
How Do You Veneer Plywood Edges?
- First, cut the veneer piece so it will be the same size as your project’s plywood.
- Then, glue it to another piece of wood or veneer using a thin layer of adhesive at every joint. ...
- Veneer is an extremely thin piece of wood, so it’s important that you have a thick layer of adhesive beneath the veneer for stability.
How do you cut veneer off plywood?
Put the edge downwards so that the veneer is pressing against the table. Using a utility knife that has been sharpened, cut off the excess veneer edge. Run your blade against the edge of the plywood for a clean slice, perfectly in line with the corner.
How do you finish plywood edges?
The final way to finish a plywood edge is to apply a thin strip of adhesive veneer, called edge banding. This product comes in a variety of wood species to match the plywood and goes on easily with a household iron. Though you may want to pick up an inexpensive iron to keep in your shop so the excess adhesive doesn’t ruin your clothing.
How do you make veneer edge banding with plywood?
So, if you are looking for an easy way to get some matching veneer edge banding for a specific project, here is a cool way to do it… Raise your table saw blade so it’s slightly higher than the thickness of the plywood you want to cover. Then move the fence so the blade will cut right underneath the veneer layer of the plywood.
How to apply wood veneer?
Here are some guidelines to get you started as your learn how to apply wood veneer. Steps. Cut the substrate (the material that the veneer is actually applied to) to the exact finish size. This way, you can cut just the excess veneer with a razor knife and avoid damaging the finished product by using a table saw.

How do you veneer edges?
0:517:26Easy Edge Veneering | Tricks of the Trade - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasic standard household iron settings medium warm not full hot because you can scorch the veneer ifMoreBasic standard household iron settings medium warm not full hot because you can scorch the veneer if you want I can smell it's already working trick lick your finger.
How do you make plywood edges look good?
0:202:203 Ways to Finish Plywood Edges | House One - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe final way to finish a plywood edge is to apply a thin strip of adhesive veneer called edgeMoreThe final way to finish a plywood edge is to apply a thin strip of adhesive veneer called edge banding. The product comes in a variety of wood species to match the plywood.
How do you finish exposed plywood edges?
Start by sanding the edges until they're smooth. You can also add a rounded corner edge during this process. Once the surface is thoroughly sanded down, seal all exposed edges with a polyurethane sealer.
What are 3 ways to finish plywood edges?
Watch these three easy ways to conceal plywood edges for more professional-looking results....Watch as This Old House DIY Expert and House One Editor Jenn Largesse shares three easy ways to conceal plywood edges.Apply Wood Filler. ... Attach a Face Board. ... Apply Edge Banding.
How do you hide plywood seams?
Sand down the plywood, particularly around the edges where the pieces meet at the seams. Go over the entire surface with medium-grade sandpaper in a circular motion. Continue until all of the seams have been sanded down and the surface is smooth throughout.
How can I make cheap plywood look good?
9 Ways to Make Plywood Look GoodUse Sandpaper. ... Use Wood Grain Filler and Sandpaper. ... Use Stain and Sandpaper. ... Paint the Plywood. ... Cover It with Drywall. ... Turn It into Barn Wood. ... Coat It with Polyurethane. ... Use a High Gloss Finish.More items...•
What is edge banding for plywood?
Edge banding is a thin strip of wood veneer that can be applied to the edges of plywood. Edge banding is made from real wood, so you can match it to the rest of the wood you're finishing or even apply a stain. Once you apply edge banding, your plywood can look almost indistinguishable from real finished wood.
Can you router plywood edges?
A router will work fine on the edges of either ApplyPly or baltic birch. The glue in the plywood may dull the router bit slightly more quickly than solid wood but if you are only doing one desktop this is not really a factor. From an aesthetic standpoint, you will be able to see the veneer layers on the edges.
How do you make plywood look like drywall?
Making Plywood Walls Look Good The secret to getting it to look the same as the drywall, is to start by taping the plywood, just like you would with drywall. Then, skim coat the entire plywood surface with drywall mud and then sand it smooth. Once textured and painted, it will look just like the rest of the walls.
What can I put on the edge of plywood?
While wood veneer tape is one easy way to cover edges, a better method is to glue or nail on a strip of solid wood nosing. It's good looking and durable, and it protects vulnerable edges from abuse in high-wear areas. It also stiffens the plywood, an important feature for shelving.
How do I add hardwood edge to plywood?
0:264:37Faster Way to Attach Solid Wood Edging to Plywood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first tip is to cut the solid hardwood wider than the thickness of the plywood. It's just tooMoreThe first tip is to cut the solid hardwood wider than the thickness of the plywood. It's just too fussy to get it glued on exactly the same thickness flush.
How do you connect plywood edges?
0:338:027 Methods Of Plywood Corner Joinery | How To Join Plywood In A CornerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can also use pin nails or brad nails in the end.MoreYou can also use pin nails or brad nails in the end.
