Plywood Sandwich

[MarkV_Deep6]

Hi

Has any one used exterior plywood, sealed and then covered with Formica for cosmetic purposes? Seems like it would be a much better cosmetic appearance than paint and a lot less maintenance. This would be used for a vertical exterior marine plywood replacement.

Thanks

 

[tommays]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

Hows the UV rateing on formica

Tommays

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

Not sure, but white does not fade much...LOL

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

Boats are Niether Flat, nor Square,....... I don't see Formica as a viable option for a Vertical, Exposed surface,.......

Though White doesn't Fade,........ It does Yellow,+ Sun Rot........

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

Why not? Some surfaces are flat...and this one is. What's sun rot? If you are refering to the deterioration of rubber and plastic then I don't believe this is a flaw found with formica. I do note that there is a formica like material used on the OEM gauge panel on this boat.
I have seen it use on table tops on boats interior and exterior. The biggest obsticle that I see is the glue in a marine environment.
Can't never did anything.

 

[oncebitten]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

While I'm not a big fan of the idea, I'll play along. I second your thought that the glue is going to be a huge obstacle. Not only water-proofness, or resistance to salt air/water, but also heat. As the boat heats up, will the standard formica glue stay put, or is it just going to flap up and hit someone in the face one day. :% Those edges, when they become insecure can slice like a razor blade too. I also don't see any gain over traditional and proven techniques like fairing compound and paint. A dent or scratch or nick in fairing and paint is easily repaired, and paint, well, what's easier than painting. You get a problem in a sheet of formica, you've got to replace the whole thing.

 

[MarkV_Deep6]

Re: Plywood Sandwich

Thanks Oncebitten.

I think these are very revelant and thoughtful points. The extra cost and labor involved with the materials do not seem to be good alternative with these points in mind.