How to Finish Plywood Edges
Posted 10/20/2022 by The Handprint Team
How to Create the Look of Solid Wood with Plywood Panels
While we love plywood's iconic striped edges, it might not be for everyone or right for every project. For those times, hide it entirely and transform your DIY wood project using edge banding or screen molding.
To create the look of solid wood project panels, edge banding is fast, inexpensive, and great for curved edges. Simply iron it on with a household iron.
Alternately, screen molding is best for straight-edged wood craft panels. These are thin strips of wood in widths that match the most common thickness of project panel wood. Tack them along the edge using small finishing nails.
Handling Voids
As you start making cuts into plywood panels, you may occasionally notice a little opening in the plies along the edge. Called a void, these are small, naturally occurring pockets occasionally found between the plies. Fortunately, voids don't change the quality or strength of your plywood panel, but you might not like how they look.
To make them disappear, use a little spackle or wood putty (also called wood patching compound). It makes voids easy to fill, sandable, and paintable if you choose. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions on the label, and you'll never know there was ever a gap in your plywood project panel.
Tip:
For a painted project, a base coat/primer allows for better coverage and fewer spots where the grain shows through.
