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And I love the name, very clever! Keep moving the iron so as not to scorch the wood. I have used edge banding before, but never for a rounded-off edge. You will need to purchase veneer edging for this project. Finishing the edges improves the outlook of the furniture and also protects it from spills and other dirt. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',169,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; When fixing the veneer, you can leave some of it about an inch overhanging on the side to allow you some flexibility when fixing it. I dont use water-based stains very often, unless I have a solid reason for wanting to use a water-based finish. Heres a great tutorial about applying edge banding over at Pretty Handy []. 5 Secrets to Professional Looking DIY Furniture, How to Properly Finish Raw Wood Furniture {Without a Sprayer! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',168,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Most veneers have a width of so that they can go well with most plywood edge widths. This website is for entertainment purposes. As long as Im being careful and only doing a light sanding job, Ive never had an issue sanding with the orbital sander. Many of them require fancy router bits or equipment. Unlike veneers that require some skill in applying them on the corners, wood filler only requires you to apply the same way as the rest of the area. Its wood and not plywood, but you get the idea: While I prefer to test on scrap pieces of the project, if I dont have any of those, Ill test on an inconspicuous part of the project like I did in the photo above. However, unfinished birch plywood edges may feel rough and unpleasant if not finished properly. Before staining wood, there are a couple of things I typically do, like sanding, applying wood conditioner, and testing my stains and finishes on scrap wood. If exposed to a lot of direct moisture or direct steam (like in a bathroom), it MIGHT have some issues in time. Do this on some scrap. The sharp edges/corners will all be rounded with a router, then sanded. Ready to learnHow to Finish Raw Plywood Edges? I vote for edge banding as well but if not you can somewhat minimize the effect by very thoroughly sanding the edge at a much higher grit than the top. You can cut this with a utility knife, but I find it easier and cleaner to simply break it off. My only idea is to tape off the exposed edge while you stain and simply clear coat it. Please be respectful and don't steal this content. If the edges are left exposed, they tend to get stained, react to different weather conditions, and accumulate dirt. Once the banding is applied and the glue has had a chance to cool, its time to sandsee those rough edges and glue squeeze out above? link to Is Red Oak Good For Outdoor Use? Frequently, my test pieces have 6-7 different tests on them, purely because I want to see all of my different options. [] Next Ibuilt the drawer boxes for inside the largercabinet box. Heres The Truth! Remember that the finish veneer layer of the plywood is relatively thin for too much sanding. You can use other methods to cover your plywood edges if you are painting, BUT, I usually still use edge banding for mine. Can you curve and bend the edge banding to match a rounded corner? Ensure that you use sandpaper with fine grit for that smooth finish. Just place the veneer strip on the edge of the plywood, and then heat it with a household iron to melt the glue and secure it in place. The paint adheres well with the wood fillers and gives your plywood edges the glow you want with the paint. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sand the edges thoroughly along the wood grain so that you dont scar the plywood. If Im debating applying with a foam brush vs rag, that gets tested too. The glue will melt when heat is applied, which is how you get it to stick to the plywood. If for any reason the edge banding doesnt stick well or gets out of position, just go back over it with heat again and reposition it as needed. That meants it takes the stain just like the rest of the plywood. Dont worry if your edging is wider than your lumber, well fix that. Thanks for the suggestion. Be extra cautious around the edges of the plywood, where its easy to sand too much and expose the lower layers. The front edges, top, and doors were all edge banded plywood and they stained the same. Since some plywood pieces can be less wide, some trimming or sanding may be required during fixing to give a smooth finish. Blotchy plywoods like birch and pine absorb stain unevenly, which creates blotchy results. Sand your plywood with 180 grit sandpaper, and only 180 grit. The red oak plywood is the way to go if youre looking for a hassle-free staining job. The best grit for the sandpaper you are using should range between 150 grit to 180 grit. I would consider either edge banding it or finishing with a thin strip of wood. Water-based stains are a great option if youre looking to finish the piece with a water-based finish. I would probably never be able to get the tones of the edges and top to be very similar. See policies page on this site for more information. A pair of scissors will be less vigorous on the veneer grains, unlike a blade that drags back and forth on the veneer. Try this: Apply a pre-stain wood conditioner to the edges of the plywood according to can directions. Finishing birch plywood edges may take you some time, but the end result will be excellent. