0.5mm Rotary Cut Natural Mersawa Wood Veneer: A Guide for Woodworkers

0.5mm Rotary Cut Natural Mersawa Wood Veneer: A Guide for Woodworkers

If you’re looking for a versatile and beautiful wood veneer, consider 0.5mm rotary cut natural Mersawa wood veneer. This veneer is made from the Mersawa tree, a tropical hardwood species native to Southeast Asia. In this guide, you’ll learn what 0.5mm rotary cut natural Mersawa wood veneer is, how it’s produced, how to use it, and its benefits and drawbacks.

What is 0.5mm Rotary Cut Natural Mersawa Wood Veneer?

0.5mm rotary cut natural Mersawa wood veneer is a thin layer of wood peeled from a log by rotating it against a sharp blade. This process produces a continuous sheet of veneer with a thickness of 0.5mm, similar to a sheet of paper. The rotary cutting method creates a varied and natural grain pattern, giving the veneer a rustic and organic look.

This veneer retains its natural color and texture, ranging from orangey yellow to golden brown, with whitish resin veins adding contrast and character. The grain can be straight or interlocked, and the texture is coarse and uneven. With a density of 0.63 g/cm³ at 12% moisture content, it is relatively lightweight and flexible.

Local and Common Names

• Cambodia: Phdiek

• Indonesia: Mersawa

• Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Mai Bak

• Malaysia: Pengiran, Mersawa

• Myanmar: Kaunghmu

• Philippines: Palosapis

• Papua New Guinea: Mersawa

• Thailand: Pik, Krabak

• USA: Bella Rosa

• Vietnam: Ven-Ven

• China: 异翅香

How to Use 0.5mm Rotary Cut Natural Mersawa Wood Veneer

0.5mm rotary cut natural Mersawa wood veneer can be used for various woodworking projects, such as furniture-making, cabinetry, interior design, flooring, and more. It can be applied to any flat or curved surface, including wood, plywood, MDF, particleboard, or metal. It is also suitable for inlay, marquetry, or parquetry, creating intricate and artistic patterns.

Steps to Use:

1. Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and smooth. Sand to remove any bumps or roughness and fill any holes or cracks with wood filler.

2. Apply Adhesive: Use a suitable adhesive to glue the veneer to the surface. Spread the adhesive evenly with a brush or roller, paying special attention to the edges and corners. Depending on your preference and the surface type, you can use PVA, contact cement, or hot melt glue.

3. Apply the Veneer: Carefully place the veneer sheet onto the surface, aligning the grain direction and pattern as desired. Use a roller, scraper, or veneer hammer to smooth out the veneer and press it firmly onto the surface, removing any air bubbles or wrinkles.

4. Trim the Edges: Trim off the excess material around the edges using a sharp knife or razor blade, cutting along the edge of the surface to avoid damage.

5. Sand and Finish: Lightly sand the veneer with fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, following the grain direction. Apply a finish, such as varnish, lacquer, or oil, to protect and enhance the veneer’s appearance.