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How to Apply a Danish Edging to Wood

Danish furniture fits well into modern, contemporary and mid-century decor, but it may be too expensive for your budget. You can remedy this by applying a veneer over your plywood or MDF furniture that will resemble the wood commonly used in Danish and Scandinavian furnishings. Danish designers tend to use light or medium woods, such as teak and maple. Choose edging that will mimic this color and an application process that will fit the type of edging desired.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Wood block
  • Utility knife
  • Iron
  • Clean cloth
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Instructions

  1. Peel and Stick Edging

    • 1

      Lay the edging over the area where you want to mount it on the wood then mark where you need to cut it. Edging is typically installed on the front edge of shelves, doors and the lips on furniture. The rest of the furniture should be covered in larger sheets of veneer.

    • 2

      Cut the edging 1 inch longer than you will need it. Use a pair of sharp scissors to make a clean cut.

    • 3

      Peel the paper backing off one end of the edging. Press that end onto the edge of the furniture.

    • 4

      Remove the rest of the backing and continue pressing the edging onto the wood.

    • 5

      Slide a wood block over the edging. This will help work out any air bubbles and smooth the edging. Use as much pressure as you can to encourage a firm hold.

    • 6

      Let the edging sit for 30 minutes.

    • 7

      Trim the excess edging off with a utility knife.

    Iron-On Edging

    • 8

      Measure and cut the edging so that it is 1 inch longer than the length of the piece. Use a pair of sharp scissors to make a clean cut.

    • 9

      Set an iron to medium heat.

    • 10

      Lay a cotton cloth over the edging. This will protect the bottom of your iron from the adhesive residue that will seep out from under the edging.

    • 11

      Press the iron over the edging slowly and firmly. You will notice glue seeping out from between the wood and the edging.

    • 12

      Slide a wood block over the edging with as much pressure as you can. You will see the adhesive cool and harden as you are doing this.

    • 13

      Trim the edging with a utility knife.