting some change over time, therefore, we do not recommend the use of Eveneer in areas subject to high light exposure.

FINISHING

Veneered surfaces require finishing to protect them from marking and the effects of humidity and light. There are many finishes available from Oils and Waxes through to Acid Catalysed, Polyurethane, Acrylic Modified Polyurethane, and Polyester. The finish you use will generally be determined by the appearance and/or hardness required. Your cabinet maker or polish supplier should be consulted on the product most suitable for your application. Some important points to discuss with your polisher.

Isolator Layer
We recommend the application of a polyurethane isolator layer to separate the salts and tannins in the timber from any chemical reactions with the polish.

Choking
Eveneer is an open pored timber and can be finished to achieve either an open pore or closed pore (smooth) look. For a closed pore look the finish should be described as fully choked.

Gloss Level
As a general guide: matt can be described as 0 = 10% gloss level, low sheen 10 = 25%, satin 25 = 50%, semi-gloss 50 = 80% and high gloss 80 = 100%. (Source: Master Painters Institute).

Yellowing
Some polyurethanes are more yellow than others and may also become more yellow with age. To minimise this, we recommend the use of non-yellowing finishes. To date, the clearest finish available is acrylic modified polyurethane.

UV Protection
It is recommended that Eveneer be finished with a polish that includes suitable quantities of UV inhibitors or absorbers in each coat of polish.

Appearance
It is important to note that the colour of the timber will be changed by the application of a finish. The best way to determine the potential colour change on a piece of raw veneer is to moisten the surface with a damp cloth.

Staining/Toning
The colour of Eveneer can be changed to achieve a specific colour and/or to improve its light fastness. For larger changes in colour, staining is the preferred method. After sanding, an oil-based, wiping or penetrating stain is applied by hand, prior to polishing. For small changes in colour, toning may be used. Toning is achieved by adding colour to the first (closest to the timber) coats of polish. Finally, it is important for you to arrange for a polished sample of the veneer specified, indicative of the final finish, to be provided by the cabinet maker responsible for the project. It is recommended that you also run fabrication tests to determine the potential for colour change.

SAMPLES

To help with your selection, Eveneer items are available in 100mm x 100mm polished samples. The polish used is a high quality acrylic polyurethane in a 5% gloss level. 

Samples are sent by Australia Post regular mail service. Sample requests received before 2pm will be processed same day. To order samples visit the Range page, click on the desired product and add to sample cart. At the end of your session proceed to sample cart, at the top right hand of your screen, fill in your details and complete your sample order.If you require A4 raw veneer samples to replenish your catalogue, please contact Elton Group 1300 133 481 or email enquire@eltongroup.com

Polished samples supplied by Elton Group are not warranted as representative of the finished article. If your client is happy with the veneer selection, it is important for you to arrange a polished sample of the veneer specified, indicative of the finished product, be provided by the cabinet maker responsible for the project. It is recommended that you also run fabrication tests to determine the potential for colour change in your specific application.

In April 2009 the forestry and wood processing operations were awarded OLB certification.

ADHESIVES

The adhesive used in the manufacturing process is a special formula of low formaldehyde urea resin.

DYES

Dyes are water based aniline, similar to those used in textiles with no organic thinners, chrome, heavy metals or chlorines. These dyes meet the strict German law of Aromatic Amine, Faberstoffeverboliste, DTD July 27, 1994.

FORMALDEHYDE


Our veneer has European E1 certification = formaldehyde emission of less than 0.1ppm (according to European Norm EN 717-1) or less than 2.5mg/m2 per hour (according to European Norm EN 717-2). WFI and CATAS certificates can be downloaded from our website. E0 is also available subject to quantity and lead time. Birdseye and burl patterns may have emissions more than 3.5mg/m2 per hour due to more adhesive being used in the process. We suggest that normal OH&S timber veneer use practices are followed when using this product.

OPERATIONS

The manufacture of Eveneer is committed to pollution free processing with an operational policy in line with the strictest European Ecological Regulations. The health and safety of the work place is protected through state of the art wood-dust suction systems, purification systems for the water used in the dyeing process as well as environmental systems for the disposal of solvents from the plants. Innovative manufacturing assures maximum product yield and all wood scraps generated during the process are utilised.

Image—Rotary peeling the logs for maximum yield