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. After sanding try wiping the bare wood with a wet rag (not dripping wet). And we are so glad you're here! Once the wood filler has been completely sanded smooth, you can add on the primer layer. Start by measuring the plywood edge you will cover. Either option is a good one and totally up to you but dont let the task of covering the plywood edges stop you. Thats really helpful, thanks! Once dried, I'll sand the paint layer down with 400 grit sandpaper and then apply my second layer. Hi- what am I doing wrong?! Im awful at edge drips and puddles. But is there something in the paint technique while painting that you can think of that would decrease the drips and dribbles? Keep your sander flat so youre not rounding the corners. I will then apply my first layer of paint and let it dry. Im still having the problem but at least not as much. There are times we all need to work with plywood, but the exposed rough edge is typically less than desirable. Since my paint is water-based, I added water to the paint to thin it out. 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. There are special trimming tools that you could purchase to trim the edges, but we found they werent necessary. She lives in North Carolina with her husband Andrew and dalmatian pup Poppy. Read my full disclosurehere. For situations like this, I like to use wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, sand the edges down with 120 grit sandpaper. The more wood filler that's added, the longer it will take to dry. The goal is to remove all the excess wood filler and have a smooth edge with the plywood layers slightly visible. The first thing you want to do is apply the wood filler so that it covered all the plywood edges. (I also use my fingers for application.) Otherwise, you will have overlaps in various spots. Once your plywood edges are smooth, wipe off the whole piece with a slightly damp cloth. and place the iron on top of the banding. Once I fill and sand the joint smooth, this becomes a decent option for concealing the edge of the plywood. Both look and work greatits really up to you which one you use based on your project and needs. This stuff is super easy to use and works with a variety of different types of plywoods, but I think its easiest on the thicker plywoods. Your email address will not be published. And theres no weird area where the edge banding strips meet one another on the corners. If the paint used had much gloss, this area will also need a little touch up paint. Your write up makes complete sense. However, for longer curved areas like the end of the murphy bed and Ramonas toy workbench below, painters tape is a huge help. You shouldnt need to apply too much pressure. The width is typically just over 3/4 to accomodate a variety of plywood thicknesses. The first option to discuss is using iron-on veneer edge banding. Keep the iron moving and dont let it sit on one spot for too long as it could burn the wood. In my experience with painters caulk, the caulk can dry leaving some small pointy and sharp edges, dont forget to trim them down and touch up those areas. It probably wont be perfect the first time, and Ive honestly found it easier to use my fingers. You just have to examine your work piece and decide what you think it needs. I usually use a water borne primer (and paint) because I do not like cleaning up with chemicals. If Im painting with a roller, I do my 2 edges and 1 surface at a time trick. If youre using ZAR, try this method. In the past I tried the reverse and had a terrible experience. Renovation, cabinet building and woodworking plans and tutorials. They're great for filling pinholes, but I think this is too much surface area for the quick-dry stuff. Applying edge banding to plywood is a really easy process. Putty works best as the post suggests. I applied it with my putty knife and it curled right off. Just roll it on and leave it alone. They enjoy teaching readers how to renovate with confidence. Good luck! You can cover plywood edges with a wooden veneer or edge banding, as weve shown in the tutorial. Go over the whole plywood surface, but pay special attention to the edges. Whichever edges you work with first, be sure to complete each of them so all of the banding lines are even. Once it cools, trim the excess at each endI prefer to use sharp scissors instead of dragging a blade across the grain. The edge-banding really opens up the possibilities for projects . The Essential Tools Roadmap will show you what tools you actually need to complete 95% of DIY projects, what each tool is used for, and the 3 tools you should start with. Then go back and look for any blemishes that you can clean up with a razor. Check boxes below for what you want to seeI won't send you anything else. For more details, review my privacy policy. Great. This will quicking remove most of the excess. For example, I can use pocket holes to attach a 1x2 to the front edge of this piece of plywood. Thanks . While edge banding isnt necessary, it gives the project a more finished look and protects it from snagging on things. I don't recommend using drywall compound since it might result in cracking. I generally paint two edges and one side at one time. You don't want to angle the sandpaper or else your edges will not be sharp. Birch, oak, etc. With the primer dried, sand down the surface with 300 or 320 grit sandpaper. Thanks again. 