DIY Builds
Photo by 润秋 汪 Pexels Logo Photo: 润秋 汪

Does marine plywood need to be sealed?

Since marine plywood is typically used underwater, you'll need to treat every surface of the wood with sealant. We prefer clear, penetrating epoxy because it works its way deep into the wood, dries transparent, and requires less maintenance than other types of sealant.

What wood can termites not eat through?
What wood can termites not eat through?

Wood that is naturally resistant to termites includes redwood, cypress and cedar. However, when it comes to building material, these are not as...

Read More »
What skills are needed for woodworking?
What skills are needed for woodworking?

They are the foundational skills every woodworker should know. Understand How Wood Works and Behaves. ... Sharpen Saws, Planes, and Chisels. ......

Read More »

The many layers of Marine Grade Plywood are held together with waterproof adhesive, allowing the wood to withstand direct contact with water. 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. By properly sealing this type of wood, you can increase its overall lifespan and make it last for years to come.

Materials

Before you get started, gather the following materials:

Acetone

Soft cloths or paper towels

Sandpaper

Clear, penetrating epoxy

Foam brush or roller

Clean the Surface

Dip a paper towel or soft cloth in acetone and wipe down the surface of the wood to remove grease or other stains. Allow the acetone to dry completely for 1-2 hours before you move on to the next step.

2. Sand the Wood

Like other types of wood, you need to sand marine plywood before you seal, stain, or paint it. Go over both sides of the wood, including edges, with 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe away all dust and particles with a soft cloth.

3. Apply the First Coat

Since marine plywood is typically used underwater, you’ll need to treat every surface of the wood with sealant. We prefer clear, penetrating epoxy because it works its way deep into the wood, dries transparent, and requires less maintenance than other types of sealant. You could use marine-grade sealer, but this will require more coats and must be reapplied every 3 to 4 years. Dip your foam brush or roller into the sealant. Apply it to the wood, starting with the top and side edges and moving to the front face. Allow the epoxy to dry completely before flipping it over and applying it to the bottom edge and back of the wood. Marine plywood is thicker than typical plywood, so you’ll need to apply more coats to maximize its lifespan. A good rule of thumb is to add as many coats of sealant as there are in the plywood. That means if your plywood has 7 layers of wood, you should add 7 layers of sealant. Gently scuff up the wood with sandpaper between each coat for maximum adhesion, and be sure to wipe off any dust before adding the next layer. Not sure which kind of wood to use on your next project? At Forest Plywood, we’ve compared marine plywood cost and characteristics to help you choose the perfect type.

What is the American word for garden shed?
What is the American word for garden shed?

What is another word for garden shed? woodshed hut outhouse outbuilding shed lean-to potting shed shack cabin shanty 28 more rows

Read More »
Does a shed need to be 1 metre from boundary?
Does a shed need to be 1 metre from boundary?

Outbuilding Building Regulations If the floor area is 15-30 square metres in size, building regulations will still be unnecessary as long as...

Read More »

Should you leave a gap between plywood?

APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur.

APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur. That can mean costly, time-consuming callbacks. To assure best performance, follow these panel spacing and nailing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor®, and APA Rated Siding. Spacing Hint: Use a 10d box nail to gauge 1/8-inch spacing between panels. Spacer-type panel edge clips may also be used for roof sheathing applications.

NOTES:

Panel spacing is an APA RECOMMENDATION, to provide installers with a means of minimizing the potential for panel buckling; however, it is not a requirement. Some manufacturers may require a space at the time of installation. Panel buckling may be an aesthetic or serviceability issue but is not a structural deficiency. There is no reason to expect this recommended space to be maintained when the panel becomes acclimated. Gaps that were initially present may have closed due to normal moisture-related expansion. If the flatness of sheathing or flooring panels is acceptable, APA would generally recommend that any finish flooring, siding or roofing be installed as planned regardless of whether gaps are present. For additional information, visit the APA Publication Library and refer to the following APA publications: • Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30 (Nail sizes covered in Table 5).

• Technical Note: Temporary Expansion Joints for Large Buildings, Form U425.

• Data File: Roof Sheathing Fastening Schedules for Wind Uplift, Form T325.

What is the difference between conduit and PVC pipe?
What is the difference between conduit and PVC pipe?

One of the biggest differences between plumbing PVC pipe (here) and PVC electrical conduit is that PVC pipes are pressure tested and PVC conduit...

Read More »
Is gravel suitable for building foundations?
Is gravel suitable for building foundations?

Compacted sand and gravel offer even more stability and are a great option to build a foundation on. Over time, sand can be washed away. Apr 14, 2020

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the best exterior door for a house?
What is the best exterior door for a house?

A steel door is your best bet if security and durability are top priorities. Steel units are stronger than wood or fiberglass doors, and they won't...

Read More »
These are the Best Shed Plans!
These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »
How do I stop my metal shed from rusting?
How do I stop my metal shed from rusting?

How to Protect Carports and Metal Sheds From Rust Paint Isn't Enough. Paint can prevent moisture from reaching the steel, but you'll need a...

Read More »