Waterproofing wood

[MWorks]

I am putting a wood casting deck on a boat that I known. What is the best finish to water the wood with?

 

[danond]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Epoxy resin and a layer of chopped strand mat fiberglass.

 

[MWorks]

Re: Waterproofing wood

I would like to keep the wood visible. Will that happen with the Epoxy Resin minus the fiberglass?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Waterproofing wood

I would like to keep the wood visible. Will that happen with the Epoxy Resin minus the fiberglass?

It will eventually develop stress cracks. Its the glass that keeps it from cracking and gives strength.

Actually, you can use poly resin too. Much easier to work with, and it sands smooth much easier than epoxy. Epoxy is stronger than poly, harder than poly, and will probably last longer than poly. But poly is what most boats are made of and it has a proven track record. So I suggest you save your money and go with the poly.

And the CSM will be practically transparent when the resin saturates it, especially if you use a thin mat like 2 or 3 oz. Then sand smooth and roll on a top coat of resin for a nice finish. Sprinkle with play sand for a good non-slip coating, or get some gel coat and roll on to get that bumpy "latex paint with a roller" non slip finish.

If you want a really rot proof deck, use pressure treated ply, then do the csm, and gel coat and it will look great, water and dampness from the bilge will not rot it, and it will most likely out live the rest of the boat.

 

[J. Mark]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Epoxy is UV sensitive and if you are going to leave it exposed you have to coat it with something. I understand some clear finishes like a spar urethane are supposed to work over epoxy.

Mat will work with epoxy but why? Use a nice light weight 3-6 oz cloth and while you will possibly see the pattern, it will be transparent and plenty strong.

Now for a truly waterproof piece of wood. . . just remove all the organic matter and you'll be set.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Waterproofing wood

starboard with cheezy looking wood grain formica.:redface:

 

[SurfsideJim]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Could someone please detail the process for waterproofing non-pressure treated wood for use on the flooring?
I was told to thin resin/hardener mixture with acetone then apply several coats to both sides and cut edges, letting each coat soak in and dry.
My concern is that I do not know how "thin" to thin the resin/hardener mixture down. Is there a secrete recipe?
After waterproofing with the acetone thinned mixture, I believe I understand that after it is dry, you can apply several layers of thin fiberglass cloth and the finish will be somewhat transparent.

Thanks,
Jim

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Skip the thinning part, but do apply a couple of coats of resin to the wood and then do the glass work.

 

[SurfsideJim]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Maybe sound like a stupid question...but do you mean to apply only the resin/hardner mix or do you literally mean use only resin?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[danond]

Re: Waterproofing wood

I think, if I recall correctly, the best way to waterproof exposed wood in any boat is to replace it every 5 years.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Maybe sound like a stupid question...but do you mean to apply only the resin/hardner mix or do you literally mean use only resin?

Thanks,
Jim

He means with hardner.

 

[oops!]

Re: Waterproofing wood

Could someone please detail the process for waterproofing non-pressure treated wood for use on the flooring?
I was told to thin resin/hardener mixture with acetone then apply several coats to both sides and cut edges, letting each coat soak in and dry.
My concern is that I do not know how "thin" to thin the resin/hardener mixture down. Is there a secrete recipe?
After waterproofing with the acetone thinned mixture, I believe I understand that after it is dry, you can apply several layers of thin fiberglass cloth and the finish will be somewhat transparent.

Thanks,
Jim

nope.....

it goes like this.

vaccume the wood.
apply an UNTHINNED mixture of polyester resin and catylist....(no more than a 2.3 percent ratio).....but you want more like a 1.7 ratio....known as a cold batch.

let resin sit on the wood till its allmost cured....(dont wait too long)
then apply CHOPPED STRAND MATT (no cloth against the wood with poly resin) and use resin to work it into place (fiberglass as normal). this will protect the wood from water intrusion, even more so if you add airdry (wax)to the second coat of resin..

understand that this procedure will not give you that shiney beauteful wood finish you want.

for that try spar varnish

 

[MWorks]

Re: Waterproofing wood

I have never fiberglassed before. Can someone post step by step instructions for treating the wood? Thanks

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Waterproofing wood

For it to last it needs to be glassed.

First clean the wood and make sure its dry.

Apply a coat of catalyzed resin and let it soak in. No thinning, normal catalyst level.

If needed apply a second coat (if the first coat completely soaks in and the surface looks a little resin starved).

When this becomes hard you can start using glass.

Put down another layer of resin and lay the glass into it. Don't use more resin than needed. Work all of the air out of the glass.

If needed you can apply another layer of resin to fill the glass pattern and make the surface smoother.

For areas that see no traffic you can use a thinner layer of glass (light cloth 4 to 6oz), on high traffic areas use more layers or thicker material.

Mat will bond better to wood than cloth, but will hold more resin and be heavier.

 

[MWorks]

Re: Waterproofing wood

For it to last it needs to be glassed.

First clean the wood and make sure its dry.

Apply a coat of catalyzed resin and let it soak in. No thinning, normal catalyst level.

If needed apply a second coat (if the first coat completely soaks in and the surface looks a little resin starved).

When this becomes hard you can start using glass.

Put down another layer of resin and lay the glass into it. Don't use more resin than needed. Work all of the air out of the glass.

If needed you can apply another layer of resin to fill the glass pattern and make the surface smoother.

For areas that see no traffic you can use a thinner layer of glass (light cloth 4 to 6oz), on high traffic areas use more layers or thicker material.

Mat will bond better to wood than cloth, but will hold mere resin and be heavier.

what is catalyzed resin. Sorry for all the questions

 

[tbarto]

Re: Waterproofing wood

I just did this and used the expoxy resin from ROTDOCTOR.com. I used their CPES?(Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) product. I also used their Rhino Top to coat over. I hope it lasts???

 

[bigredinohio]

Re: Waterproofing wood

what is catalyzed resin. Sorry for all the questions

Catalyized resin is when the resin of your choice is mixed with it's corresponding hardner