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. Learn how to finish plywood edges with veneer edging like a pro! For the bedside table, we began with the vertical edges and then the horizontal edges. With the ZAR wood putty that I use, you get the wood slightly damp then apply the putty with a plastic putty knife. Second, you can use iron-on banding and paint over it, and again you're looking at a higher added cost to the project. Generally, its best to let the paint dry before making your repairs. It looks beautiful painted! Thank you for the tutorial. I also knew that paint doesnt work well on the side of plywood by itself. My name is Bao and I'm an architect, a woodworker, a maker, and a father. Both plywood and MDF wood are similar in that they are made by binding different wood products together. Hell love this, it will be my job now. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. The key is to create a solid surface that can be sanded to hide the roughness of a typical plywood edge. For water-based latex paint, my system required 20-25 seconds for the viscosity cup to empty. Plywood is made with thin layers of wood veneers glued together in combination with other types of binders (like resin). , This Old House DIY Expert & Editor, House One. Plywood is easily one of the most affordable types of wood for woodworking. I think Im taking waaaaay too long with projects at the moment. I always make my husband put trim on edges. We used edge banding when we made our bedside table and it worked like a charm! It really smoothed out that cabinet edge, leaving a smooth surface that wouldnt snag or look unfinished. Though you may want to pick up an inexpensive iron to keep in your shop so the excess adhesive doesnt ruin your clothing. When you are sanding the bare wood make light pencil makes all over the wood and then sand. unfinished look plywood can have. Sand as necessary. Sanding would go a lot quicker if you have access to a cordless random orbital sander, but it's definitely not a requirement. 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. It has some missing areas and gaps that needed a lot of cleaning up, so I opted for wood filler. The easiest way to hide raw edges for a finished look on your next project. Echeveria Care & Growing Echeveria Succulents Indoors. 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. After that has dried, I paint the other two edges and the other side. His reasoning was that when bondo dries its sandable and is prone to shrinking. This product comes in a variety of wood species to match the plywood and goes on easily with a household iron. A quick once over with a 220 grit sanding sponge will smooth out the large surfaces. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Its important that these match as different types of wood will accept wood stain differently, so we want them to look the same when finished. Im not an expert but Ive tried it once and I werent real happy with my result. You may have to go over the length a few times. Place the top of the banding flush with the top edge of the plywood. Do some minor touchups in areas that need additional filler and let those dry. Then the two pics below those are after I added a touch up coat. When the adhesive has cooled in place, trim the excess banding with a utility knife. so then I tried using my fingers to smooth it on, but its a huge mess. I also like to run over the corners with a sanding block at this stage. You can get a beautiful paint finish on plywood by using these simple tricks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My favorite trick is to use a single edged razor blade to remove paint drips and lines. Follow along with our step-by-step tutorial to learn how to finish plywood edges like a pro! Plywood is a great choice to build with, but if you dont want to deal with exposed stacked sides, heres how to finish plywood edges for painting. It takes a bit longer, but it looks fantastic. When the pencil marks are gone your surface is smooth. This layering makes plywood a strong option that is less susceptible to warping because the veneers are generally rotated as they are glued together. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Speaking of cornersalthough edge banding is super easy to use, it isnt my favorite for corners. Ive searched all over the internet for your lovely tip. The stuff they use on cars. To adhere the banding to the plywood, hold the veneer in place and place the iron on top of the banding. Fill in as necessary with wood filler (like areas where two edge bands meet at corners). That is why wood feels bumpy or gritty after painting. If you need to apply a third coat, then simply sand down the paint with 400 grit again and apply the 3rd layer. Or you can use a spackle knife. To trim the edge banding down to size, Ive found its easiest to transfer the banding then let it cool. The third project is a Lego table Im still working on for my cousins kid. Not to round them, just to remove their sharpness. All plans are for private use only. A painter once recommended using Bondo. Made my first tiny shelf in my bathroom this fall and it turned out good. Thank you! Maryville TN House Tour Completed Rooms, Building the Dream sooner than expected! 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. Todays post is for two quick tips about how to finish plywood edges for painting. If you are using boards, sand the ends with a higher grit than you use on the surface. 