
Do you have to sand down marine plywood?
One of the things marine plywood has in common with other types is that you will always need to sand it down in order to stain, paint, or seal it. Go over both sides of the wood, as well as the edges, with 80-grit sandpaper by hand.
How do you prepare marine plywood for painting?
Step 1 - Sand the Surface. One of the things marine plywood has in common with other types is that you will always need to sand it down in order to stain, paint, or seal it. Go over both sides of the wood, as well as the edges, with 80-grit sandpaper by hand. Then, use a tack cloth to thoroughly clean up any dust you created during the process.
Can you use epoxy on marine plywood?
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 is marine grade plywood used for?
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.

How long will marine plywood last?
Marine Grade Plywood Lasts Longer Than Regular Plywood Typically, Marine Plywood lasts up to 25 years – depending on its maintenance and marine conditions. The longer life expectancy is due to sturdier layers that effectively make it scratch proof and impact resistant.
How do you prepare marine plywood?
Here are the steps that you can follow to make sure that your plywood is adequately prepared for building a boat.Apply a Wood Filler. ... Sand Down the Plywood. ... Clean the Surface of the Plywood. ... Apply a Wood Sealant. ... Use Clear Epoxy to Coat the Plywood. ... Apply a Spray-On or Paint.
Can marine plywood get wet?
Marine-grade plywood, often simply called marine plywood, is not what it's often claimed to be. That is, it's not waterproof. It is a good-quality, hardwood plywood made with waterproof glue, but since it's not treated with chemicals, it is not rot-resistant.
Is marine plywood the same as pressure treated?
Unlike traditional pressure-treated lumber, marine grade plywood is not chemically treated to increase its resistance to rot, mold, and moisture. Instead, it's composed of many thin layers bound together with waterproof glue.
What can I use to waterproof marine plywood?
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 is the best way to waterproof plywood?
Plywood can be waterproofed with paint, polyurethane, or epoxy finish. Lightly sand the plywood with 180 grit sandpaper, clean off any sawdust, and apply the finish with a brush or by pouring the finish on if using epoxy.
How long does untreated plywood last outside?
How Long Will Plywood Last Outside? Untreated plywood without a waterproof finish would last about two years outside before it begins to rot away, depending on the exposure it receives. Untreated plywood with a waterproof finish can easily last more than five years if you re-apply the finish regularly.
Is there a difference between marine plywood and treated plywood?
Treated plywood is made of softer wood than its marine counterpart to allow better absorption of the chemicals used to protect it from mold and fungi. The chemicals may leach over time into the surrounding area. This can be lessened by application of a sealer of varnish or paint.
Does marine ply mold?
For instance, if you want plywood for interior floors and external decking in a damp climate or location, you will need pre-treated marine plywood. These have excellent resistance to excess moisture, great surface finishes, strength, and durability. These can help you avoid or minimise mould on plywood.
Can you build a boat with regular plywood?
To be suitable for marine construction, panels must be made with waterproof glue and marked as exterior plywood (EXT) or marine plywood. As a general rule for boat projects, use marine-grade plywood because the wood used to make it is of higher quality with smaller voids and fewer patches.
How can you tell if plywood is marine grade?
4:549:545 Unique Differences between Marine and other Plywood Grades - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuality C B or D D or C C or even C e. Means that a is highest quality and D or E or lower qualitiesMoreQuality C B or D D or C C or even C e. Means that a is highest quality and D or E or lower qualities. If you have a D quality on one side that's gonna be a very rough.
When should I use pressure treated plywood?
In general, pressure-treated lumber is recommended in situations where there is direct contact between the wood and anything that could supply moisture: Retaining walls, which function to support landscaping projects and hold back soil. Any posts or beams that come in contact with the ground or are buried underground.
Can you paint plywood to make it waterproof?
Can You Waterproof Plywood? Plywood is very receptive to waterproofing material. The smooth finish is still porous enough on a micro level that the plywood will easily bond with sealers and paints. This means plywood can still be used outdoors and in marine environments.
What is marine plywood used for?
