What kind of substrate should I use with veneer? What you are looking for is a substrate that is stable (does not expand and contract with temperature or moisture) and is as flat as possible.
What is the best substrate to use for veneer? Although your project might require a specific substrate, by far the most commonly used and best substrate is MDF.
Why is MDF the best substrate to veneer over? MDF is smooth, flat, and incredibly stable. It is also relatively inexpensive and consistent in its make up.
Is there any preparation to be done to the MDF substrate before veneering? As in any woodworking aplication, the moisture content must be resonable before any veneer is applied. It is also preferable to lightly scuff sand the MDF before veneering.
Can I use plywood as a substrate? Although plywood is not as good a choice as MDF it can be used as well. If weight is an issue, for example on large doors, Baltic birch plywood can be used instead of the heavier MDF. However, plywood can warp, especially if stored improperly, and may have voids within its core that you may not see until it is cut.
Can I veneer over solid wood? You can also veneer over solid
wood if necessary, but it is obviously more expensive and less stable than
MDF. Lay the veneer in the same grain direction of the solid wood. This will
keep the wood movement together and will reduce problems from arising in the
future.