What is edge banding?
Furniture is made up of different parts, like plywood, or wood. Sometimes, these parts have rough and sharp unsafe edges that are not even, and if left exposed, can cause serious damage to you, your loved ones, and your furniture. Imagine accidentally bumping into such edges or getting your fingers caught in them. To prevent such accidents and create a more refined look, manufacturers use thin strip materials called edge bands. This results in a durable, solid, glossy look that will aesthetically please and protect you.

Type of edge bands:

Wood Veneer Edge Banding is constructed from real wood that has been pre-sanded and stacked together. It has a natural and elegant appearance that complements the wood grain of the furniture. Wood veneer edge banding is non-toxic and can be stained or polished.

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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Edge Banding is a type of plastic polymer material that becomes moldable at certain high temperatures and then becomes solid after cooling. This makes it a more versatile and widely used material capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. It is highly suitable for areas prone to humidity or moisture exposure, such as kitchens or bathrooms. This type of edge banding is excellent at moisture resistance, very easy to clean and maintain, and is widely available in many colors, patterns, and textures.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Edge Banding is similar to PVC in that both are polymer materials, making it impact resistant. Made from a material that is non-toxic, ABS edge bands are highly durable and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, and it is also completely waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor applications.

Polypropylene (PP) Edge Banding is known for its high chemical resistance. As a thermoplastic material, it is also lightweight and has good flexibility. Although it may not have the same level of durability as PVC or ABS, PP edge banding is suitable for applications where chemical exposure or impact resistance is important.

Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) Edge Banding is a transparent or translucent material used for edge banding created from methyl methacrylate. This chemical compound offers a high-end, glass-like appearance to furniture. Although that results in it being more expensive compared to other options, PMMA edge banding is scratch-resistant, UV-stable, and provides excellent clarity.

Melamine Edge Band is a resin-saturated paper that is often coated on the back with a special hot melt adhesive. As a strong material that can protect the corners of wooden furniture, Melamine is superior to most edgebanding solutions available in the market, and also compatible with most forms and materials of furniture. As one of the most flexible and eco-friendly materials for furniture, it can be used extensively in the manufacture of cabinets, shelves, worktops, and wardrobes.

Transition (T) Molding Edge Band is a plastic molding edging used on a variety of products, such as tables, countertops, and boats. Transition molding helps one surface transition to another of equal thickness so that there are no abrupt or unfinished edges that are unsightly or unprotected. Some are installed with tracks and screws, others are meant to be glued or nailed to the subfloor.

Material Origins and Ideal Surfaces:
The majority of edge banding materials are synthetic and are mass-produced in facilities all over the world. The rest, like wood veneer edge bands, are often made from hardwoods obtained from sustainable forests, adding an eco-friendly element to your designs. Edge bands can be used on a variety of surfaces, but they are most typically employed on plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) wood since these materials have rough, unequal edges. Edge bands can be used on cabinets, cabinet doors and drawers, shelves, tables, furniture, fixtures, and countertops.

What is the edge banding thickness?
Deciding the right edge band thickness for your project can be a little daunting but you should consider the type of the project and quality! The thickness can range from 0.018-inch to 5mm thick.

How wide should my edge banding be?
The width of edge banding varies depending on the type of material used and the intended use of the furniture. However, as a general rule, your edge band should be a little wider than what you are expecting. For example, let's say you're working with a standard board that's between 15mm and 19mm thick. You'd want to use edge banding that's about 22mm to 2 inches (or about 50mm) wide. This little extra width makes sure the edge banding covers the entire side of the board and gives a neat finish after it's trimmed down.If you have a special project or an unusual thickness of the board, you can also ask for custom widths of the edge banding. Just remember that this might cost a bit more and take a little longer because it needs extra work.