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. My best tip is to not overwork your paint. Thank you! Apply and then leave it alone to dry/set. Wood filler applicator - AKA your finger. If you do accidentally expose the plywood surface underneath, add more primer to these areas and repeat the sanding step. If low sheen, its most likely just fine. Finish with a quick sanding to get professional-looking results. Ive been wondering if it were necessary to edgeband a frameless cabinet when Im going to paint them. I need to use plywood because of the depth of the wall. After edge banding has adhered, cooled, and dried, you can stain or paint over the banding. Be careful when you're sanding to not remove the primer layer. Making Manzanita has participated in One Room Challenge and was a finalist in the Fall 2019 Jeffrey Court Renovation Challenge. I love unfinished edges on plywood when I am staining, but it can look rough when painted. This how to finish plywood edges tutorial contains affiliate links, but nothing that I wouldnt recommend wholeheartedly. ), How to Build Banquette Bench Booth Seating In Your Kitchen, How To Use A Wet Saw To Cut Tile (For Beginners!). I used the kind of wood filler that goes on bubblegum pink and turns to a natural wood tone when its dry. I wanted share a tutorial for painting plywood too. For more details, review my privacy policy. By this time the paint should have dried and what you're left with is a smooth finish on your plywood edge. Great tip as usual. Next, prime all sides of the plywood. After cutting your plywood pieces, the first step is to sand with 120 grit sandpaper. While sanding, make sure you're sanding evening along the edges. We recommend trimming a piece slightly larger than what you will need. What kind of wood putty are you using? The first and most obvious way to cover a plywood edge is with wood filler. I use a roller for this because I can apply more material onto the surface compared to spraying it with an HVLP system. I do hope you find my tutorials helpful and that it will inspire you to get out and make so. Ive quit loading my brush so much and try not to drag along the edge. I'm using an HVLP system, but you can always use a sponge roller. I am going to be showing pics from a few past projects and one current project to illustrate what a difference finishing plywood edges makes for paint application. TIP: The edge banding color should match the same species of plywood you are using for your project. Disclaimer: Working with power tools and DIY projects have inherent risks. When applying the veneer, I like to start with a bit of overhang, and then apply heat, and smooth with a woodblock. If you have any areas that need extra wood patch, apply more, let dry and sand again. You should play around with it and see what works best for you. We just finished painting some cabinets and one of the drawers had a drippy edge. Using a utility knife, carefully trim away excess edge banding. Edge banding or other adhesive veneer is best for sealing plywood edges. Thanks for signing up! Would you always paint plywood before constructing the cabinet? My mission is to help you create a home you love without breaking your budget. Check boxes below for what you want to seeI won't send you anything else. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the remainder down smooth. For the murphy bed, I used a regular household iron to apply the edge banding. I then used a viscosity cup that came with my spray system to measure the viscosity of the paint once the water was added. Can you sand the ply then apply wood filler, then sand again, then paint/put your primer down? You can also use the wood filler to slightly round the edges on the piece of wood. 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. The glue on the back of the edge banding tape is activated from the heat from the iron. No matter my painting method, I often find areas where the paint puddled or dripped. The final method is to fill the exposed edges with some type of filler. Thats because its kind of hard to get perfect corners where two pieces of veneer edge banding meet. Copyright © 2022 Crafted by the Hunts, Hi, I'm Zoe. About: Hi there! To apply veneer iron-on edge banding over plywood edges, I first measure the edge I need to cover. If your plywood edges are pitted, using some wood filler will do the trick. This will smooth out any debris that might have fell onto the surface of the primer. Just the info I needed as Im about to create jambs for the windows in the lower level of our house. Use a utility knife, block plane, or a specialty-trimming tool to trim the edges. Watch these three easy ways to conceal plywood edges for more professional-looking results. No spam;unsubscribe anytime. Ill share two easy ways you can choose from based on your project! What you should be left with is an edge that is smooth and no plywood layers are visible or "ghost" through the primer. Leave the plywood edges exposed intentionally or cover them up with edge banding? The sandings should not require any elbow grease. So thats it, folkstwo easy answers for how to cover plywood edges for painting. If you build with plywood with the intention of staining or clear-coating it, you would use edge banding. Some plywood will produce smooth edges when cut. You could just hold it in place while you melt some of the glue so it stays put. Thats where edge banding comes in! Youre the final piece of the puzzle to my frameless cabinet project. This tutorial was so helpful! No spam; unsubscribe anytime. Ever tried painters caulk? Share it with us! Plywood is an affordable and easy material to use in woodworking projects, but the raw edges can leave it looking unfinished. 