Black Edgebanding Help

[FJ Baker]

I've got this cabinet job using black melamine that I have to apply this iron-on black edgebanding. I am having a hard time with it because after trimming I think the edges look horrible. I normally would hit the edges with some sandpaper to smooth it over but you can't do that with this black stuff. Does anyone have any suggestions or a process that has worked for you?
Thanks
John

[BTP]

after trimming.

iron the edge(corner) a little more "roundover"

THEN: as you iron wipe the glue off.

[jTr]

Use a very sharp carbide blade edge trimmer, or a very sharp chisel. If you must, rub back with a 320 paper to soften edge. Then, use a black wax fill stick. Run fill stick along edges and buff with cloth and / or white non abrasive scotch-brite pad. This will take care of any areas you may have chipped in handling.


jeff

[jerry_stanek]

We use a black sharpy to hid that kind of edge

[twelchPTM]

I trim my edge banding with a planer blade then "break" the sharp edge with a very fine file. bigest problem with the iron on stuff is the glue line. i prefer to use contact cement over hot melt when working with dark colors

[Ajcoholic]

We use a black sharpy to hid that kind of edge

Yup. I dont do any melemine work these days, but when I did, any black tape, or even HPL showed a lighter band under the face colour... just run a little permanent black marker over it and wipe the excess off with a little mineral spirits & rag.

AJC

[bleeth]

Black PVC edgebanding is black clear through. Not like HPL which, unless you buy specific "through color" product, has a lighter color phenolic backing. If you have to use pre glued edgebanding, which is NOT a product defined for professional use in the shop, then you need to apply it correctly. A household iron made for clothes is not the right tool. You should be using a hot air heat source and something that applies a heck of a lot more pressure than than an iron to put it on. You'll get better results with a heat gun (not a hair dryer!!) and a tool that can exert more pressure on the tape, like a veneer blade.

[FJ Baker]

Dave.
What material would you suggest to use for edgebanding this black melamine?
Thanks
John

[FJ Baker]

Hi Fellas
Thanks for all the suggestions. Sorry for the late reply, flu bug has set me back a few days. Finally two days of sunshine in Chicago and ready to get back at it.
FJ