A method to produce a veneer element, including defects and dense portions. The method includes providing a substrate, providing a sub-layer, including a binder and coloured filler particles, applying the sub-layer on a first surface of the substrate, applying a veneer layer on the sub-layer, and applying pressure, preferably heat and pressure, to the veneer layer and/or the substrate, thereby forming a veneer element wherein, after pressing, the sub-layer is visible through a defect of the veneer element such as crack, cavity, hole and/or knot of the veneer layer. Also, a veneer element.