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'craftgecko_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',166,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; You can finish birch plywood edges in two methods. If that doesnt work, use a needle or a knife to make a SMALL incision or puncture on the bubble to allow air to escape and try again to heat the glue and press it in. The other big benefit is that sanding closes up the pores of the plywood, which results in a more even stain application. You can also use adhesive veneer strips. Then, use the iron to press onto the veneer to ensure that it adheres to the plywood edges completely. This creates a more even result. You could add edge banding to the plywood edges if you plan to stain. Because it doesnt soak in as much, it doesnt cause blotching in the plywood. Lay the aluminum foil between the veneer edging andthe iron. And if youre interested in where to get your edge banding, this is my favorite brand and size Ive been using for my plywood for years. You can add a suitable wood filler for that. One of the methods to finish birch plywood edges is to use a strip of adhesive veneer of the same color as the plywood. Water-based wood stains dont take as long to dry, and can typically be recoated in 2 hours and topcoated in 3 hours. Birch plywood is excellent for household furniture, especially those that are in hidden spots of the room. While I recommend 180 grit sandpaper in the post, higher grit sandpapers create smaller pieces of dust, which more easily clog the pores of the wood. As with most anything else, edge banding will become easier and easier the more you do it. Heat your iron to the cotton setting (no steam), and apply heat to the edging. Ive seen some cool exposed plywood edges. Also, using your fingers will be a little faster and help the wood filler adhere properly to the wood. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. But thats a personal preference, and wood conditioner is a great option for you to experiment with. Probably for a good reason. If you learn better watching avideo, youll appreciate that I made aFacebook Live video to show youHow to Finish Raw Plywood Edges: Dont forget to Follow Me on YouTubefor more tutorial and tip videos. If you dont have a vise, just clamp a 24 on edge to your work surface, and then use a second clamp to hold the board upright against the 24. All images and text on this site are property of Woodshop Diaries, LLC. Click around to join me in learning how to build, decorate and (sometimes!) Regardless of what method or combination of methods you choose, I recommend testing them on some scrap plywood before applying them to your main piece. Its affordable and easy to find; its the stain you probably were planning to use until you read this section. Methods can be combined together to create the best result. Oil-based wood stains have a long dry time, requiring 4-6 hours between coats, and 24 hours before applying finish on top of stain. However, wood conditioner isnt always necessary. While the glue is still hot, run a scrap block over the veneer to press the strip firmly in place. Ill address a few other common issues you may encounter and how to fix them below, but at this point, once youre done sanding, its ready to use in your project and/or paint/stain as desired . Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. As mentioned earlier, you can use hand sandpaper effectively to remove the rough parts without damaging them. This site uses cookies to provide you with a better experience. For example, the plywood I normally use is actually 23/32. I'm Shara, the designer, maker, and videographer behind Woodshop Diaries. With the steps discussed in this article, you are in a position to do it yourself without straining too much. Once you reach the end of an edge, you need to cut or break the edge banding. Sounds like a good experiment to try on some scraps. Note: This blog contains affiliate links. This article explains how you can finish the birch plywood edges on your furniture pieces. Just remelt and press it in place good. Youll need to hold the plywood in position so that you can put the veneer properly. Method 1: Edge Banding Using Strips of Adhesive Veneers, Step 1 Choose all the finishing products youll need in the exercise, Step 2 Sand the edges well to smoothen out the rough areas. But before we get to that part, lets talk about types of edge banding. If any areas still arent glued, reheat and repeat the process on that spot. However, its downside is the rough, unfinished edges that can make it look unappealing. As far as size, I find it easiest to chose a size SLIGHTLY wider than the thickness of plywood Im covering. Until next time, enjoy fooling people with yourclean finished edges on plywood. But what I can tell you is that Ive been using it (A LOT) for about 3-4 years and havent had any issues that Im aware of where its peeled off anything Ive put it on. This simple method makes plywood look more like a solid board without the upcharge. This post contains affiliate links. That way, you can be confident theyll produce the result you want. You can use them to smoothen out the edges to your desired level and achieve the feel you want. Copyright 2022 Build Basic. Its a great choice for someone who wants that high-end look on their furniture without going for the exotic hardwoods. Using scissors, trim the veneer strip to a length about 1 inch longer than the boards edge. Sanding (carefully, as discussed above) with 180 grit sandpaper narrows pores in the wood. this modern console cabinet for an example, Im sharing 5 furniture building secrets here, this is my favorite brand and size Ive been using for my plywood for years, How to Install Concealed Hinges with Liberty Hardware. I do usually use my orbital sander for this, but am extra careful to sand lightly. Birch is blotchy, and maple has a really tight grain that struggles to absorb stain at all. Veneer still looks like veneer. For example, if you are covering edges on birch plywood, use birch edge banding. NOTE: Dont use a good iron for thisno matter how careful you are, you will eventually get glue on the iron and you wont want to transfer that to your clothes. With time, youll notice that the color of the uncovered edges changes and does not resemble the original color of the plywood. destroy your way to a beautiful house. However, wood fillers may not have the best outcome in the long run. If for any reason there is some loose edge banding you find while sanding, reheat your iron and touch up anywhere the glue didnt hold. Once again, sand lightly and carefully sanding too much can expose