Applying Edgebanding to Curves
Curves the edgebander can't manage can create difficulties. Here's advice on workarounds. May 12, 2013
Question
We have some 1 1/4" tops that need 3mm PVC edging. Some will need to be put on without the edgebander. Is there something stronger than contact cement for this purpose?
Forum Responses
(Adhesive Forum)
From contributor K:
Why can't you use the edgebander? Are they curved edges?
From the original questioner:
Yes, some curves and some notches. We will edgeband as much as we can but there will be places we just can't.
From contributor R:
Could you use a hot melt gun? It's the same glue that is in the edgebander.
From contributor K:
We have a lot of experience (nightmares) with this type of application. We've tried every type of adhesive known to man and I can't say that any of them worked well 100% of the time. The biggest problem is the rigidity of the 3 mil. It puts up quite a fight. Your best bet is to order 3 mil Flex Edge from Rehau if you can get it in a matching color to what you already have. Or just do the whole job in Flex Edge so it all matches.
From contributor K:
I forgot to mention the most important thing. It can do an outside radius from 1 1/2" on up. It can do an inside radius from 8" on up. Scallop grommets with thin or thick vinyl, no problem. Full circles with 3 mil vinyl and a beautiful seam, no problem.
From contributor F:
We've had success using regular yellow glue for that application, but make no mistake it's pain in the neck. We've persuaded most of our clients to choose from charter's 3mm t-moldings on projects where tops have radiused edges, and that works much, much better. We usually put a bead of silicone on the bottom and top edges of the countertop to seal up the joint. Then tap the t-mold in with a dead-blow, come behind with an air hammer, which flushes it up really nicely and produces some squeeze out of the silicone, which means you know you've got a good seal. The top edge of the t-mold is a tiny bit proud of the top of the countertop, but typically we just leave it. It has such a nice, finished look to it that it's not worth trying to trim it.
