Marquetry Hints and Tips - Anita Marquetry


	To obtain the best results when preparing an inlay it should be pressed as soon as possible after it is received. If a delay is necessary it should be stored flat, under a weight in a dry place.
	There are over 12,000,000 species of trees. (Ref. Kew Gardens Tree dept.)
	Cold pressing is recommended and suitable glues are good quality PVA - a waterproof version is available - or Cascamite One Shot which is preferable for exterior or marine applications.
	It is a good idea to seal the work before sanding to prevent any contamination by dust from one veneer to another. The sealer must be compatible with the final finish to be used.
	Did you know? The largest burr we`ve heard of was in Redwood National Park. With a diameter of 100ft and a height of 25ft it had six 10ft diameter redwoods growing out of it! Redwood is part of Americas heritage in trees. But maybe you know better?
	Toxic woods The dust of some woods well known for causing reactions in susceptible individuals include Guarea, African Mahogany, Makore, Santos Rosewood & Teak, but Mansonia has been known to cause cardiac disturbances as well. Satinwood causes a reaction with one member of our team, but not the others and may be something that develops with increased exposure. Always wear a mask & use barrier cream or disposable rubber gloves when handling these materials.
	Our inlays are covered in a plastic film. This should come easily away by hand and any glue residue may be scraped away or removed with sparingly applied acetone or cellulose thinners before sanding & finishing.
	The choice of finish is often a matter of personal choice. French polish is available in various shades from black to transparent. While time-consuming it gives a beautiful, lustrous result and is the best choice for restoration work. Poyurethane varnishes, Cellulose and AC lacquers are available in matt, satin or gloss finishes. It is worth using one that is UV light resistant to protect the richness of art and colour of the woods from fading.
	Buckled veneers, especially burrs, can be flattened & stabilised by the following method. Mix half a measure (by volume) of wallpaper paste with six measures of distilled water. Leave for a minute & stir again until it is a thick paste. Thoroughly mix in two measures of methylated spirits followed by one measure of glycerine. This mixture should be brushed on evenly but sparingly to both sides of the veneer which is then pressed, lightly at first, with increasing pressure over a period of up to an hour depending on how badly the veneer is buckled. It will take up to a week at normal temperatures for the veneers to dry out but the process can be speeded up by putting it in a warm place.