Abalam Laminated Sheet: Black MOP — Surface Inlay

Abalam Laminated Sheet: Black MOP — Surface Inlay

Smoky gray to solid black mother of pearl, often flashing enough color to read as abalone at an angle. Dramatic and modern, it is the go-to dark shell for light-colored grounds and maple work.

Abalam laminated veneer-ply sheet, approximately 9.5 x 5.5 inches. Unlike thin veneer, Abalam fuses shell layers into a thick, stable ply: deeper and more consistent color that will not sand away, fewer and less obvious joints, and no natural fracture lines — it breaks evenly where solid shell would follow a fault.

Specifications

• Shell: Pinctada margaritifera; Tahiti
• Sheet size: approx. 9.5" x 5.5"
• Thicknesses: .020" 2-ply – .060"
• Sold: per sheet
• SKU: DP-BLACK-MOP-LAMINATED-SHEET

Working with this shell

Saw, rout or carve like a dense hardwood; the laminated ply cuts cleanly without the fracture lines of solid shell. Sand through grits and polish for a deep wet look. Do not soak to soften — test any wet technique on scrap first. Wear a respirator: shell dust is hazardous.

Please note: Joints show; looks best under a finish.

SURFACE INLAY ONLY: this laminated sheet is thicker than veneer stock and is made for surface inlay work — carving, sign making, and inlay into wood, stone and similar surfaces. Not recommended for reverse glass work due to thickness.

SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING due to law, Shell SHIPS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ONLY

Tags: shell, inlay, smoky, laminated sheet, black mop