Veneers can be enhanced through dying, chemical treatment and through the use of advanced cutting methods.
You can see examples in our enhanced veneers range.
Dying allows for new colour shades to be created, including those which are not found in nature. In dying, a natural veneer maintains the grain, characteristics and beauty of the species core, while increasing consistency of colour.
Our dyed range avoids complicated sprays and difficult-to-replicate dyes, meaning we can achieve consistency of colour even across large sized projects. By working sequentially across sheets of veneer, treating each one both before and after the dying process, we can ensure the finished product is uniform in colour and the shade flows naturally from one piece of veneer to the next.
Please note that the colour fastening properties and absorbability vary depending on the species chosen and as with all veneer, UV prohibitors in the lacquer are recommended to increase the resistance of the wood to light. Some colours - for example, grey, black and blue - are the most susceptible to change over time. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Alternatively, chemical enhancement - such as fuming, silver or thermo-treatment - uses a chemical reaction to darken the wood, creating a sophisticated looking end product. Through the over exposure of chemicals - ammonia oxide, silver nitrate and others - for a defined period of time, the natural tannins in the veneer react to create an enhanced look which is permanent and irreversable.
The change can be significant. White Oak is typically a white or biscuit colour prior to the fuming process, whereas post the chemical reaction the wood colour can be described as a Milk Rich Teak, Pecan-Nut Brown, Dark Ground Coffee or Black Forest.
Veneers can also be enhanced through the way they are cut.
Known as rivved, textured or rough sawn veneer, this process uses a specially grooved knife blade on the lathe to cut the veneer at an angle. This creates a textured surface, giving the veneer a unique look and feel which can be felt even after the veneer has been lacquered and pressed onto a board.