What is Marine Plywood used for? Marine plywood or just marine ply is used as a building material in marine setting, such as on ships or at docks. Marine ply performs well in humid or wet conditions or anywhere it will receive prolonged exposure to moisture.
Can marine plywood be used outside?
Marine grade plywood is good for exterior use, and as a result it is recommended for various projects such as external structures and outdoor furniture. Some of the most popular uses of marine plywood include: Patio furniture: such as benches, tables and chairs.
How do you clean marine plywood?
For instance, if you mix 1 cup of water, ¼ cup of white vinegar and 2 teaspoon mineral oil or coconut oil, you have got yourself a mild plywood cleaning agent! You can also mix a gentle soap-based cleaner with water and use the diluted solution in combination with a microfiber cloth to wipe dirty surfaces clean.
What grade is marine grade plywood?
Marine-Grade Plywood has plies of A-B grade. Each of these two letters represents one side of each ply, which is stacked perpendicularly to the next one. This type of plywood includes waterproof glue designed to keep the plies together, so it can resist virtually any level of moisture.
What is the best plywood for boat hulls?
One of the most efficient kinds of plywood is Marine-Grade Plywood. Made of Douglas fir (or sometimes Western Larch), it is extremely lightweight, durable, and strong. It is the only type of plywood that can withstand being constantly submerged in water. Thus, it is perfect for outdoor projects like boat hulls, docks, and piers.
How to apply moisture sealer to paint basin?
Apply Sealant With Foam Roller. After pouring a small quantity of moisture sealer into a paint basin, dip the foam roller into the sealer. In order to eliminate the majority of the sealer, roll the brush against the paint basin’s side.
How to get rid of brush marks on plywood?
In order to eliminate brush marks from the sealer, drag a foam tipping brush over the sealer while it is wet. Remember to paint horizontally, not vertically.
What is a curits lumber?
Curits Lumber & Plywood is an independently-owned-and-operated wholesale lumber distributor that has specialized in both plywood and pressure-treated products since our founding in 1957. We also offer Marine-Grade Plywood in many different sizes.
What is the best sandpaper for sanding plywood?
Sand Surface Of Marine Grade Plywood. Fine-grit sandpaper is considered ideal for sanding wood. It should be used for several minutes for the best results and a cloth should be used to eliminate sawdust particles.
How to contact Curtis Lumber?
Curtis will always work hard to find any item you need, even if we don’t have it in stock. Call Curtis Lumber & Plywood today at (703) 972-1947 or contact us online for more information about our products. You’ll hardly find a more reliable wholesale lumber distributor in Northern Virginia.
What is marine grade ply?
In order to be considered marine grade ply, a product must have a core that’s free of voids which could trap water, causing the product to rot from the inside out. For the same reason, few repairs to the core plies are allowed.
What factors determine the level of water resistance of plywood?
Many factors — including glue, preservatives, plies, core construction, veneer core species, and face veneers — combine to determine the level of water resistance that a sheet of plywood offers.
Does Gibson McIlvain carry marine plywood?
In addition to veneer core, MDF core, and architectural plywood, J. Gibson McIlvain also carries two types of marine grade plywood. When discussing marine grade plywood, the first thing we need to do is to define the term “marine grade.”. Many customers mistakenly believe that their projects require waterproof plywood when they actually don’t.
Is plywood marine grade?
When it comes to defining “marine grade,” manufacturers often use the term too liberally to be truly helpful. In order for a product to bear the title “marine grade,” technically, it doesn’t have many requirements over your typical exterior-grade plywood (according to the APA ). So if you require a product that will stand up to being submerged in ...
Do you need plywood for a boat?
Homes or commercial structures near the ocean may require marine-grade plywood, but there’s no need to secure the same level of water resistance as you would need for a boat; if you buy the level you need but not more, you won’t compromise longevity but also won’t pay more than you need to.
Is marine plywood waterproof?
Marine grade plywood is a waterproof product intended for exterior uses that will typically do more than come into contact with water but will in all likelihood be completely submerged. There are many projects that may require plywood that’s water resistant; however, few require waterproof marine grade plywood.
How long does marine plywood last?
