Best Way to Edge Plywood Bookshelves, Closet and Desk

**mrrosenthal85** · 07-12-2012, 05:00 AM

Hi
I am planning on making ikea style bookshelfs closets and desks for our budget hostel using PLYWOOD. We would ideally like to paint the pieces white. What is the most economical, simple, and reliable way to consistently have good edge covers on our plywood furniture so the furniture lasts and the edges don't fall off over time?

We plan on spray painting or painting everything white. Considering we are painting the product white (think Ikea but high quality wood), what type of wood, plywood is best?

Thanks

**deepsplinter** · 07-12-2012, 06:39 AM

Not everybody will agree with me, but here goes anyway....

"Iron-On Edge Banding".....I've gone through umpteen 250' rolls of the stuff and never had any of it come back.

All ya need is an iron and a wallpaper seam roller to apply. I trim it with a 22½° flush trim bit (on my router table) , leave it just a tick proud, then sand it flush.

**dvelleux** · 07-12-2012, 06:38 PM

mrrosenthal,

Depending on the durability you wish, you may wish to consider using solid birch strips cut 0.75" wide by 0.25" thick. Most 0.75" plywood is slightly smaller, so use a flush trim router bit to make it all nice. Using this option, you may need to use some Patch n Paint from HD to fill in the seam joint, then prime and paint...

Iron-on edge banding is good too, but just not as nice looking, nor as durable...

**MNEngineer** · 07-13-2012, 08:44 AM

Do what dvelleux said, go with the solid wood strips. If you intend on placing heavier items on the shelves you can go flush with the top a 1" to 1.5" wide solid strip which will make the shelves more rigidity and a more "heavy duty" look. If you go with a wider strip I would make them thicker, up to even 0.75".

**GenerationW.W** · 07-13-2012, 07:27 PM

I agree with the solid wood strips. I have used the iron banding too but I prefer the wood strips. More durable and looks nicer.

**Woody.** · 07-14-2012, 07:33 AM

You are going to paint it - yes?

Iron on strips work great - but I wish to offer just one more thought.

First - you didn't mention it - but you can get really nice straight smooth cuts using a cutting guide and a circular saw.

For the edging - I have heard of people using nothing more than wallboard compound. You could use any of those painters caulk that come in a tube, and spread it with a spreader.

I have also heard that spray painting is faster and easier than brush painting and the job finishes out just great.

**FrankC** · 07-14-2012, 09:55 AM

Either iron-on banding or glued wood strips will work, how well they work will depend on if they are properly installed. Start with a good grade of void free plywood such as Baltic birch, a sharp saw blade and away you go.

**mrrosenthal85** · 07-16-2012, 04:40 AM

I'm thinking that because I need to paint it white anyways, IKEA style white, why would I need to band it if I can get a nice smooth finish anyways? The worst is if the edge comes off 2 years later and the piece looks bad.

What do you think is the best and most practical way to achieve a durable piece?

**Woody.** · 07-16-2012, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by mrrosenthal85

I'm thinking that because I need to paint it white anyways, IKEA style white, why would I need to band it if I can get a nice smooth finish anyways? The worst is if the edge comes off 2 years later and the piece looks bad.

What do you think is the best and most practical way to achieve a durable piece?

same answer I gave on 7-14-12
Fill it in with painters caulk - or bondo - or wallboard compound -or plastic wood - or .......
Edge banding is certainly an option and is great stuff and sands and paints just like real wood.
I guess it is a personal choice which method is used.