Can you hide plywood edges with paint?
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. This is an alternative way to cover plywood edges before painting that does not require edge banding.
How do you give plywood a nice finish?
Follow the Manufacturer's Instruction of Wood Grain Filler Woodgrain filler is used to fill the pores of the wood. You can apply them to any holes, gaps, or areas that are not so perfect. You need a plastic knife to scrape this. Also, sand it after the wood grain filler dries to get a smooth finish.
What do you seal plywood edges with?
3 Common Technique For Outdoor Plywood Sealing.Polyurethane Varnish. One of the best methods to seal plywood edges outside is by applying exterior polyurethane varnish. ... Water-Based Stain. Cover the entire surface of the plywood with a coat of any exterior water-based stain. ... Water Seal.
How do you make plywood look like real wood?
To make plywood look like barnwood, you first need to go over the surface with your drill / driver and a wire brush attachment. The wire brush abrades the surface of the wood to raise the wood grain. When using the wire brush, follow the direction of the wood grain veneer on the plywood board.
How to polish veneer edges?
Clean your edge thoroughly. Nothing screams “amateur” like particles of wood trapped under the veneer edge. I usually use a fine piece of sandpaper to polish the edge. Then I run my hand to detect if there are any imperfections left.
How to clean edges of veneer?
The last step is to bevel your edge. Just take a sanding block with a fine-grit paper and run it a few times along all the edges of your veneer. This will clean out all the imperfections and leftover glue.
What do you need to conceal plywood edge?
A few strips of veneer edging and some easy tricks are all you need to conceal a plywood edge.
How to put a edging on wood?
Although it costs a bit more, it’s the most convenient. Just strip off the tape, position your edging and press it into your wood.
How to smooth out irregularities in veneer?
Rolling the veneer. A good trick is to use a rubber roll on your edge , right after you glue your veneer on. When pushed, it rounds itself, smoothing out irregularities in the veneer. Do not push too hard either, so you don’t press out the glue from under the veneer.
How to cut off excess veneer?
Using a utility knife that has been sharpened, cut off the excess veneer edge. Run your blade against the edge of the plywood for a clean slice, perfectly in line with the corner.
Can you use a slip sheet to glue veneer?
You can use a slip sheet to assist yourself with gluing the veneer on. The slip sheet will enable you to glue the veneer on just a little piece at a time.
How Do You Veneer Plywood Edges?
You can attach veneer plywood edges to other pieces of veneer or solid wood using an adhesive. The most common types are thin and thick, but there is also a standard size you should know about if you’re hoping to get your project done quickly.
How Do You Apply Plywood Veneers?
Plywood is a composite material that consists of many layers. Veneer plywood, one type of plywood, has sheets (veneers) that are thinner than the standard thickness and glued together into panels. The veneers used in veneer plywoods may be thin or thick; it depends on the specific properties you are looking for. The more layers are used, the higher the quality of plywood that you have to work with.
What Is Veneered Plywood?
Veneered plywood is a thin sheet of wood that has been glued to another exterior surface. It can consist of multiple sheets, called ply or plies, which are laid with the grain alternating at right angles for strength and stability. The two most common types are ¾-inch veneer plywood used for cabinets and ¼-inch veneer plywood used for furniture.
What Is Plywood-Veneer Used For?
Plywood is a strong and versatile material that has been used for centuries. It can be made from a combination of different laminates, such as wood veneer or paper fiber, with an adhesive binder between each ply. Plywood brings multiple benefits to your project, including its reduced cost compared to solid lumber, durability, stability, and strength.
Is Veneer Plywood Expensive?
Yes, it can be expensive if you are looking for a very large piece or one that has been specially designed to meet your unique needs or requirements . However, generally speaking, the cost will not differ much from what you would pay for a similar sheet of solid wood.
Can You Veneer Just One Side Of Plywood?
No. Veneer plywood has veneers on both sides of the panel, which is why you cannot apply it to just one side of your project. If you only want the decorating surface exposed, consider using solid wood instead of veneer plywood for this reason.
How to match plywood?
Then rip a strip that’s 1/4” wide. You can try to match the plywood by using the same wood species or use a different kind of wood to add contrast. Then again, simply glue it on and you can use tape as clamps.
How to cut plywood with a table saw?
Raise your table saw blade so it’s slightly higher than the thickness of the plywood you want to cover. Then move the fence so the blade will cut right underneath the veneer layer of the plywood. Take a scrap from the project your working on, and cut away!
How to make a v groove?
Clamp down the sacrificial fence and pass the plywood through on both faces to create the v-groove shape on the edge.
What bit do I use to make a groove in plywood?
I used a 1/4” slot cutting bit to make the groove in the plywood first.
How much tongue do you leave in a wood board?
