Q. My issue is that the edge banding on the white/birch cabinet boxes doesn't match my cabinet doors.  I also want to stain/paint some other decorative pieces such as crown moulding to match.  I can't be the first to encounter this situation...has anyone found a solution?

A. YES!  Some folks have removed the edge banding and replaced it with veneer edge banding stained to match.  It's a fairly simple process, although somewhat time-consuming. 

Edge banding is removed using a household iron and a thin kitchen towel.  Set the iron to a medium setting and place the towel over the edge banding to be removed.  Run the iron over the edge banding for about 30 seconds.  The edge banding should peel right off. 

Replacement edge banding can be purchased at specialty woodworking stores, such as Rockler or Woodcraft.  You should also be able to buy the tools to trim the banding to fit and find a knowledgeable salesperson to help you find a stain to match your door style if you don't find a match listed below.  Some people have used a mix of several different stains to achieve the look they wanted.  If you need a melamine finish, you may have to widen your search to include internet sources.

Follow the directions on the edge banding packaging to apply the new edge banding and trim it to size--there are special tools for this exact purpose and it is highly recommended by a few THS members.

Standard pine moulding and decorative accents can be used and stained to match as well.  Check below for stain formulas--unless otherwise noted, assume white pine as a standard base wood. 

Good luck, and please report your results if you do any of your own experimentation!  Others will surely benefit!

KNOWN MATCHES