Adhesives for Edgebanding
About Edgebanding Adhesives
Edgebanding refers to both the process and the strip of material used for creating aesthetically pleasing trim around unfinished edges of plywood, particle board, or MDF. Edgebanding increases the durability of a variety of projects like cabinetry and countertops, giving them a high-end, quality appearance.
Edgebanding requires versatility in terms of adhesive application. The temperature of the room, as well as the substrate, affects adhesion. Since edgebanding is made from many different materials, it is important to select an adhesive that offers the versatility and capability of being able to bond to a variety of substrates.
Hot Melt Glues: Industry Go-To
Hot melt glue is a multi-purpose adhesive used in a wide range of applications and suitable for pretty much all edge banding including PVC, melamine, ABS, acrylic and wood veneer. Hot melt is a great choice because it is affordable, it can be repeatedly re-melted, and is easy to work with.
PUR Adhesives: Best Heat and Moisture Resistance
Polyurethane (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. PUR creates a bond that's highly resistant to moisture and heat. This glue is more resistant to cleaning agents, making it a good choice for bathroom or kitchen products.
Low Melt Glues: Best for Foam and Polystyrene
Low-temperature hot melt 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.
Top Recommendations
Best Hot Melt for Edgebanding: Jowat Jowatherm Universal Edgebanding Hot Melt
Jowat Jowatherm 288.60 is a universal edgebanding hot melt available in a number of different colors. This is the go-to product for edgebanding applications that will be bonding primed PVC, ABS and primed HPL.
View ProductBest PUR for Edgebanding: Infinity Bond superPUR 30 Polyurethane Hot Melt - 10 Ounce Cartridge with Nozzle
Infinity Bond superPUR 30 is a high performance polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesive for bonding wood, plastics and many other difficult substrates. This PUR hot melt is dispensed at 250 degrees F and comes with two disposable dispensing nozzles so there is no purge or cleaning necessary.
View ProductBest Low Temperature Hot Melt for Edgebanding: Kleiberit 788.3 Low Temperature Edgebanding Adhesive
Kleiberit 788.3 Low-Temperature Edgebanding Adhesive is great for bonding PVC, paper, veneer, and melamine edges with manual edge banding machines. 788.3 has a low processing temperature from 130° C and features a very long open time.
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Common Questions About Adhesives for Edgebanding
Edgebanding refers to both the process and the stip of material used for creating aesthetically pleasing trim around unfinished edges of plywood, particle board or MDF. It's easy to spot edge banding all around you, from the desks and tables at your work to the cabinetry and counterops in your kitchen. Edge banding increases durability of these constructions, giving them a high-end, quality appearance.
Edgebanding is made from various types of materials, including:
- PVC
- ABS
- Acrylic
- Wood
- Wood veneer
High-volume, industrial manufacturers apply edge banding to the substrate with an automated process that uses a hot melt adhesive. Two types of machines are typically seen; machines equipped with roller applicators and those that come with spray nozzle applicators. The process involves bonding the edge banding to the substrate, trimming all overlapping edges so that they are flush to the substrate, scrapping excess material, and buffing the finished edge.