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. Let it dry. Then, double back with the iron down the edge of the plywood to adhere the entire length of the veneer. Am I missing something here or is this just a learning curve that I should try to power through? . I had no idea we could cover it. Excellent tips! Next time I will use this technique! Theres generally never just one right way to do anything. You can learn more. Thanks for signing up for this freebie! Its messy, but it washes off easily. We used this EdgeMate veneer tape and it works great. Then fold the excess edge banding over to snap it off. Do this with each sanding or whenever you change the grit you are using and you will get a smoother surface. This article really made the decision to ditch edge banding easy. Do not sand against the adhesive in order to prevent pulling up the edge banding. The water will cause the fibers to swell and you can sand the raised fibers before applying the water based primer. Learn more about covering plywood edges with spackle here. Tagged: < $25, < 4 hours, Easy. The upside to this method is that its inexpensive and easy. THX. When all sides have been covered, gently use a sanding block or sandpaper to smooth things out. The adhesive on the tape is activated with heat by using a household iron. However, when painting plywood, edge banding is not necessary. What you should be left with is an edge that is smooth to the touch. It just as to be covered. Double-check for length. I am doing my first built-in and was in need of a tutorial for how to paint exposed edge plywood. Here is a picture of some gross plywood edging I used for a table I was working on. Start with a clean work surface. This will cause the ends to be smoother and the paint will have the same appearance all around. Check your spray system requirements for more details. 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). Sand in a downward motion towards the plywood edge. 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? Ive tried that technique and the fumes can make you nautious and lingers so make sure the room is well ventilated. However, once the paint starts to dry, if you mess with it youll just make it worse. I typically have a bit of overlay that needs snapped off or sanded down. A utility knife worked fine. Most of the pieces I build with plywood have a faceframe which cover the edges. The banding should adhere to the furniture. This is the one I use - https://amzn.to/33Xp2Zf, This one is a great one as well - https://amzn.to/30TOZqy. This is an alternative way to cover plywood edges before painting that does not require edge banding. Depending on what you are sealing, you could also use a clamp to hold the veneer in place. Luckily there are two really simple ways that you can cover those stacked plywood edges for a more polished look. After applying edge banding, you can complete your project with a stain or paint. The awesome thing about wood filler is that if your plywood has exposed voids, the filler will fill them in nicely. Your email address will not be published. Another thing about caulk is that during the drying process the caulk will shrink or sink into the pits and require additional applications. If the second layer looks even and the paint is smooth I will stop. Once the primer has been sanded smooth, apply your final top coat of paint. It comes in a roll with glue already on the back, but it isnt stickyyou need to apply heat to melt it. Im so glad you found it helpful Wendy! If you love DIY videos, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you dont miss the next one! Easy to work with, paintable, no need to sand it. Join the thousands of others already receiving weekly tips and tricks to create a home they love on a budget. Not after? How to Spray Paint a Wood Tray (or any wood decor). If she's not DIYing, she's probably cooking up a homemade pizza. For example, if you start with horizontal edges, complete all of the horizontal edges before moving on to the other edges. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. After the wood filler dries, a light sanding should be all you need to come out with smooth plywood edges. At Making Manzanita, you'll find step-by-step home improvement tutorials and design inspiration. Required fields are marked *. If you see brush strokes, you want to smooth them out. These raw plywood edges show the layers of the different species of wood that were pressed together. I will use the razor blade (great idea!). Once it dries, sand it down using fine-grit sandpaper. If youre cutting rabbets or dados or using dowels or tenons that are cut after painting, then painting before assembly is a time saver. Weve used plywood for everything from seating, cabinetry, walls, and even organizational projects. Please see our full disclosure here. Make sure the plywood edges are free of any dust or debris that could prevent the adhesive from sticking. 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. 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.