Abstract: A method of pretreating wood veneers with a wetting agent which reduces the amount of adhesive required to bond the veneers together in plywood manufacturing. The wetting agent can be water or a liquid solution containing an elastomer or plasticizer which leaves a thin film of solids on the veneer surface after it evaporates. The wetting agent is in part absorbed by the veneer to inhibit absorption of liquid from the adhesive. Also, the solid film left on the veneer flows on the glue line and wets the adhesive when the veneer is hot pressed. This promotes flow and spreading of the adhesive, even if it is partially dry, and thus results in more effective use of the adhesive so that the adhesive usage is reduced.