Material Deep Dive: Veneer
January 21, 2025
Michelle
When it comes to versatile laser materials, veneer takes the crown.
In his comprehensive video Every Laserable Material Glowforge owner John K. shares why this ultra-thin wood is his absolute favorite material — and we can see why! From exotic wood varieties to custom stickers, veneer opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Let’s dive in!
Getting Started with Proofgrade®
Just like other Proofgrade materials, each sheet features a QR code that your Glowforge automatically reads to determine the perfect settings — no guesswork required! Each sheet of Veneer comes with:
- Premium 3M adhesive backing for peel-and-stick applications
- Furniture-grade semi-gloss finish
- Protective paper masking
- Available in beautiful varieties like maple and walnut
And the options are so versatile! Choose maple veneer for high-end invitations and contrasting details against darker woods, or opt for walnut veneer to add rich, sophisticated accents to any project.
Looking to work with specific wood variants like MDF or Plywood? We’ve got Material Deep Dives on both! Check out our MDF blog and Wood blog for all the info.
What makes veneer so special?
These micro-thin sheets of natural wood open up countless creative possibilities. Their delicate nature allows for incredibly detailed designs, while their flexibility means you can layer them over acrylic for unique effects or create stunning inlays in solid wood. Whether you're working with Proofgrade's adhesive-backed options or experimenting with exotic wood varieties, veneer lets you add sophisticated wood elements to projects without the bulk of traditional hardwood. From custom stickers to handcrafted exotic plywood, veneer brings the warmth of natural wood to even the most delicate designs.
Tips and Tricks for Creating with Veneer:
One of the best things about veneer is how many ways you can use it — and how many ways you can customize it to fit your project needs:
DIY Backed Veneer Want to create your own adhesive-backed veneer? It's simpler than you might think! Just apply 3M tape to your favorite exotic veneer sheet, cut your design, and stick it onto your chosen surface.
For stunning mixed-material projects, try creating inlays with veneer!
- Engrave a cavity in solid wood with your Glowforge
- Cut out the same shape in veneer
- Glue your veneer pieces into the cavity
- Sand flat and add finish for protection
And voila! A beautiful, detailed piece that you made from scratch.
DIY Backed Veneer Want to create your own adhesive-backed veneer? It's simpler than you might think! Just apply 3M tape to your favorite exotic veneer sheet, cut your design, and stick it onto your chosen surface.
Here are some other ways to put this amazing material to work:
- Charming woodland creatures combining different wood species
- Custom keyboard keys with sophisticated walnut accents
- Personalized spice cabinet labels for kitchen organization
- High-end invitations and menus for special events
- Coasters with intricate inlay designs
- Mixed-media artwork showcasing different wood tones
- Decorative elements for furniture and home decor
Ready to Explore More Materials?
To watch a seasoned Glowforge creator take on some seriously intricate veneer projects (as well as dozens of other materials), check out John K’s video!
Check out our other Material Deep Dives to discover how to create with MDF, Wood, and other exciting materials in your laser crafting journey!
We can’t wait to see what you make!