Hey Bob,

I bought a wood veneer chess set. Soon, the wood began drying out. I applied mineral oil to the surface in an attempt to preserve the board. After trying this several times, I called the company who made it and asked for a return authorization. They refused, because they said that the mineral oil ruined the board. Is this true? I read your article about paper backed and other types of veneer application, but it is over my head.
My other question is can I use a beeswax like Howard's Feed N Wax 'Beeswax & Orange Oil?   Herb

Hi Herb 

he mineral oil probably didn’t damage to the veneer, so long as the veneer had a finish on it, such a s polyurethane varnish. But, why did the veneer dry out and crack? Where did you store the chess board? If it was exposed to heat or direct sunlight, extremes in humidity, extremes in temperatures,  could explain why the veneer cracked.

However, if the veneer is paper backed or wood backed (especially the wood backed veneer), the veneer should be pretty resistant to environmental conditions.

How long did it take before the veneer started to crack? If it started to crack within a month of when you received it, there’s something wrong with the manufacturing process, in my opinion ---- That is, unless it was stored incorrectly.

I don’t think that the beeswax finish is the best, but it won’t hurt the veneer.Orange oil as a finish? ---I don’t know, but I would never use it myself.

Regards,

Bob Morgan

Veneer Factory Outlet

Wood Veneer Factory Outlet