The Art of Applying Edge Bands:
Before buying an edge band for your next project, one of the crucial decisions is how you want to apply it. There are options to select edge bands that are pre-glued; these are the easiest to use. The adhesive pre-applied to edge banding is typically a type of hot-melt adhesive based on EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), a type of copolymer that provides excellent bonding properties and heat resistance. This glue is solid at room temperature but melts when heated, allowing it to bond with the edge of the board. One of the simplest and most accessible methods to apply pre-glued edge banding is by using a household iron. After cutting the edge banding to the desired length, position it on the edge of your board. Then, using an iron set to a medium to high heat setting, slowly press and move the iron along the banding. The heat from the iron activates the adhesive, bonding the edge banding to the board. After application, trim any excess material for a neat finish.

If you are selecting edge bands that are non-glued, a common way to apply it is by manually applying glue that&#;s usually derived from Polyvinyl acetate, also known as PVC, to the edge of the panel and the banding, then using clamps to hold the banding in place while the glue dries. PVA glue is easy to work with, provides a strong bond, and dries clear, which makes it an excellent choice for many woodworking projects. Please note that for edge banding materials like PVC or melamine, a more specialized adhesive may be required. Contact cement is often used for these materials because it provides a strong bond and can withstand the heat generated by trimming and sanding processes.This method provides excellent control over the process but can be time-consuming, especially for larger projects.

For all edge bands, whether pre-glued or not, an edge banding machine is the preferred method. These machines automate the process, ensuring a consistent and fast application. They can handle different thicknesses and widths of edge banding and often come with trimming units to trim the excess banding after application. These machines are designed to apply glue to the banding and then press it onto the panel edge. Some machines also trim the excess banding for a neat finish. Using a machine can speed up the process and ensure a consistent, high-quality result.
Happy woodworking!

Whether for safety or aesthetics, edge banding is an indispensable aspect of furniture design. The type of edge band used can dramatically affect the overall appearance, durability, and functionality of the furniture piece. Understanding the different types of edge bands and their applications allows one to make informed choices in furniture design and manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is edge banding?

Edge banding is the process of applying a thin strip of material, known as an edge band, to the rough and sharp edges of furniture parts, such as MDF, Particle board, plywood, or wood. This process is used to prevent accidents, create a more refined look, and improve the durability of the furniture.

2. What materials are used to create edge bands?

Edge bands can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Wood Veneer: Constructed from real wood slices, it provides a natural look but may be more susceptible to moisture.
• PVC: A plastic-based material known for its durability and excellent moisture resistance.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A less dense and environmentally friendly material compared to PVC, with good durability and heat resistance.
• PP (Polypropylene): Known for its high chemical resistance and good flexibility.
• PMMA or Acrylic: Offers a high-end, glass-like appearance but can be more expensive and may have lower impact resistance.
• Melamine: A flexible and durable material, usually coated with a thin layer of MDF or PVC plastic.
• T-Molding: Requires creating a special groove or slot for the &#;T&#; part of the molding to fit into.

3. What is the thickness of edge banding?

The thickness of edge banding can range from 0.018-inch to 5mm thick, depending on the quality and type of the project.

4. How wide should edge banding be?

The width of edge banding should be a little wider than the thickness of the board. For a standard board between 15mm and 19mm thick, edge banding about 22mm to 2 inches (or about 50mm) wide is typically used.

5. How is edge banding applied?

Edge banding can be applied manually or using an edge banding machine. Pre-glued edge banding, which has adhesive applied to the back, can be applied using a household iron or an edge banding machine. Non-glued edge banding requires applying glue to the edge of the panel and the banding before attaching.

6. What types of glue are used with edge banding?

The type of glue used with edge banding depends on whether it is pre-glued or non-glued. Pre-glued edge banding typically uses a type of hot-melt adhesive, often based on EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate). Non-glued edge banding requires manually applying glue, which can be wood glue (PVA - Polyvinyl acetate) for real wood banding or contact cement for materials like PVC or melamine.

7. Where are edge banding materials produced and where are they typically used?

Most edge banding materials are synthetic and mass-produced worldwide. Wood veneer edge banding is often made from hardwoods obtained from sustainable forests. Edge bands are most typically employed on plywood, particleboard, and MDF, which have rough edges that need to be finished.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How To Use Edge Banding Adhesive: The Complete Guide

It goes without saying that using the right adhesive for the job is essential to ensure your edge banding goes on and stays on, and that you don&#;t make a mess of your project. Using the wrong glue in the wrong way could spell disaster!

