When you do decorative wooden projects, edge banding is an essential finishing touch. It is a process where a thin strip of wood veneer is glued onto the exposed edge of a plywood or MDF substrate. This gives the illusion that the piece is made out of solid wood when in reality it is not. This is where edge banding comes in.
So, what exactly is edge banding? Is edge banding real wood? The answer to both of these questions is yes and no. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Is edge banding real wood?
The answer to this question is a bit more complicated. While the veneer itself is real wood, the substrate that it is glued onto is not. Plywood and MDF are both made from wood fibers, but they are not solid pieces of wood. They are composites, which means that they are made from wood chips that have been glued together.
So while the edge banding veneer is real wood, the substrate is not.
Edge banding is a real wood veneer that is glued onto the exposed edge of a plywood or MDF substrate. However, the veneer itself is very thin, usually only about 1/8 inch thick. So while the veneer is real wood, it’s not very thick.
What is edge banding made of?
There are several materials you can use for edge bandings, such as ABS edge banding, aluminum edge banding, acrylic edge banding, and veneer edge banding. Let’s take a deeper look into each type:
ABS Edge Banding: ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a type of plastic that is often used for edge banding. It is a durable material that can be heat-formed to create different shapes.
Aluminum Edge Banding: Aluminum is another popular choice for edge banding. It is a strong metal that can give your project a more industrial look.
Acrylic Edge Banding: Acrylic edge banding is made from a type of plastic called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is a clear material that can be used to create a seamless finish.
Veneer Edge Banding: Veneer edge banding is made from thin slices of wood that are glued onto the substrate. It is available in a variety of wood species, such as oak, maple, and cherry.
How is edge banding applied?
Edge banding is applied using an adhesive, such as PVA glue or hot melt adhesive. The veneer is then placed onto the substrate and trimmed to size.
To install edge bandings, these steps should be followed:
1. Cut the veneer to size
The size of the veneer edge banding should be measured properly. If you don’t cut it to the right size, it will be too big or small for your project.
2. Apply the adhesive
The next step is to apply the adhesive to the substrate. You can use a brush, roller, or spray bottle to apply the adhesive. Make sure that you evenly cover the entire edge with adhesive.
3. Place the veneer onto the substrate
After the adhesive has been applied, you can now place the veneer onto the substrate. Starting at one end, align the edge of the veneer with the edge of the substrate and press it down firmly. Continue until you reach the other end.
4. Trim the excess veneer
Once you have placed all of the veneers onto the substrate, you can now trim the excess. You can use a utility knife or a veneer trimmer to do this.
5. Apply pressure to the veneer
After trimming the excess veneer, you should apply pressure to the entire length of the veneer. This will help to bond the veneer to the substrate.
6. Allow the adhesive to dry
Once you have applied pressure to the veneer, you should allow the adhesive to dry. This usually takes about 24 hours.
What are the benefits of edge banding?
There are several benefits to using edge banding, such as:
It gives the illusion of a solid wood piece: Edge banding can make a plywood or MDF piece look like it is made out of solid wood. This is because the veneer is glued onto the exposed edge, which gives the illusion that the piece is made out of solid wood.
It protects the edges: Edge banding can help protect the edges of a plywood or MDF piece from chipping or damage. This is because the veneer acts as a barrier between the edge of the substrate and the outside world.
It is available in a variety of materials: As we mentioned before, there are several materials that you can use for edge bandings, such as ABS, aluminum, acrylic, and veneer. This gives you a lot of options to choose from so that you can find the right material for your project.
It is available in a variety of colors: Edge banding is also available in a variety of colors. This means that you can find the perfect color to match your project.
What are the disadvantages of edge banding?
While there are several benefits to using edge banding, there are also some disadvantages, such as:
It can be difficult to apply: Applying edge banding can be a bit tricky, especially if you are doing it for the first time. If you don’t do it correctly, the veneer can peel off or the adhesive can come undone.
It is not always necessary: In some cases, edge banding may not be necessary. This is because the edges of the substrate may not be exposed or they may not be susceptible to damage.
It can be expensive: Depending on the material that you use, edge banding can be quite expensive. This is because some materials, such as veneer, can be expensive to purchase.
Can edge banding be sanded?
Yes, edge banding can be sanded. However, it is important to note that you should only sand the veneer and not the substrate. Sanding the substrate can damage the material.
What are some common problems with edge banding?
Some common problems with edge banding include:
Bubbling: This is when the adhesive creates bubbles under the veneer. This can happen if the adhesive is not applied correctly or if the veneer is not pressed down firmly enough.
Peeling: This is when the veneer starts to peel off of the substrate. This can happen if the adhesive is not strong enough or if the veneer was not trimmed properly.
Gaps: This is when there are gaps between the veneer and the substrate. This can happen if the veneer was not placed properly or if it was not trimmed correctly.
Is edge banding worth it?
The short answer is yes, edge banding is definitely worth it! It can give your project a clean and professional look while also protecting the edges of your substrate from damage. Plus, it’s not very difficult or time-consuming to apply. So if you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your project, edge banding is a great option!
