Frequently Asked Questions

• What types of printing can be used with the veneer?
Although we are not a printing company our customers are very successful printing using Flexo, Offset, Silk Screening, Digital with fast or hard drying inks.

• What Types of Laminating do we do?
Currently we are limited to heat activated lamination. Adhesives are water based and activate at 165 degrees with a high point tolerance of 265 degrees.

• Does the grain effect ink coverage? How?
We have not been informed of any negative regarding ink spreading or color adhesion.

• What types of material can the wood be mounted to?
We offer the following: 18, 15, and 12 point paper board with veneer on one side. 12 point paper board with veneer on both sides. 7 point craft paper and 1 mil poly with veneer on one side. (Poly) is only available in rolls while all other offering are available in rolls or sheets. Birch (lighter) or Cherry (Darker).

• Can the product be die cut?
Yes it can and it can also be laser cut.

• What is the thickest substrate that the wood can be mounted to?
Currently the thickest substrate we mount to is the 18 point paper board. The veneer is cut at .008 and then laminated to the 18 point paper board to support the veneer. Our customers then mount the product to another substrate at any thickness.

• Will the wood to board stock handle a router?
Yes it can be routed but this also depends on the thickness of your veneer.

• Can the wood be mounted to styrene?
Yes ( Custom Order)

• What would be the average lead time?
Depending on the volume of course, but we try to turn all orders in 7 to 14 days.

• What about samples and set up stock for printing?
We encourage sampling and provide these at no charge with exception to shipping and handling fees in limited quantities.

Northern Sheer Veneer Printing Considerations:

PREPRESS
As a general rule Sheer Veneer paper will absorb ink, imagery should be adjusted in prepress to compensate for the additional absorption into the stock.

INK
Sheer Veneer is very absorbent, so more ink is necessary to achieve darker colors. Inks that dry by absorption have the best success.

BACKING
It is important to note that when choosing the backer material for your wood you should keep in mind that the color of the backer can affect the appearance of the wood. For example if one chooses a craft paper backer instead of white board their Cherry veneer will look darker than expected.

INK DRYING
Normal drying times of 24hrs is recommended, shorter drying times for lighter ink coverage. Inks that dry by absorption have the best success.

PRINTING
Sheer Veneer may require additional cylinder squeezing on press. It is normal for a minimal amount of surface particles to transfer to the printing blankets, however they should not impede with the print quality.

AQEOUS & VARNISHES
Pre-testing is recommended to achieve desired results.

EMBOSSING
Sheer Veneer embosses & de-bosses beautifully, the formation of the wood pattern enhances the emboss or de-boss. The die impression will smooth the wood pattern. Brass dies give the best impression.

FOIL STAMPING
Sheer Veneer foil stamps beautifully, pre-testing your foil choice is recommended to achieve your desired results.

FOLDING & SCORING
Cut scoring is the preferred scoring method. Sheer Veneer grain direction is opposite of the laminated backer sheet, scoring with the grain gives you the best results.

SHADE
Variations in shade and pattern from sheet to sheet is normal and gives the printed form excellent results.

TRIMMING & DIECUTTING
Normal methods are used to achieve the best results.

HANDLING OF SHEER VENEER
Keep Sheer Veneer wrapped until ready to print. It is essential to let the paper acclimatize for a minimum of 24 hrs – longer during cold weather, in the pressroom while still wrapped in the mill packaging. Keep covered during the drying, between passes and prior to any finishing work. Pressroom conditions should be keep as close to 45 -50% relative humidity. If the bindery has a different climate than the pressroom, allow the paper to acclimatize to those conditions.

***Note: The above recommendations are “hints” based on our knowledge and experience. Northern Sheer Veneer does not accept responsibilities for omissions and pressroom errors.