by Grant Campbell

Created on: March 21, 2007   Last Updated: March 06, 2012

Marquetry is the practice of painting with wood, usually with thin veneers, of different colors and grain patterns. Veneer pieces are cut to size and shape, and glued to a backer board, or a box , or other similar project, forming a picture.

When I practice marquetry, I will draw the desired shape on a piece of paper to the correct size, and cut out the shape with an Exacto knife, creating a window in the paper. I then place the "window" on the vaneer of choice, moving it around in trial positions until I am satisfied with the grain direction and pattern. I then trace the "window" on the vaneer and make the cut with the Exacto knife and tape or pin the piece in its respective position on the project. This process is repeated until the picture is complete. Final adjustments are then made, until all pieces fit together precisely.

When I am satisfied with the fit and the overall appearance, I place the pieces upside down on a piece of adhesive shelf liner, and carefully cut the shelf liner around the finished picture. I then place this unit right side up on the vaneer that I am using as my back ground, and trace around the unit with my Exacto knife, then cut this window into the vaneer.

When the fit is satisfactory, I place the picture unit into the window in the veneer, and tape it in place from the top side, and prepare the surface of the backing for the application of the glue.

I like to use hot hide glue when veneering, because it gives me a little time to make a final adjustment in the placement of the vaneer. I spread the glue evenly on the surface and place the composite on the project. I then cover the composite with a layer of waxed paper and place a piece of plywood over the waxed paper, and either clamp the "sandwich" together or place sufficient weight on it to assure that the glue bond is complete. The waxed paper prevents the plywood from sticking to the project in the event of some squeeze out of the glue, which occurs more often than not. After the glue is set, the vaneer can be trimmed to fit the project.

Parquetry is a similar process, but usually involves repeat geometric patterns, generally with thicker veneers, and larger projects such as counter tops, floors, etc. In this case, I generally cut the pattern pieces, do the necessary sanding and fitting, and then, spread the glue only in an area that can be covered in a few minutes, and place the pattern pieces in the wet glue. It is often necessary to use a notched spreader to apply the glue

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