If your plywood edges are pitted, using some wood filler will do the trick. After it dries you can go back and touch up little mistakes quite easily. Read More. Sanding isnt necessary before edge banding but can be done if the plywood edge is rough or uneven. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Chelsea and he's Logan. If the paint used had much gloss, this area will also need a little touch up paint. Your email address will not be published. Do this slowly and gently just like ironing clothing. After applying edge banding, you can complete your project with a stain or paint. They enjoy teaching readers how to renovate with confidence. Once it cools, trim the excess at each endI prefer to use sharp scissors instead of dragging a blade across the grain. Fill in as necessary with wood filler (like areas where two edge bands meet at corners). Go over the whole plywood surface, but pay special attention to the edges. While edge banding isnt necessary, it gives the project a more finished look and protects it from snagging on things. And theres no weird area where the edge banding strips meet one another on the corners. Did you make this project? However, for longer curved areas like the end of the murphy bed and Ramonas toy workbench below, painters tape is a huge help. Luckily there are two really simple ways that you can cover those stacked plywood edges for a more polished look. If you're using an airless sprayer, then you probably only need one layer of paint since airless sprayers does not required that the paint be thinned out. Thanks again. If youre using another brand, read the instructions or reach out to the company on social media. If you do accidentally expose the plywood surface underneath, add more primer to these areas and repeat the sanding step. It just as to be covered. A painter once recommended using Bondo. Depending on what you are sealing, you could also use a clamp to hold the veneer in place. My favorite trick is to use a single edged razor blade to remove paint drips and lines. You can get a beautiful paint finish on plywood by using these simple tricks. I applied the wood filler to the edges, but I cant get it to stick! About: Hi there! Either option is a good one and totally up to you but dont let the task of covering the plywood edges stop you. Do not make heavy pencil marks because that will make grooves in the wood and be more difficult to remove. It looks beautiful painted! (I also use my fingers for application.) If the second layer looks even and the paint is smooth I will stop. Apply and then leave it alone to dry/set. However, since seeing the wood grain is not necessary if you are painting, you can also opt to simply cover the plywood edge with wood filler or spackle, sand smooth, and paint over it. I don't recommend using drywall compound since it might result in cracking. Since my paint is water-based, I added water to the paint to thin it out. Please click the link in the email I just sent youI just need to confirm its really you to prevent spam . Both look and work greatits really up to you which one you use based on your project and needs. Ill share two easy ways you can choose from based on your project! The awesome thing about wood filler is that if your plywood has exposed voids, the filler will fill them in nicely. Thank you! Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. With the ZAR wood putty that I use, you get the wood slightly damp then apply the putty with a plastic putty knife. Ive scraped my knuckles on sharp corners enough times that now I always knock down all corners on wood that will be exposed in the finished piece (of whatever Im building). Required fields are marked *. Then go back and look for any blemishes that you can clean up with a razor. Whatever the purpose, thats how I go about painting plywood edges. Thanks for signing up! I didnt like the idea of edge banding. Follow along with our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to finish plywood edges like a pro! If you're rolling the paint with a sponge roller, then you will probably need 2 layers of paint depending on how evenly the material was applied onto the surface. Plywood is an affordable and easy material to use in woodworking projects, but the raw edges can leave it looking unfinished. I was thinking wood filler might work and decided to google Can you paint the side of plywood? as I was shopping at Home Depot. This is the one I use - https://amzn.to/33Xp2Zf, This one is a great one as well - https://amzn.to/30TOZqy. Here is a picture of some gross plywood edging I used for a table I was working on. If you are using boards, sand the ends with a higher grit than you use on the surface. Plywood also comes in large sheets, like 2-feet by 4-feet and 4-feet by 8-feet. Watch as This Old House DIY Expert and House One Editor Jenn Largesse shares three easy ways to conceal plywood edges. Youd hardly know it was ever plywood. Thanks for signing up for this freebie! Ive searched all over the internet for your lovely tip. Plywood is made with thin layers of wood veneers glued together in combination with other types of binders (like resin). This will give you great results, but it's an added cost and added tools needed to cut the hardwoods to size. This will quicking remove most of the excess. Place the top of the banding flush with the top edge of the plywood. We share weekly renovating and DIY tutorials. You can either choose to embrace the layers as this retro entryway bench does, or you can cover them up if you prefer. Im so glad you found it helpful Wendy! Its messy, but it washes off easily. Then I use a regular pair of scissors to cut a piece of edge banding to side and put it in place with a bit of painters tape. so then I tried using my fingers to smooth it on, but its a huge mess. Once your plywood edges are