How to Finish Plywood Edges
When plywood is manufactured, layers of wood are glued together to create the finished product. This makes the edges rough and unappealing. Plywood edges can be finished in a myriad of ways depending on how you want the finished product to look. Wood veneers and wood molding are used to make plywood look like hardwood. Wood filler is used for painted surfaces and metal edging is commonly used on counter tops and tables. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wood veneer
- Scissors
- Heat gun or steam iron
- Wood molding
- Nails
- Hammer
- Wood filler
- Paint
- Paint brush
- Sand paper
- Metal edging
- Screw driver
- Screws
Instructions
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Wood Veneer
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1
Line up the wood veneer strips with the edge of the plywood and measure the correct width. Wood veneer comes slightly larger than most wood widths so that you can cut it to size. Cut the veneer to the appropriate width.
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2
Remove the protective paper on the back of the veneer and press it onto the edge of the plywood.
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3
Melt the adhesive with a heat gun or steam iron.
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4
Allow the adhesive to dry.
Wood Molding
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5
Purchase wood molding that is the same width as the plywood.
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6
Measure the length of the plywood and cut the molding to the correct lengths. Sand the edges of the molding to make them smooth.
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7
Place the molding on the edge of the plywood and nail it into place by placing a nail every 6 inches, with the first and last holes on the edges being 1/2 inch from the ends.
Wood Filler
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8
Cover the edges of the plywood with wood filler.
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9
Rub the filler with the grain to fill in any holes or uneven areas. Always rub with the grain of the plywood. Allow the filler to dry. More than one coat may be needed depending on the quality of the plywood.
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10
Sand down the filler until it is smooth and even.
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11
Paint the edges the same color as the rest of the plywood piece.
Metal Edges
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12
Purchase stainless steel or metal edging in the exact lengths you need. The hardware store or lumber yard will cut them to the size you need.
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13
Slide the metal edging over the plywood. Metal edging has lips that go on the top and bottom of the plywood to hold better. Most lips are about 1/4-inch wide.
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14
Screw the screws into the metal edging and plywood to hold it in place. Most edging also comes will pre-drilled screw holes. If the holes are not pre-drilled, drill a guide hole every 6 inches across the length of the plywood with the first and last holes being 1/2-inch from the edge.
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