Here&#;s our complete guide on how to use edge banding adhesives to help make sure you don&#;t land in a sticky spot&#;

#1 Choosing The Right Edge Banding Adhesive&#;

This is the crucial bit. Firstly, you need to know about the different types of adhesives and which projects and materials they are a best fit for. You can use glue pellets or cartridges depending on which your edge banding machine is compatible with.

Hot Melt Glues&#;

Most edge banding is applied with hot melt glue. The two main choices for hot melt glues are EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and PUR (Polyurethane). Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your project and the material you are working with.

EVA Adhesive&#;

EVA Adhesive  is a multi-purpose hot melt glue used in a wide range of applications and suitable for pretty much all edge banding including PVC, melamine, ABS, acrylic and wood veneer. It&#;s at the more affordable end of the market, has a fairly standard water and heat resistance, but is easy to work with and to clean up after.

It can be repeatedly re-melted, handy when refilling glue compartments on your edgebander in between jobs and for cleaning. This also means it is sensitive to high temperatures, so be wary of using it for furniture or worktops that will be exposed to excessive heat. It&#;s pretty flexible, helping to reduce the risk of your edge banding cracking or peeling with the normal movement of wood and boards.

You can get filled or unfilled EVA hot melt glues for edge banding. The traditional EVA adhesive is filled, so called because it has added minerals that reduce annoying &#;stringing&#; and make it easier to work with. Unfilled hot melt adhesives, however, can be applied thinner to give a tighter joint. It just comes down to preference for your working style and the practicalities of the job you are working on.

PUR Adhesive&#;

Polyurethane (or PUR) based hot melt glues harden when dry and cannot be re-melted. They form an incredibly strong bond quickly, meaning little room for mistakes and the need to work fast. Some can set in seconds, with full cure time being 24 hours.

PUR hot melt glue creates a bond that&#;s highly resistant to moisture and heat up to 150 degrees. The glue line itself is more resistant to cleaning agents, making it a good choice for bathroom or kitchen products.

Because PUR adhesives bond by &#;moisture cure&#;, meaning they harden via a reaction with moisture in the air and the product they are applied to, they have to be stored in sealed containers.

It can get a little messy, as it expands and slightly foams as it cures. Unlike water based glues, which soak into the materials being bonded together, a PUR adhesive sits on the surface.

This type of adhesive is high strength but also flexible (it can be set hard or remain rubbery). Go for this in projects using hard to bind materials such as affixing porous to non-porous. It is generally a little more expensive than EVA hot melt glue, but you don&#;t need to use as much PUR to get a really successful bond.

Top Tip: Make sure you don&#;t put too much glue on or you&#;ll end up with an untidy bondline. Used correctly, PUR hot melts should give a pleasing, thin bondline.

Low Melt Glues&#;

Low melt adhesives, as the name suggests, work at a lower temperature so are safer to use, with reduced risk of burns. As a result, they are great for working with softer materials that could be damaged by a higher temperature, such as foam or polystyrene. Higher temperature hot melt adhesives are your best bet for bonding edge banding, but it&#;s worth knowing about the whole family of glues available to you.

Contact Adhesives&#;

Contact adhesives (also known as contact cement) are rubber based, fast acting glues that create a strong, flexible bond. Very effective on non-porous materials that other glue won&#;t stick. It is applied to both surfaces and allowed to air dry for around 20 minutes before sticking. It bonds almost immediately, so again, you can&#;t hang about and there&#;s little room for error. Often used for bonding large surface areas of wood veneer or plastic laminate to boards, contact adhesives can also be used very effectively used for edge banding.

#2 Choosing Your Equipment&#;

Edge banding is best applied using an edge banding machine. The glue compartment is filled with the appropriate glue and the machine glues and rolls the edging onto your boards simultaneously, for a precise finish that stays in place for the lifetime of your product.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Lituo.

Machines range from small home versions to industrial sizes capable of edging tens of metres of panel at a time. Check with your manufacturer which type of glue is compatible with your machine and whether to use pellets or cartridges.

