DIY Plastic Heat Strip

Use a common iron to install plastic heat strip.

Plastic heat strip is used to edge plywood doors or shelves. When passed through a special machine, the heat-activated glue on the back of the strip adheres to the rough edges of the plywood, giving it the appearance of solid wood. Typically, doors and shelves are placed on a roller where they are pushed through the machine as it automatically adheres the strip. But you can do it yourself with a hot iron and a pair of scissors.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Plywood shelf
• Heat-activated plastic strip edging
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Turn on the iron and let it warm up to operating temperature.

2. Measure the length of the plywood shelf edge with a tape measure. Unroll the plastic strip and cut off a piece that is 1 inch longer than the measurement, using the scissors.

3. Stand the plywood on its edge and hold it with one hand. Place the plastic strip on the edge of the plywood. Overhang each end by 1/2 inch. The plastic strip will be slightly wider than the plywood. Let it overhang each side by 1/32 inch.

4. Hold onto the plywood with one hand. Place the tip of the hot iron on one end of the strip. Apply pressure to the iron for 30 seconds or until the glue begins to ooze out the sides.

5. Pull the iron slowly along the strip maintaining pressure as you go. Pull it 3/4 inch at a time until the glue begins to ooze out. Move it another 3/4 inch. Repeat this until you come to the end of the plywood.

6. Trim off the ends of the strip with scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the strip as you glue it. If it starts to wander off the edge, just move it back with your fingers and continue gluing it. There are all kinds of plastic glue strips. Select the one that best matches your wood.

• Hot glue is extremely sticky. If it gets on your skin, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth to prevent burns.

• Wear safety glasses.