the lower layers of plywood, which dont stain well. But, how do you finish birch plywood edges? This is what I do most of the time; you can see a nice example of that in this TV lift cabinet. Run the iron down the veneer to tack it in place, and then double back on a slower pass to really heat the glue and melt it to the edge of the board. Heres an example of where I used birch edge banding with birch plywood on this writing desk: And heres an example of red oak edge banding used with red oak plywood on this modern console cabinet: And finally, heres an example of hickory edge banding I used on my hickory plywood cabinet doors: Now, it does also come in black or white that can be used with any wood type if youre planning to paint your project. Thereis no additional cost to you. Thanks, Im probably going to go with edge banding in the end, but will try this on some scrap first to see if I can get it to look good. or a scrap wood block to press the edging down while the glue cools (itll only take a couple seconds). Once you have all that you need in one place, you can begin your finishing process. Keep the veneer piece the same length as the cut wood.) I recommend NOT using edge banding that is more than 1/16 wider than your plywood thickness. If you use any wood glue type, you risk having stains on your plywood or have other finishing products not adhering properly when you apply them. Usually 30 seconds is all you need to activate the glue. When sanding traditional wood boards, its best to start with a lower grit and work up, but if you try that with plywood, youre likely to sand through the top layer. Traditional oil-based wood stain penetrates easily, and leaves a deep color on the plywood. Therefore, you must know how to finish its edges for that final smooth appearance. Pantry Progress Update - Pretty Handy Girl, How to Build a Floating TV Shelf - Pretty Handy Girl, DIY Teacher Sign for End-of-Year Gift - Pretty Handy Girl, How to Build a Tall & Skinny Storage Cabinet - Pretty Handy Girl, DIY Grandchild Birthdate Sign - The Handyman's Daughter. Yeah that cool layered pastry look is exactly what I had in my head! Its a piece of wood youd be comfortable showing off to your guests at home as its used to make a wide range of furniture pieces. If youre interested in learning a few more helpful tips to take your builds to the next level, Im sharing 5 furniture building secrets here. There are a few options. While you dont want giant clumps of sawdust hanging out on your piece while you stain, a few specks here and there will simply get wiped off during the staining process. Other tools you can use include a utility knife or a trimming tool meant for this purpose. Now that you know this trick, you can build anything using plywood and finish off those raw edges. Edge Banding Trimmer or Small Block Plane, Yes! But the big question is, can plywood be stained? I make sure to stir the stain before I start, then dip the rag into the stain and rub it onto the wood, rubbing in the direction of the grain. Is there something I can seal the edges with beforehand or maybe just use a gel stain or stain/poly combo? Definitely test the stain on the edge banding in advance so you know exactly what it will look like. Rip off a piece of foil the length of the plywood or at least the length of your iron. Another great thing about using wood filler for finishing your birch plywood edges is the convenience they have when working with a piece of furniture that has some curves. Difficulty: Easy. The interior of plywood is lots of different kinds of wood typically, so it wont stain evenly. Plywood iron on edge banding is a thin solid wood veneer that has a nice, smooth, sanded side. It helps me to stain pine. See policies. Wood conditioner might be beneficial in these situations, but there are also other options you could use to control stain absorption. Click on the photo to learn more. No. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive compensation (at no additional cost to you.). Learn how your comment data is processed. Birch plywood is commonly used in cabinetry because of its anesthetic appeal, light-weight, and durable nature. Ive got it on all my kitchen cabinets and closet doors (seen above) that we use multiple times a day and havent had a single issue in well over 2 years. The good news is that oil-based wood stain rarely requires more than one coat. Edge band it. Plywood is useful in many furniture and cabinet building projects. You can clearly see the considerable difference between well-polished plywood edges and exposed edges with no finishing done. Before you start finishing the plywood edges, you must first consider the finishing products youll use and then choose the most appropriate ones. When I've stained plywood edges before, they've acted like an end grain and gotten way darker than the surface. I second that about the higher grit. See more on choosing finishes in this post. test this process first. The drying may take longer than when you use veneer strips because youll not use any heat to speed up the process. Instead, I have a solutionfor you on How to Finish Raw Plywood Edges to give you a more professional look. I think Ill get some banding after yours and everyones responses. The veneer strip covers the rough exposed area, giving it a uniform finish similar to the plywoods color. Recently Ive been working on building drawers for our pantry. https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/finished-plywood-edges-edge-banding-1.jpg, https://prettyhandygirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PHG-logo-tagline-2020-1030x211-R.jpg. Birch plywood is more popular now compared to ordinary plywood due to its strength, durability, and affordability. Edge banding comes in rolls in various sizes and types. Copyright 2022 A Butterfly House | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, See more on choosing finishes in this post, entire post on wood conditioner and washcoats here. Realizes that if you try to stain the edges of raw plywood, it will look nothing like the rest of the wood.