Lower the bit so when it cuts on both faces of the wood, it leaves a 1/4” tongue in the middle of the board. You can do a few test cuts to make sure the bit is at the right height.
Where is the blade cutting plywood?
You can see in the picture below that the blade is cutting right underneath the top veneer on the plywood.
Can you trim the excess plywood to make it seamless?
What’s cool about this method, is after you glue it up, you can trim the excess right up to the edge of the plywood to make it a really seamless look. This joint will be plenty strong because of the surface area in the v-groove joint and it will also be seamless.
Are you trying to cover the edges of plywood in your woodworking projects? Learn how to finish plywood edges with veneer edging with this easy step-by-step tutorial. This is the easiest way to hide raw edges of plywood for a finished, completed look
Plywood is an affordable and easy material to use in woodworking projects, but the raw edges can leave it looking unfinished. 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.
What is plywood?
Both plywood and MDF wood are similar in that they are made by binding different wood products together. Plywood is made with thin layers of wood veneers glued together in combination with other types of binders (like resin).
What is edge banding for plywood?
The veneers are visible on the edge of plywood panels and appear as lines. You could even describe them as looking similar to the pages on the side of a book. These raw plywood edges show the layers of the different species of wood that were pressed together.
Video Tutorial: Finishing Plywood Edges
Applying edge banding to plywood is a really easy process. Watch the video below to see the full tutorial, plus a few tips!
How to Cover Raw Edges of Plywood: Step-by-Step Tutorial
Start with a clean work surface. Make sure the plywood edges are free of any dust or debris that could prevent the adhesive from sticking.
How to make a roll of banding?
1. Cut a banding strip about 1″ overlength. 2. Clamp the plywood in place. With an iron on its hottest setting, iron on about 6″ of banding. Rub down the hot banding with a wood block, tilting the block slightly to adhere the edges. 3.
How to secure a bar clamp?
2. If you have several bar clamps, you can use glue alone to secure the edging strip: Put pieces of scrap wood between the clamps and the strip to spread clamping pressure evenly. Or secure the strip with glue and a few brads, but remember that filled nail holes always show. After clamping, wipe away glue squeeze-out.
Is plywood good for bookshelves?
I like plywood: It’s economical and stable, can be cut to any size, and comes in grades, thicknesses, and surface veneers that work for bookshelves, cabinets, tabletops, and many other projects. But it has an ugly flaw: its unfinished edge.
Does Baltic plywood have edge trim?
One type of plywood needs no edge trim: Baltic birch plywood is composed of thin veneer layers, so its edges are clean and void-free, with a subtle, regular stripe. It costs about 50 per cent more than ordinary birch veneer plywood, but is worth it. Tip.
How to trim veneer on a wood table?
Turn your piece upside down and use a razor knife to trim the excess veneer, using the edges of the substrate as your guide.
How to ensure proper positioning of veneer?
One way to ensure the proper positioning is to cut a piece of waxed paper to the size of the veneer, leaving some excess on one side and placing it between the substrate and the veneer. This allows you to position both pieces to your satisfaction before sliding the waxed paper out to initiate adherence. Thanks!
How to cut veneer with razor knife?
1. Cut the substrate (the material that the veneer is actually applied to) to the exact finish size. This way, you can cut just the excess veneer with a razor knife and avoid damaging the finished product by using a table saw. ...
How to verify veneer is adhered?
Still using maximum pressure, smooth the surface with a smoothing blade to verify that the veneer is completely adhered.
How to apply contact cement to veneer?
Center the selected pattern section over the substrate panel and apply the contact cement, following the manufacturer's instructions, to both the veneer and the substrate. Allow it to set.
What knife is best for veneer?
A special guillotine for veneer. But those are hard to find. A razor knife is best for home use.
How to roll veneer smooth?
Using maximum pressure, roll the veneer smooth by starting in the center and working out toward the edges using a veneer roller .
How to apply veneer to plywood?
Instead I cut the panel slightly under its final size before veneering and skin the edges with 1/8-in. MDF. Cut the MDF strips 1/16 in. wider and about 1/8 in. longer than the panel edges, and clamp them onto two opposite edges at the same time , using cauls to spread the pressure evenly. Trim the strips flush to the panel using a block covered with 100-grit sandpaper, being careful not to round the edges or ends. Then glue more strips to the last two edges, trimming them the same way. This creates a clean, uniform surface for veneering.
How to get a clean look on a veneered case?
To get a clean look on these, Thibodeau veneers the edges first, and then veneers the faces all the way to the edge.
Who is the pro at veneering?
Veneering pro Craig Thibodeau shows how to make a mitered, veneered box that he describes as simple but that looks anything but.
Can you use cork caulk to glue veneer?
I’ve become a great fan of cork-covered cauls for gluing on veneer edging. I spray-glue 1/8-in.-thick cork to narrow plywood strips then cover the cork with packing tape to resist glue.
