RE: [A/S] Repairing interior edge trim - or all you need to know about Tee Molding

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Chris,

As a retired professional commercial cabinetmaker, I offer you the following
info:

As has already been pointed out, the "T" shaped cross section edge trim is
known as Tee molding and is used to finish raw edges of cabinet panels.  The
stem of the "T" is typically barbed with ridges so that it resists being
pulled out once it has been installed.

Sources:

Since this product is used commercially by cabinetmakers, the best source is
a professional cabinetmaker supply company.  There are also specialty
wholesale supplier who specialize in edgebanding (the modern replacement for
a lot of tee moulding applications) and tee molding.  Tee molding comes in
various widths and thicknesses in addition to a wide variety of colors -
both solid and simulated wood grain. Chwck the yellow pages if you are in a
sizable metropolitan area.

The retail sources suggested may not have the color etc. that you need.

Where are you located?  How much do you need?  If you get stuck, e-mail me
directly and I will try to get it for you, or hook you up with a source.

Installation:

Obviously, the barbed stem of the "T" goes into the slot on the panel.  If
the slot is too wide to hold the molding securely, you are going to have to
1) fill it and re groove it, or 2) use some gap filling glue when you apply
the molding.  If you work fast and use it sparingly, hot melt glue from a
glue gun is a viable technique. So is yellow glue = but you have to wait for
it to dry before the next step.

Typically the molding is applied by hammering it into the groove with a soft
face mallet, while stretching the molding slightly.

Sharp bends or small outside radiused corners may require cutting a "V"
shaped notch out of the barb. A sharp inside radius will require knife cuts
to the barb perpendicular to the outside edge.  If the molding is a thermo
plastic (softens under heat) a heat gun (or hair dryer) can be used to
soften the molding (usually while stretching it a little). But don't go
crazy with the heat.

Note that the  exposed face of the Tee molding is typically wider than the
panel is thick.  The excess width is then trimmed off after the molding has
been applied to the entire panel.

Although there are special tools for this, trimming is frequently done with
a heavy knife or a 1 1/2" to 2" wide chisel.  As long as the chisel is sharp
and angled toward the interior of the panel (so the cutting pressure does
not try to pull the molding out of the slot) and held at a moderately low
angle (up and down relative to the surface of the panel) and with care not
to dig in to the panel, you should be OK.

If you have any other questions, let me know.

Good luck,

Oliver Filippi