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By Barry Day, Senior Product Specialist
Can you match the edge band that we use when we manufacture our melamine? You may have asked yourself this question before when you were cutting shelves in the field. And the answer is no because our method of edge banding is much more complex than what you use in the field.
At our Bloomington facility, we have an edge banding machine that performs several processes in one pass. The board is trimmed slightly and then heated. Glue is applied to the edge of the board. The edge banding is then applied, pressed in place, trimmed and then reheated to assure a smooth shiny finish.
Although you can't match this process when you are in the field, it is also important to take the proper steps to insure a quality job. First, design the closet to minimize exposed edges. Second, use factory cut lengths where possible.
If you must cut, then cut the edge band to a workable length (about an inch or two longer than you need). Clean the edge of the board that you intend to band. Even a little light sanding may be necessary if the surface is unusually rough. Wipe the edge to be banded with a clean cloth. Next, run the edge banding across the edge of a table or shelf (at a forty-five degree angle) to help remove any curve in the banding. This is known as removing the memory. Once the banding is straight remove the backing and press the banding onto the shelf. Use a roller to get the banding to adhere to the shelf edge evenly and to remove any air that may be trapped between the banding and the board. Carefully trim with an edge band trimmer to remove the ends of the banding. Remember to never use a lacquer thinner type cleaner near the edge band to eliminate the danger of deactivating the glue. That's all it takes to make a good looking and long lasting finished edge on any melamine shelf.
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