Paper can be used as an underlay for veneers, particularly where the substrate colour and veneer colour contrast.

For lighter veneers, a white paper backing will prevent show-through from the substrate material. Either kraft or white can be used — depending on the veneer colour — to act as a barrier to eliminate lippings from being visible once the face veneer is applied. This is known as ‘telegraphing’ in the trade.

In some applications paper can also be used as a balancer and, as it’s an ideal surface for painting, it can be used in place of wood veneer on a substrate.