“IMAGINE”
I was helping Tim Nolte vacuum bag a hard foam “skin” on a paddle board (for strength and durability) when we discussed the idea of applying wood veneer to a rough glassed surfboard. Imagine the designs and wood options that veneer offers verses solid wood. Imagine being in the lineup on a new tech board with your custom veneer design. We questioned:
Will the veneer adhere to the glass/resin?
Will veneer bend and mold around the rocker and rails?
Will veneer break down in resin?
Will veneer add significant weight to the Board?
After much research and experimentation, I figured it out. And, most importantly, Tim agrees—it works.
The Process
I’m using a .10 mil (100th of an inch) veneer that is pliable and attaches to the 1st rough coat glass layer of a shaped surfboard. After laying out the design on the board, every piece is hand cut and placed in the desired location. Designs are (almost) limitless. I have forty wood veneers to choose from. You come up with a cool design (classic or not), I’ll review and let you know what can be done. We’ll discuss in detail and build something beautiful, functional, and unique.
The process starts with a basic surfboard shape and size. Longboards, shortboards, fish and my favorite - guns - are all possible. For wall hangers, I prefer the gun shape, a classic, which showcases great patterns and wood contrasts. Tim Nolte shapes all the blanks and can shape anything you want - for the wall or to ride.
Once the shaping is complete, the first layer of glass is added and rough sanded to accept the veneer. The veneer is then applied and sanded lightly. The Veneer is usually only applied to the deck and around the rail to about 1/2 in under the bottom. The bottom is left natural (no veneer). However, veneer can be applied to the entire board (top and bottom). The next step is to seal the veneer with a light coat of resin. Once dry, the resin is sanded to accept the glass coat. A hot coat then is applied for final sanding and polishing.
Much time is spent “book matching” the veneer on both sides of the center line of the board.
If the board is to be ridden, the fin boxes and leash plug will be installed.
Veneer Surfboards
For the Waves or Wall, this Process allows for Intricate Designs, Woods, Shapes. These start as Actual Shaped Foam Surfboards.
Lewis Chose the Wood Veneers and Provided the Design, 7’ 11” Gun
The center is Western Red Cedar, Clear Pine with Wenge pin stripes all around, flanked on both outsides with Jatoba (Brazilian cherry). The rails are wrapped all around with the Clear Pine.
Choose the Shape, Wood, and Pattern
It all begins with an idea.
I built this Veneer board as a stock offering.
Teak Deck with Paudak (red colored wood “Swoops”), Brazilian Cherry Rails and Wenge stringer and Rail highlights.
This board was beautifully glass and polished.
Wendy’s Board
Inspired by a designer and home remodel consultant, this board is wood veneer including:
Bubinga, Maple, Teak, Red Oak, Poplar, Wenge, White Pine,Walnut, Jatoba and Cherry
Wendy and John’s - Va. Beach