#3 Edging Adhesive Application&#;

Make sure you keep your equipment clean and in good working order and that the edges of your boards are clear and ready for application. Here are a few top tips for perfectly applying your edging adhesive:

• Use the glue that&#;s compatible with your machine and your project.

• Don&#;t fill the glue tank to the brim if you&#;re only bonding a small amount of edging.

• Make sure you have enough edge banding ready for the job at hand and position it into the machine&#;s feed track.

• Your machine will heat, coat and bond the edging to your board.

• Set the pressure, temperature and feed rate correctly according to machine instructions.

• Make sure the room isn&#;t too hot or cold as this can stop the glue working properly.

#4 Safety First&#;

As with any aspect of production, using adhesive (particularly hot glues) requires a few safety precautions. Follow these simple tips and procedures to avoid any unfortunate accidents:

• Wear protective gloves, goggles and clothes.

• Some glues are toxic and can be harmful if inhaled &#; always read the labels and make sure there is appropriate ventilation.

• They are also HOT &#; protect yourself and your working environment from burns and damage.

• Test your adhesive before using it on your product to make sure you are comfortable using the glue and edge banding machine.

#5 Cleaning Up After Adhesive Application&#;

Once you&#;ve safely applied your adhesive and your edging is perfectly in place, there are a couple of other things left to do to ensure everything stays in tip-top condition. The first of these is cleaning up after the application process.

Always clean your equipment after use, especially where PUR glue has been used in your edge bander machine. As it cannot be re-melted, it will harden inside your equipment if it is not completely purged and cleaned &#; pretty impossible to get off.

As EVA glue does re-melt, if you&#;re doing several jobs one after another, it might not be necessary to clean after every single use, possibly just when the glue tank is empty. Always check the directions for use with your edge bander machine. No-one really wants to spend hours cleaning up glue, so make life easier for yourself and use specialist cleaning products for the adhesive you&#;re using.

#6 Understanding Different Edge Banding Materials&#;

Before delving into the adhesive selection, it&#;s important to understand the different edge banding materials available. Here are the most common types:

PVC: Highly durable and resistant to heat, PVC edge banding is great for high-traffic areas.

ABS: Similar to PVC in durability but more eco-friendly, ABS edge banding is an excellent alternative for those seeking a greener option.

Wood Veneer: This is an attractive and natural-looking option, ideal for high-quality furniture and cabinetry.

Melamine: This affordable option comes in a variety of colours and styles, but is not as durable as PVC or ABS.

Acrylic: Known for its glossy, high-end look, acrylic edge banding is resistant to scratches and UV light.

#7 Troubleshooting Common Edge Banding Problems&#;

Sometimes things may not go as smoothly as expected. Here are some common edge banding issues and how to solve them:

Glue Squeeze Out: Too much adhesive can cause squeeze out. Make sure to adjust the amount of adhesive being used or check the application pressure.

Peeling or Loose Edges: This issue may be due to inadequate glue, faulty machine settings or improper preparation of the material. Review your process to identify any shortcomings.

Bubbling: Can be caused by using the wrong type of adhesive or applying too much heat. Adjust your settings accordingly.

Discoloration: Using an adhesive that is not suited to your material can lead to discoloration. Choose your adhesive carefully.

#8 The Environmental Impact of Adhesives&#;

In the modern world, sustainability matters. Different adhesives have different environmental impacts. For example, water-based adhesives are generally more environmentally friendly than solvent-based ones. Understanding the environmental impact of the adhesives you choose can help you make more eco-friendly decisions.

#9 Upgrading Your Edge Bander&#;

Sometimes, your project requirements might outgrow your current machinery. If you&#;re experiencing frequent issues or if your edge bander can&#;t handle the volume or complexity of your work, it may be time for an upgrade.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure you choose the right adhesive for your edge banding needs.

If that all sounds like hard work, you can take advantage of our Cut & Edge service, where we provide your boards and edges glued and ready as a finished product.

Still not sure which glue you need or how to use it? Drop us a line&#;

For more Adhesive Edge Bandinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.