Breather mesh is an unique plastic fabric that is used in the vacuum bag to allow air to flow across the project being pressed and towards the vacuum port (valve stem). It is used in place of a top platen/caul. Without it the vacuum bag material can seal itself against the veneer causing pockets of air. These pockets have little or no pressure inside and therefore do not provide enough clamping strength for veneer work which causes bubbles under the veneer after pressing. By using breather mesh, you allow the vacuum pressure to evenly distribute throughout the bag. This is the key to successful vacuum pressing.

A platen board is still required when breather mesh is used but there is no need to cut grooves in the platen with this method. That's the beauty of breather mesh. It simplifies the process of flat-panel veneering. The platen is only used to provide a flat "reference" surface which keeps the panel flat while the veneer adhesive is setting up.

Made in the USA!

Breather Mesh Advantages

• Light weight
• Inexpensive
• Re-usable
• Allows you to see the veneer as it is being pressed
• Does not fatigue the bag material
• Reduces bleed-through artifacts
• Easy to use, cut, and store
• Will not stick to most veneer adhesives
• Only .061" thick

Please note that this item may contain sharp edges but it will not damage your vacuum bag.

Rolled/Folded Option
In the interest of minimizing your shipping costs, we fold the breather mesh and place it in the box with the other items in your order. Some users are reporting that it is harder to work with the mesh when it is folded so we now offer to ship the mesh rolled in a separate box. The additional charge for selecting "rolled" is to cover the additional shipping and packing costs. If the breather mesh is the only item in your order, you do not have to select "rolled" since we would ship it that way anyhow.