Edgebanding Guide - A Simple Method Yields Superb ...

Edgebanding Guide - A Simple Method Yields Superb Results

Edgebanding provides a sleek finish to plywood and MDF projects, easily elevating the look of your construction to resemble high-quality hardwood.

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Using plywood for your projects is often easier and more practical, but its unfinished edges can reduce the aesthetic appeal. Covering these edges helps to achieve a look closer to hardwood lumber. The two most common techniques are hardwood edging and veneer edge banding.

Hardwood Edging vs Veneer Edge Banding

Hardwood edging involves gluing a wood strip to the plywood's edge and flush-cutting it to align with the surface. This method offers versatility in edge design but can be time-consuming compared to iron-on edge banding materials.

For a sleek, straight edge, veneer edge banding proves most effective. This material consists of real wood veneer, pre-sanded and usually 7/8" wide, making it easy to trim to a flush edge on 3/4" thick plywood or MDF panels.

How to Apply Veneer Edge Banding

Tools You'll Need

Edge banding requires just a clothes iron and an edge-trimming tool. Smaller travel-sized irons may be more convenient to handle. However, avoid "borrowing" a household iron to prevent hot melt glue residues.

Starting the Process

Cut a piece of edge banding about 1" longer than the panel's length. If you are using dye or high-penetration stain, pay attention to splice lines in the banding as these may show up more prominently.

Application Techniques

When working on joining sides, start with the least visible edge. For example, if edging a rectangular panel, begin with the back edge, followed by the sides, and finish with the front for a seamless appearance.

Set your iron to the "high" or "cotton" setting (390°F). Clamp your panel in a bench vise. Place the banding on one end of the panel and center it. Slowly move the iron along the banding, applying downward pressure. Be cautious of hot glue and splinters. A small bead of adhesive should appear from the banding's underside if the adhesive is activating. Immediately follow up with a block of wood or MDF to secure the bond. The adhesive remains workable for around 45 seconds after heating.

Should the edges lift, press them back down or reheat as needed. Avoid burning the banding by keeping the iron moving. Use a cloth to protect pre-finished banding from heat marks.

End Trimming

For end trimming, stand the panel edge against a workbench and use a 1" chisel and mallet to slice off excess banding cleanly. Avoid spending on handheld "end chopping" devices; a chisel and mallet will suffice.

Flush Trimming the Edges

Once cooled, the edge banding can be trimmed using several tools:

• A sharp chisel can trim the edges, although it may leave some tear-out, which will be smoothed out during finishing.
• A flush trimming tool, designed specifically for fleece-backed veneer edge banding, can achieve a clean cut. Pay attention to the grain direction to avoid tear-out.
• A flush cutting router bit works well but requires the project panel to be on its edge, which can be tricky for larger panels.

Finishing Up

Lightly sand the top and bottom faces of the plywood near the banding to smooth out any irregularities left from trimming. You may choose to smooth the corner edges with your hands for a rounded finish or use a block plane for a micro-beveled edge.

Veneer edge banding can be stained and finished like any wood product, using lacquer, Danish oil, or oil-based stain and polyurethane. Be sure to disconnect your clothes iron once you're finished.

Making Your Own Edgebanding

If you need a specific species, you can make your own edge banding. Use scissors or a veneer saw to cut it from veneer stock. Apply Heat Lock glue and adhere the banding using an iron.

For more details, visit Lituo Product Page.

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