Picking the perfect edge banding can be a bit of a minefield. We field a lot of common questions about the various types. One that comes up particularly often is acrylic vs veneer edge banding. What exactly is the difference? Here’s everything you need to know…

Acrylic Edge Banding

Acrylic edge banding is the go-to for many when it comes to plastic edging, and for a good reason. It ticks plenty of boxes, being hardwearing, versatile, resistant to scuffs and scratches, and applicable to almost any product. Acrylic edging will do an admirable job whether you’re finishing your office furniture, perfecting a kitchen design, or building a coffin. It’s ideal for furniture in high-traffic areas like washrooms and food halls, keeping your products in tip-top condition for longer.

Beyond the hardwearing nature of acrylic edge banding, it also has many design benefits. Capable of imitating pretty much any material or pattern you can think of, Acrylic banding can give you the appearance of wood, granite, and so much more. Colourful options are never an issue, patterns are easily achieved, 3D effects are regularly incorporated, and shiny finishes for depth illusions are entirely possible.

Veneer Edge Banding

Veneer edge banding is a high-quality edging solution that emulates the appearance of real wood. It’s the closest you can get to using solid wood without the expense, weight, and inherent issues that crop up. The appearance of your veneer can be tailored to the specific qualities of the wood you’re trying to emulate, from colour to texture. The surface of veneer edging is sanded – just as you would sand real wood – to create the best possible clarity.

You can also obtain a range of finishes for your veneer banding, including lacquered and pre-stained finishes. 

Acrylic Vs Veneer Edgebanding: What’s The Difference?

The biggest difference between acrylic and veneer edge banding is that while veneer banding only imitates wood effects, acrylic can create a wide range of effects. The materials they’re created from also differ. While both are strong, acrylic is generally the more hardwearing of the two. You can also create wood effects from acrylic edge banding. While these won’t be as close to real wood in their aesthetic as veneer, they tend to be tougher.