How to Apply Pressure Sensitive Edging to Plywood

Wrap a piece of sandpaper around a sanding block. A sanding block provides a flat abrasive surface and reduces the risk of dips or hollows on the edge of your piece. Sand the edges of your project until they are smooth. When the surface is properly sanded, you should be able to run your hand along it without encountering splinters or rough patches.

Apply a coat of lacquer or shellac with a paintbrush to the sanded edges. These finishes leave no oil residue to interfere with the bonding properties of the edging adhesive. Avoid using oil-based sanding sealers or polyurethane finishes. The residue or their solvents reduces the adhesive properties of the edging material.

Scuff the finished edges lightly with sandpaper once the sealer is dry. Sanding the newly-applied finish provides a rough surface for the adhesive to bond to.

Wipe the sanded surfaces clean with a cotton rag. Dust from sanding will cause loose spots in the edging.

Remove 2 to 3 inches of backing from the edging. Press the exposed adhesive surface of the edging onto the plywood. Line up the end and sides of the edging to keep it even with the edge of the project's surface.

Peel off the backing and apply firm pressure with your thumb as you work your way down the edge of the plywood.

Cut the adhesive edging even with the end of the plywood with a sharp utility knife.

Allow the edging adhesive to cure for at least 12 hours before trimming the top and bottom edges even with the surface of the plywood. This can be done with the utility knife or a veneer edging tool.