Veneering an Exteror Door, Mounting a veneered sheet of plywood to an exterior door, Using peel and stick veneer on an exterior door

Hello Bob Morgan,

Will I have good results if I apply veneer to a sheet of exterior plywood and mount it to an exterior door?   I don't have access to a vacuum bag, so I'll have to use contact cement or a peel and stick veneer.

Sammy T.

Hello Sammy,

The short answer is "I don't know".

 If you were using a waterproof glue, such as titebond 3, and applying veneer to both sides of the plywood using a vacuum bag, you would probably have a good outcome. 

This isn't practical for you, so you will have to try other means for your veneering project.

I think that your next choice could be to use a 2 ply wood backed veneer with a peel and stick adhesive.   Be sure to varnish the veneer after you apply it.   Use at least 2 coats.   You will need to re varnish the surface every 2 or 3 years. 

Substrates, such as plywood can expand and contract due to environmental conditions.    The larger the surface, the more the problem.   Even though exterior plywood is made using waterproof glue, it can still expand and contract. 

You can mitigate this by applying paint to both sides.   The peel and stick veneer will stick well to a painted surface that is smooth and clean. 

You should apply your veneer to both sides of the plywood to stabilize and balance the stresses in the sheet.    This is particularly important if the environmental conditions are in flux, and if the substrate is large. 

You will need to mount the plywood to the door in a very secure fashion - probably screwing it to the door with a liberal amount of screws.   

That's my best advice. No guarantees. Good luck! 

Regards, Bob Morgan, pres.

www.veneerfactoryoutlet.com

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