How to Repair Plastic Edge Banding on Furniture170

IntroductionEdge banding is a thin, flexible material that is applied to the exposed edges of furniture to provide a finished look and protect the wood from damage. Plastic edge banding is a popular choice due to its durability, flexibility, and affordability. However, it can still become damaged over time due to wear and tear, or accidentally being chipped or scratched. Fortunately, repairing plastic edge banding is relatively easy to do yourself with a few simple tools and materials.

Materials You Will Need- New plastic edge banding
- Scissors or utility knife
- Contact cement
- Sandpaper
- Iron or heat gun
- Clean cloth

Steps on How to Repair Plastic Edge Banding1. Remove the Damaged Edge Banding:
- Carefully remove the damaged edge banding by gently prying it away from the furniture using a flathead screwdriver or utility knife.
- If the edge banding is still adhering firmly, apply a small amount of heat using a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive.
2. Clean the Surface:
- Wipe down the exposed surface of the furniture to remove any dirt, dust, or old adhesive residue.
- Allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.
3. Cut the New Edge Banding:
- Measure the length of the exposed edge and cut a piece of new plastic edge banding to the correct size using scissors or a utility knife.
- Ensure that the new edge banding is slightly wider than the exposed edge to allow for trimming.
4. Apply Contact Cement:
- Apply a thin, even layer of contact cement to both the exposed edge of the furniture and the back of the new edge banding.
- Allow the glue to become tacky before proceeding to the next step.
5. Align and Apply the Edge Banding:
- Carefully align the new edge banding with the exposed edge of the furniture.
- Press down firmly along the entire length of the edge banding to ensure a secure bond.
6. Trim the Excess Edge Banding:
- Once the edge banding is in place, trim any excess material using a sharp utility knife or scissors.
- Be careful not to cut into the wood surface of the furniture.
7. Smooth and Seal:
- Sand the edges of the new edge banding lightly using fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
- Apply a thin layer of polyurethane or wood sealant to protect the edge banding from future damage and enhance its appearance.
Additional Tips
- Use a sharp utility knife or scissors to ensure a clean cut when trimming the edge banding.
- If the edge banding is thick or difficult to bend, use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften it slightly before applying it to the furniture.
- Apply pressure evenly along the entire length of the edge banding to ensure a secure bond.
- Allow the contact cement to dry completely before using the furniture to ensure a strong hold.
- If the damaged edge banding is extensive or the furniture is particularly valuable, consider consulting a professional furniture repair expert.