I'm about to embark on my first large veneering project (queen-size headboard). My
previous efforts at veneering have used hot hide glue and a veneer hammer, with good
results -- but I don't think that's going to work very well for something this large. I'm moving
into uncharted territory here. Uncharted for me, anyway... hopefully not for some of you.

I know that I need to veneer both sides of each panel for stability -- my first question is
whether the veneers on the opposite sides of the panels need to be close to the same
*thickness*. The veneer I've selected for the show side is 1/40" walnut burl. I have on hand
an ample supply of 1/16" poplar veneer. Will that be suitable for the back face, or do I need
something closer to the thickness of the show veneer? The panel will be 3/4" MDF, and I'm
planning to use urea-formaldehyde glue (Weldwood Plastic Resin Glue).

Second question: does the burl veneer need a backing veneer, or can I glue it directly to
the MDF panel?

Third question: I'll be doing this in a vacuum press. Should I veneer both sides at once, or
one at a time? If one at a time, which side should go first?

Thanks to all for any help you can give me.