Peeling Cabinet Edges - Why Does It Happen?
Help! My cabinet edges are peeling off after a while!
A common concern our clients tend to express when they are considering laminate kitchen cabinets is the fact that they have experienced peeling of the edges in past cabinets they owned or lived with.
It’s worth clarifying that any edge-taping peeling or delamination is possible, and actually, it is almost certain that will happen if your cabinet maker does not have the latest state-of-the-art equipment and is not using the best type of glue (or no glue at all!).
Let’s learn about the different types of edge banding available in the market today:
Hot melt glue
This is the old style of edge banding machine, and many cabinet or millwork shops will offer this. This equipment is the least expensive in the market so your cabinet pricing will likely reflect it.
Hot melt glue is bad because it can be reactivated by a heat source of whatever nature such as the steam from your dishwasher or steam oven, the heat generated by your range oven, or above a stove. The cabinet panels beside these appliances are very likely to peel off over time if their edge banding was applied with hot melt glue.
Hot melt glue has a thickness and it’s obviously spotted upon a closer look. It discolors over time and collects dirt on the edges. Nobody likes that look!!!!
PUR glue
Polyurethane Reactive (PUR) glue is a popular choice for edgebanding in cabinetry due to several key benefits:
Strength and Durability: PUR glue forms a strong, flexible bond with the edgebanding material, creating a seamless and durable joint that can withstand heavy use and resist peeling or delamination.
Moisture Resistance: PUR glue is highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for use in areas like kitchens and bathrooms where cabinets are exposed to high levels of humidity.
Heat Resistance: PUR glue can withstand elevated temperatures, making it suitable for use in areas like kitchens where cabinets are exposed to heat from stoves and ovens.
Easy Application: PUR glue is easy to apply and can be done quickly, reducing the amount of time and labor required for edgebanding.
Low VOC Emissions: Unlike some other adhesives, PUR glue has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly choice.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Because of its seamless finish and resistance to moisture and heat, PUR glue helps ensure a consistent, attractive appearance of the edgebanding that will last for many years.
Hot Air or Laser Edge
Hot Air or Laser Edge banding uses no glue at all! This state-of-the-art equipment uses either laser or hot air to melt the inside face of the edge banding. Then the machine applies weight to weld it onto the composite board.
PUR glue and hot air/laser edge banding are impossible to reactivate with heat.
Both PUR and hot air/laser edge banding techniques create a waterproof seal on the edge of the cabinet component, making the composite core materials totally safe from water damage.
When choosing to go with a laminate cabinet product check that your cabinet maker is offering you either Hot Air / Laser Edge Banding or PUR Glue. The pricing might be a bit higher but it will not peel off and live up to its lifetime warranty.
