How to Edge PVC
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Slightly oversize the panel when cutting it.Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
Cut the plastic to size. PVC cut with a saw will leave a rough edge. Even a finishing blade will leave rough spots along the material's edge. The rough edge will need to be sanded off. Sanding reduces the panel's overall measurements. Therefore, the PVC should be cut slightly oversized. Add 1/16-inch to the length and width of the material being cut. Cut the PVC with a table saw to ensure a straight cut. - 2). Remove the saw marks after cutting the PVC. Saw marks are the diagonal rough spots running along the edge of the PVC. Place a piece of 120-grit sandpaper on a sanding block. Place the face of the block flatly on the edge being sanded. Sand the rough edge using long stokes that run the length of the edge being finished. Sand all edges until the saw marks are gone.
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Sand the edge smooth using long strokes.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Prepare the edge for finishing. With the saw marks removed, the edge now has small sanding scratches running along its length. Remove the 120-grit sandpaper from the sanding block. Replace it with 220-grit sandpaper. Place the face of the sanding block flatly against the PVC's edge. Sand, using long strokes until the small scratches are gone. Switch to 400-grit sandpaper and repeat the process until the edge feels completely smooth. - 4). Finish the edge. Wipe off the sanded edges with a clean cotton rag to remove any sanding debris. Switch to a clean unused rag. Apply 6 drops of buffing compound designed for plastic onto the rag. Using long strokes, rub the buffing compound into the sanded edge. Repeat the process for each edge, adding additional buffing compound to the rag at regular intervals. Stop buffing when the edge has developed a slight sheen.
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A utility knife can be used as a scraper.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Scrape the edges. Use a metal edge scraper to break the edge. Place the scraper's blade at a 45-degree angle on one end of the edge's length. Gently pull the blade along the outer corner formed by the edge and the PVC sheet's face. Pull the blade along the outer corner's edge until the other end of the sheet is reached. Repeat this process for both sides of the sanded edge. Scrape all exposed edges. - 6). Wipe down the finished edge. Use a clean cotton rag to wipe off any residual buffing compound and scrapped PVC from all exposed edges.
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