smooth, wipe off the whole piece with a slightly damp cloth. The banding should adhere to the furniture. Then, double back with the iron down the edge of the plywood to adhere the entire length of the veneer. If you do choose to spray the primer with an HVLP sprayer, you might need to add a few extra coats to ensure that the plywood is fully covered and the wood will not absorb any more of the primer. After sanding try wiping the bare wood with a wet rag (not dripping wet). This rotating is called cross graining and it helps make plywood less like to warp, split when nailed, and reduces the natural expansion and shrinkage. My favorite wood patch is still ZAR. To adhere the banding to the plywood, hold the veneer in place and place the iron on top of the banding. Finish with a quick sanding to get professional-looking results. One is to use edge banding usually with a hardwood like poplar. As you can see, I have many hats! Your email address will not be published. His reasoning was that when bondo dries its sandable and is prone to shrinking. No spam;unsubscribe anytime. It has some missing areas and gaps that needed a lot of cleaning up, so I opted for wood filler. Learn how to finish plywood edges with veneer edging like a pro! If youre using ZAR, try this method. Do not sand against the adhesive in order to prevent pulling up the edge banding. However, when painting plywood, edge banding is not necessary. I always make my husband put trim on edges. This will cause the ends to be smoother and the paint will have the same appearance all around. One follow-up: does painting with a foam roller achieve the same quality (i.e., smooth) finish as with a sprayer?Any tips/tricks for painting with a roller to get the best finish? You should play around with it and see what works best for you. The width is typically just over 3/4 to accomodate a variety of plywood thicknesses. Plans and information published on SawdustGirl.com may not be reproduced, republished or distributed in any manner without written permission from Sandra Powell, Sawdust Girl. You are spot on about using wood filler for the edges of the plywood. After the wood filler dries, a light sanding should be all you need to come out with smooth plywood edges. Veneer edge banding also comes in different finishes. It doesn't have to be neat. I do hope you find my tutorials helpful and that it will inspire you to get out and make so. The adhesive on the tape is activated with heat by using a household iron. And we are so glad you're here! Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a10d80b5b0392ddfdbc96f5d1c94fbad" );document.getElementById("cbed6d6900").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Good paint will flatten and level out pretty well so put it on and then let it be. With careful planning and proper application, you can save a lot of money going this route and achieve a high-quality finish compared to the more costly edge banding methods described in the introduction. Edge banding is an adhesive veneer that covers the outside edges of plywood so it appears as a finished piece, instead of seeing the layers of material. Theres generally never just one right way to do anything. Line up the tape so any excess width hangs off the outside of the edge so it can be easily trimmed. The downside is that it only works for paint-grade builds and youll have quite a bit of sanding to do to get it looking just right. Maybe a more aggressive sanding or more wood filler. Building and Installing a Giant Faux Beam on the Ceiling, How to Choose Which Track Saw to Buy in 2021, How to Choose a Paint Sprayer to Buy in 2021. However, I usually dont pay much attention to the finish since I am almost always using edge banding on projects I plan to paint. Every time you decide to use plywood in your woodworking projects, youll need to make a choice. This is an alternative way to cover plywood edges before painting that does not require edge banding. Required fields are marked *. It probably wont be perfect the first time, and Ive honestly found it easier to use my fingers. You shouldnt need to apply too much pressure. Build like a Girl, All Posts, Cabinet Making 101, Cabinets, Painting, Projects and Plans. These large panels are convenient to use in projects that require large surface areas of wood (like cabinets). If low sheen, its most likely just fine. I also knew that paint doesnt work well on the side of plywood by itself. While sanding, make sure you're sanding evening along the edges. I use a roller for this because I can apply more material onto the surface compared to spraying it with an HVLP system. Would you always paint plywood before constructing the cabinet? All plans are for private use only. Make sure the plywood edges are free of any dust or debris that could prevent the adhesive from sticking. When the adhesive has cooled in place, trim the excess banding with a utility knife. There are special trimming tools that you could purchase to trim the edges, but we found they werent necessary. Once I fill and sand the joint smooth, this becomes a decent option for concealing the edge of the plywood. Actual projects built using Sawdust Girl plans may be published on your own site without instructions or "tutorial" as long as you provide a link to my original post with full post title or "SawdustGirl.com" as link title. Both plywood and MDF wood are similar in that they are made by binding different wood products together. Usually the only exposed plywood edges I use are for shelves so if I find a side Im not as happy with, I put it facing the back of the cabinet. After the glue is activated, you have about 30 seconds to adjust the banding before it sets, so be sure to make any adjustments quickly. This layering makes plywood a strong option that is less susceptible to warping because the veneers are