Freshly cut veneer is saturated with moisture. Neglecting the drying process before gluing and hot pressing can lead to significant problems. Excessive moisture prolongs pressing times, causes bubbling, and weakens adhesive bonds—some adhesives may fail to adhere altogether. Wet veneer also exacerbates shrinkage stress in plywood, resulting in deformation, cracks, and diminished quality. Furthermore, it's susceptible to warping, edge cracking, and mildew during storage, particularly in warm, humid conditions. Here's how to effectively address these challenges and optimize your veneer drying process.