Proper way to Resin seal new plywood

[monk-monk]

Im replacing a 4'x4' section of my boat floor and i have a question about sealing it. Should i completely seal the new plywood...top, bottom, edges etc. with the epoxy resin i got from West Systems? The original Douglas Fir plywood floor was only sealed with resin on the top, the bottom of the plywood (facing down to the hull) had no resin on it...im wondering about the new plywood being able to "breath"...should i seal it completely or not?

 

[bananaboater]

Re: Proper way to Resin seal new plywood

Completely sealed mine. Followed general practice of others on this site.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: Proper way to Resin seal new plywood

Thanks banana...anyone else have any input...?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Proper way to Resin seal new plywood

It depends on how long you want it to last.

At a minimum all surfaces should have at least three coats of epoxy.

The only issue is resin, even epoxy, isn't all that strong without glass, so on high wear surfaces, or on areas that may get stressed or flexed it can crack. This will let water in with no way to get out.

 

[monk-monk]

Re: Proper way to Resin seal new plywood

Thanks ondarvr, yes West Systems set me up with everything including the glass cloth. Im ready to start sealing tomorrow, but i forgot to call West Systems on Friday to confirm the method...I knew the good people at iboats could set me straight...Thanks!