generally rotated as they are glued together. Wood filler applicator - AKA your finger. You can learn more. You may have to go over the length a few times. Keep the iron moving and dont let it sit on one spot for too long as it could burn the wood. There are times we all need to work with plywood, but the exposed rough edge is typically less than desirable. Can you sand the ply then apply wood filler, then sand again, then paint/put your primer down? Once the primer has been sanded smooth, apply your final top coat of paint. This article really made the decision to ditch edge banding easy. THX. Use a utility knife, block plane, or a specialty-trimming tool to trim the edges. She lives in North Carolina with her husband Andrew and dalmatian pup Poppy. Its something that is really difficult to do because you want to force the paint to lay flat. Farmhouse Sink Cabinet For Laundry Room (With Free Plans! . Great job. The veneers are visible on the edge of plywood panels and appear as lines. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Use a plastic putty knife to smooth wood filler along all of the plywood edges. Weve found that many couples don't know how to start renovating their homes, which is why our passion is teaching others how to make their house a home they love - one DIY at a time. Wood glue bonds the two wood surfaces together so doesnt work if the surface is coated (with paint or clear finish). Installing plywood edge banding is easy to apply with a household iron. By this time the paint should have dried and what you're left with is a smooth finish on your plywood edge. Just a light touch to smooth out the wood filler and any raised grain. Plywood is a much cheaper option when buying lumber compared to hardwood alternatives. Using plans or information found on SawdustGirl.com indicates that you agree with the Terms of Use policy and will accept full responsibility for the process and outcome of any project you attempt. Sandpaper - I would use 120 grit and 180 grit to sand the wood filler and 300 and 400 grit to sand the primer and paint. In the past I tried the reverse and had a terrible experience. Great tip as usual. The edge-banding really opens up the possibilities for projects . When Im painting a lot of pieces, Ill break out my paint sprayer and drying rack. However, last year I got a little Cricut EasyPress Mini for my Cricut heat projectsand it works perfectly for iron-on veneer edge banding as well! Watch these three easy ways to conceal plywood edges for more professional-looking results. It takes a bit longer, but it looks fantastic. If you need to apply a third coat, then simply sand down the paint with 400 grit again and apply the 3rd layer. After cutting your plywood pieces, the first step is to sand with 120 grit sandpaper. I applied it with my putty knife and it curled right off. Ive tried that technique and the fumes can make you nautious and lingers so make sure the room is well ventilated. No matter my painting method, I often find areas where the paint puddled or dripped. Edge banding or other adhesive veneer is best for sealing plywood edges. If you have any areas that need extra wood patch, apply more, let dry and sand again. Smear it on, then scrape off the excess. Now I know the best way to fix it! Im still having the problem but at least not as much. The final method is to fill the exposed edges with some type of filler. Whichever edges you work with first, be sure to complete each of them so all of the banding lines are even. Helpful instructions to let your patriotic spirit fly from your front lawn with this DIY weekend project. ), How to Build Banquette Bench Booth Seating In Your Kitchen, How To Use A Wet Saw To Cut Tile (For Beginners!). and place the iron on top of the banding. The more wood filler that's added, the longer it will take to dry. To adhere the banding to the plywood, hold the veneer in place (this is where work gloves are handy!) Your email address will not be published. What you should be left with is an edge that is smooth to the touch. Generally, its best to let the paint dry before making your repairs. For the bedside table, we began with the vertical edges and then the horizontal edges. I will then apply my first layer of paint and let it dry. Although it is my intention to provide accurate plans and clear instructions, not all plans have been tried and tested. Its super easy to use and gets pretty hotand its small and nice for precision work. A utility knife worked fine. For more details, review my privacy policy. Thanks for the tutorial! It really smoothed out that cabinet edge, leaving a smooth surface that wouldnt snag or look unfinished. At Making Manzanita, you'll find step-by-step home improvement tutorials and design inspiration. Required fields are marked *. This product comes in a variety of wood species to match the plywood and goes on easily with a household iron. Once dried, I'll sand the paint layer down with 400 grit sandpaper and then apply my second layer. So thats it, folkstwo easy answers for how to cover plywood edges for painting. The final way to finish a plywood edge is to apply a thin strip of adhesive veneer, called edge banding. Please click the link in the email I just sent youI just need to confirm it's really you to prevent spam :), Copyright by Brittany Goldwyn, 2022 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. The first and most obvious way to cover a plywood edge is with wood filler. It comes in a roll with glue already on the back, but it isnt stickyyou need to apply heat to melt it. Youve confirmed what I was planning to do with the edges. Maryville TN House Tour Completed Rooms, Building the Dream sooner than expected! Best of luck with those window jambs! We just finished painting some cabinets and one of the drawers had a drippy edge. Your email address