How to Apply Melamine to Plywood

Applying melamine to plywood creates a durable, moisture-resistant surface that’s perfect for cabinets, shelving, and furniture.

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Materials You’ll Need

• Plywood substrate (preferably cabinet-grade)
• Melamine sheets
• Contact cement or PVA glue
• J-roller or laminate roller
• Utility knife or router
• Straight edge
• Fine-tooth saw
• Edge banding (optional)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Start by preparing your plywood – make sure it’s clean, dry, and free of dust. For best results, give it a light sanding with fine-grit paper. Cut both your plywood and melamine sheets slightly oversized, about 1/2″ larger all around, to give yourself room for trimming later.
2. Using a paint roller, apply contact cement to both the plywood surface and the back of the melamine. Let it dry until tacky, which usually takes 15-20 minutes. This step is critical – don’t rush it.
3. When positioning the melamine, remember that contact cement bonds instantly on contact. Lay dowels across the plywood to position the melamine correctly, then remove the dowels one by one while pressing down firmly on the melamine. Use a J-roller to apply pressure from the center outward, ensuring you remove any air bubbles for complete adhesion.
4. Once the adhesive has set, trim the excess melamine using a router with a flush-trim bit or a laminate trimmer. For a simpler approach, you can carefully score with a utility knife and snap off the excess. To finish the job right, apply edge banding or thin melamine strips to cover exposed plywood edges, then trim and sand for a clean look.

Remember to work in a dust-free environment, keep temperatures above 65°F when applying adhesive, and let your finished piece cure for 24 hours before heavy use. Pre-drill holes for hardware to prevent chipping. With proper application, your melamine-covered plywood will provide a tough, easy-to-clean surface that stands up to years of daily use.

We offer melamine plywood that combines a sturdy plywood core with a durable melamine surface, giving you the structural strength of real plywood with the moisture resistance and easy maintenance of melamine.

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