question on veneering, pulling a panel flat if slightly bowed

[Stwood_]

interesting idea. I didn't think Melamine came in 5/8", hadn't even considered it. 


Why doesn't that need equal treatment on both sides? You still have a moisture differential on one side from the glue, no? or is it because it's particle board and not plys, or is it because contact cement and not PVA? If the latter, why not do the same with 5/8" plywood?

Melamine (a particle board product) is already coated with a white combo paper/plastic on both sides, thus the no-need to veneer both sides.

[mound]

Melamine (a particle board product) is already coated with a white combo paper/plastic on both sides, thus the no-need to veneer both sides.

Does using contact cement (ie. no water based, like PVA) negate the need to do both sides even if it were a plywood substrate? is it the tension of an extra layer or the moisture that creates the need?

[FrankAtl]

The moisture in the glue may cause part of the problem but the main thing is the uneven absorption of moisture between the veneered side and the non-veneered side. So the contact cement wouldn't solve the problem on a plywood substrate.

[Stwood_]

Does using contact cement (ie. no water based, like PVA) negate the need to do both sides even if it were a plywood substrate? is it the tension of an extra layer or the moisture that creates the need?

No