Epoxy To Seal Plywoodboat Floor

Epoxy will last longer and yes poly resin will eventually let some water through.

Epoxy to seal plywoodboat floor. Two part epoxy paints and one part polyurethane paints both use volatile organic compounds. Sealing marine plywood is a lot like sealing other types but it does differ slightly. The floor will need to be cut out and replaced. 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.

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. Any fiberglass boat pre about 1980 and any resined floor transom etc. Prior to the same date would originally have been done with poly.

The end result is the entire floor is now spongy and most likely rotten. The many layers of marine grade plywood are held together with waterproof adhesive allowing the wood to withstand direct contact with water. Photo a shows the direct result of not sealing the end of a fibreglass boat deck where it meets the well. However usually the materials in the wood are not enough to block all moisture from the wood.

It is almost always necessary to coat the marine. 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. The end grain has been exposed meaning water has crept between the plywood and fibreglass over time. Dip a foam brush into the clear penetrating epoxy.

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. 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. Marine plywood is a type of wood specifically formulated for use in moist or wet areas.