I'm in the process of building a bookcase out of 3/4" plywood and plan to paint it in a dark satin finish. Since the case is already assembled and quite large, I'm wondering if edge banding is really necessary. Is there a preferred type of wood filler that works well for making the edges look nice and allows for an even paint finish? Any tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, I’d skip the filler and just go for some edge tape. It’s super easy to apply and makes a huge difference, especially when you'll be painting over it. Plus, it’s quicker than filling and sanding!
From my experience working in a cabinet shop, we almost always edge band plywood—even if we're painting. It just makes everything look cleaner and avoids the hassle of filling and sanding multiple times.
If you’re painting, I highly recommend using spackle instead of wood filler. It’s what I’ve used in the past and gives a really smooth finish. I actually switched from wood filler after not liking the results when staining. Here’s a helpful video on how to use spackle: [YouTube Video](https://youtu.be/slWU6_E7Z7A?si=t5lkFG5CFabCioEh).