Normally I always veneer both sides of panels that I make, including when MDF is the core. I have a project where one panel is 4′ x 6′ and will be attached to a stud wall. I am using 1/2″ MDF for the core, and was wondering if I really need to veneer the back side.
Anyone ever do a panel like this, or any 1/2″ MDF panel on one side only and get bad warping?
I kind of think I’ll be OK without doing the backside, especially since it’s going onto the wall. And I’ve never seen MDF warp–just fall apart when it gets wet.
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You'll be fine as long as the MDF doesn't curl before it gets to the wall.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
It may depend on which wood and glue that you choose. If you choose a water base glue, this will cause the surface of the face of the mdf, and the veneer to swell as you apply the glue.
However after they dry, they will then be trying to contract beyond where they went down under the clamps. Some glues shrink. Have you ever heard of glue chip glass, and know how it is made?
In the words of Dirty Harry, "Do you feel lucky?" The amount of warp that will occur when veneering one side is dependent on the materials and the moisture content of the glue. But, it will warp. Try a one foot square sample of the materials you plan to use. (By the way, if you do a sample, note that the veneer is larger after the glue sets. It grows as it absorbs moisture from the glue, and tacks before the moisture evaporates. When it eventually dries out and tries to shrink, the contraction causes the panel to warp.)
If you are able to fasten the panel to a flat structure, then the warp can be taken out. You need to judge your situation. Will you be able to clamp the panel securely in a way that flattens it adequately?
Good luck, Tom
I had some walnut burl laid up for me by a cabinet shop for a house I was trimming. The panels were to be 36"X60",laid up in a 4 corner pattern on 1/2" mdf. By the time they delivered the 4 panels, they were cupped so bad, I had to redesign the project, which meant cutting the panels on the seams and make relief cuts 5/16" deep on a 3" grid just so the panels would lay flat on the ceiling. My extra labor cost was way more than putting a cheap veneer on the backside of the mdf.
Regards,
Sean
Thanks. I was going to chance it, but wanted to hear from someone with this specific experience. When it comes to voting, a bunch of "I don't think so's" loses to one "I tried it and it failed."Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
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