Is there an alternative to epoxy resin for sealing a plywood boat.
Epoxy to seal plywoodboat floor.
Dip a foam brush into the clear penetrating epoxy.
Photo a shows the direct result of not sealing the end of a fibreglass boat deck where it meets the well.
Since it s the ideal wood for moist or wet conditions it s often used to craft boats boat parts or outdoor furniture in coastal areas.
Sealing marine plywood is a lot like sealing other types but it does differ slightly.
It is almost always necessary to coat the marine.
The floor will need to be cut out and replaced.
Any fiberglass boat pre about 1980 and any resined floor transom etc.
The many layers of marine grade plywood are held together with waterproof adhesive allowing the wood to withstand direct contact with water.
Two part epoxy paints and one part polyurethane paints both use volatile organic compounds.
However usually the materials in the wood are not enough to block all moisture from the wood.
Marine plywood is a type of wood specifically formulated for use in moist or wet areas.
You need to at least seal the top side of your plywood and the edges you can seal the bottom side of the plywood if you want or think it ll get wet.
Epoxy will last longer and yes poly resin will eventually let some water through.
I would like to keep my costs down on this project as i just bought a car but would still like to build this boat so i can get out on the water along with my wife who has a kayak.
Unlike an epoxy based paint which will dry in air using a powder coat paint needs high temperatures in the range of 300 degrees fahrenheit or more to adhere and that will melt the fibreglass boat floor.
The end result is the entire floor is now spongy and most likely rotten.
This plywood is formulated to resist water and moisture on its own.
But lots of old aluminum boats did nothing but paint the wood and in lots of cases it still lasted 30 years.
In most cases you would coat only one side and be done with it but since marine plywood is going to be used underwater everything has to be treated.