This new Edition of ‘A Manual for Decorative Wood Veneering Technology’, incorporates the latest research results, including advice on dealing with potential discolouration of veneers exposed to UV light written by Dr. Barbara Ozarska, Leader of the Forest Products Research Group at the University of Melbourne Victoria. It is an authoritative guide to all the factors involved in the successful use of wood veneers. The project was financially supported by Forest and Wood Products Australia.
The TVAA identified that the industry would greatly benefit from the development of a technical manual specifying the best veneering and finishing procedures to ensure the production of top quality veneered products. The growing awareness of sustainability issues is leading to more decorative veneers and veneered panels being used in high value appearance wood products. This trend creates a need for an extensive technology transfer program related to veneering manufacturing procedures and product performance in various service conditions. These needs are exacerbated by the retirement of long term experienced personnel from the industry.
The manual covers all aspects of the veneering process, including the requirements for decorative veneers, substrate materials, glues and finishes, manufacturing procedures, storage and handling, typical problems related to veneered products and their prevention, and quality control in the production of decorative veneered products.
An interesting but important part of preparation of the manual was a research project investigating causes of veneer discolouration. Blackwood, European beech, American maple and Tasmanian oak were the four species targeted during this research project. The University of Melbourne undertook chemical analysis of selected veneers aimed at determining the causes of veneer colouration. Other key research included accelerated environmental exposure of veneered panels with a range of finishes. In addition, an experimental study was undertaken by A. V. Syntec Pty. Ltd to investigate the effect of various acid catalysts in relation to staining. The results of this research, a worldwide literature search and the pooling of the technical input from the vast experience of TVAA members formed the basis for the contents of the manual.