will not be published. Im not an expert but Ive tried it once and I werent real happy with my result. You just have to examine your work piece and decide what you think it needs. My name is Bao and I'm an architect, a woodworker, a maker, and a father. After that, come back again with 180 grit sandpaper to smooth out the area. Then paint away. Putty works best as the post suggests. You can also use the wood filler to slightly round the edges on the piece of wood. What kind of wood putty are you using? We used edge banding when we made our bedside table and it worked like a charm! Thank you for the tutorial. Be careful when you're sanding to not remove the primer layer. You can grab this free build plan in my Dropbox library of woodworking plans. You could even describe them as looking similar to the pages on the side of a book. Next time I will use this technique! The reason why I have to apply so many coats is that the HVLP requires thinning of the materials which means less material is being applied to the surface. Its really the end-all to DIY projects! For a more finished look, veneer edging or edge banding (and sometimes called edge tape) is a great way to finish the plywood edge before painting or staining. Your write up makes complete sense. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Then the two pics below those are after I added a touch up coat. My mission is to help you create a home you love without breaking your budget. Join the thousands of others already receiving weekly tips and tricks to create a home they love on a budget. The easiest way to hide raw edges for a finished look on your next project. Chelsea is the founder of Making Manzanita - a DIY and renovation blog - where it's all about making your house a home you love one DIY at a time. There are a few ways for you to achieve this finish. For example, I can use pocket holes to attach a 1x2 to the front edge of this piece of plywood. The first thing you want to do is apply the wood filler so that it covered all the plywood edges. Keep your sander flat so youre not rounding the corners. This will smooth out any debris that might have fell onto the surface of the primer. Using a new, sharp blade, trim the width and length excess being careful not to dent or scratch the plywood. I am doing my first built-in and was in need of a tutorial for how to paint exposed edge plywood. To apply veneer iron-on edge banding over plywood edges, I first measure the edge I need to cover. If you love DIY videos, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you dont miss the next one! Excellent tips! Now, you are ready to stain or paint your plywood project! The goal is to remove all the excess wood filler and have a smooth edge with the plywood layers slightly visible. Its a very simple process! My best tip is to not overwork your paint. Making Manzanita has participated in One Room Challenge and was a finalist in the Fall 2019 Jeffrey Court Renovation Challenge. You can see the progression of the process belowwood filler one in the first pic, then a pic of the first coat dry. , This Old House DIY Expert & Editor, House One. Second, you can use iron-on banding and paint over it, and again you're looking at a higher added cost to the project. That is why wood feels bumpy or gritty after painting. You can see the huge difference between the unfinished version with exposed edges and the finished version with edge banding! Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the remainder down smooth. unfinished look plywood can have. To apply wood filler on plywood edges, just use a putty knife or your fingers to smooth it into cracks and gaps. Sanding would go a lot quicker if you have access to a cordless random orbital sander, but it's definitely not a requirement. I love unfinished edges on plywood when I am staining, but it can look rough when painted. I had no idea we could cover it. I also like to run over the corners with a sanding block at this stage. Thanks . Ever tried painters caulk? With the primer dried, sand down the surface with 300 or 320 grit sandpaper. Chelsea and her husband, Logan, have been renovating homes since 2015 and have seen the sweat equity pay off. Have you ever worked on a project that needed to be painted but can never get the exposed plywood edges to be nice and smooth like what the pros could do? Check boxes below for what you want to seeI won't send you anything else. When covering areas between other pieces of banding, like a horizontal shelf edge, use the same process and trim the excess very carefully to not cut into the other banding pieces that are already attached. . Check boxes below for what you want to seeI won't send you anything else. Then, unroll the banding and use a utility knife to trim the banding accordingly. I will use the razor blade (great idea!). Do some minor touchups in areas that need additional filler and let those dry. Let it dry. The third project is a Lego table Im still working on for my cousins kid. Hi- what am I doing wrong?! All rights reserved. Renovation, cabinet building and woodworking plans and tutorials. Hold for a few seconds, then release. When the adhesive has cooled in place, trim the excess banding with a. Gently use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth things out. Circle Sandpaper - https://amzn.to/3gUj9zO, Rectangle sandpaper - https://amzn.to/2XXRbM7, Sandpaper block or random orbital sander - This will ensure that the sanding is done evenly, This is the one I used - https://amzn.to/3iFQLlj, Primer and paint - I prefer to use a separate primer and a separate paint since it requires fewer coats. Please see our full disclosure here. Though you may want to pick up an inexpensive iron to keep in your shop so the excess adhesive doesnt ruin your clothing.

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