Essentially you are paying for the time it will last when exposed to harsh environments. Some ply is guaranteed for 15 and 25 years depending on where and what you purchase.
What is marine plywood?
Marine plywood is a great sheet material that can be easily cut using both hand saws and basic power tools. Marine plywood is often used to build boat interiors and to replace flooring during boat renovations . But why do we have to use plywood specifically made for the marine environment and are we wasting our money on expensive ‘marine’ plywood ...
Why is plywood considered non-marine?
Given sufficient time and use it may be that the protective fibreglass layer becomes damaged allowing water to permeate the surface and begin to rot the underlying plywood.
What happens if you lose the strength of plywood?
You lose the strength of the plywood backing over time meaning that the fibreglass is then vulnerable to cracks and structural damage. Unless a large amount of fibreglass matting has been used with a good amount of strength then your floor could potentially fail.
Why does paint peel off of plywood?
The paint is completely failing to adhere to the plywood substrate and subsequently peeling off. Once water is allowed to permeate the plywood it begins to rot. This causes the paint to flake off in large chunks, along with layers of rotten ply.
What happens if you don't seal the end of a boat deck?
The end result is the entire floor is now spongy and most likely rotten. The floor will need to be cut out and replaced.
Why is the engine moved to the back of the boat?
With help, the engine has now been moved to the back of the boat in preparation for the rebuild of the boat’s interior. Although it’s a fibreglass boat, it will still require a plywood floor that will need to be reinforced with fibreglass matting. This is to protect it against the elements and to also form a waterproof structural bond to ...
What is marine grade plywood used for?
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.
How to clean a wood floor with acetone?
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.
Can you use marine plywood under water?
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 ...
How Long Does a Marine Grade Plywood Last?
Marine plywood is quite strong and durable, especially when it is sealed from moisture and other elements.
Why is marine plywood considered a strong material?
Because of its durability and resistance to the elements , marine plywood enjoys a strong reputation.
What is Marine-Grade Plywood?
This is a special type of plywood that uses Western Larch or Douglas fir.
What is the biggest factor in the grade of marine plywood?
Although UV rays can take their toll, it is the exposure to moisture that is the biggest single factor in the grade of marine plywood that you choose.
How long does plywood last?
Depending on the overall quality and how the plywood is used, you can expect it to last from ten to twenty-five years.
What is plywood pretreated for?
In simple terms, it’s a specific variety of plywood that’s been pre-treated to withstand moisture.
What grade is marine plywood?
Marine plywood comes in four grades, A, B, C, and D. The higher the grade, the stronger and longer-lasting the plywood.
What is marine plywood?
Marine plywood is strictly a product of Douglas fir and Western larch woods; glue is applied on the surface of marine plywood to keep it waterproof, unlike pressure treated plywood. On the other hand, treated plywood is created using softer wood compared to its marine counterpart. The softwood allows for better absorption ...
What is the difference between treated plywood and marine plywood?
The differences between these two, marine plywood and treated plywood, include the wood types as well as the quality of the individual boards used in the building the panel. Additionally, the glue type and curing method make essential components of the two.
How to seal paint basins?
Pour a little amount of epoxy moisture sealer into the paint basin. You should have a small amount of sealer inside your basin because it dries quickly.
How long does it take for a coat of a sandpaper to dry?
Give the coat about one to two hours to dry. Follow this step by adding many thin layers. Tip each coat after you apply and remember to drag the brush in a different direction every time. Remember that you need to tip the second coat vertically, do the third coat in a horizontal direction.
Is marine plywood waterproof?
The marine-grade plywood, commonly referred to as marine plywood, is not waterproof as many people often claim. This wood is not treated using chemicals and not rot-resistant as well. However, this wood is a good-quality, hardwood plywood created with waterproof glue.
Is treated plywood good for termites?
Treated plywood presents an essential building block for virtually everything in your house. This product is lightweight, yet stiff and long-lasting. Preservatives are added to the surface of the wood, which penetrates deeply into the wood layers. These preservatives offer protection against decay as well as termite invasion.
Is marine plywood more durable than pressure treated plywood?
Having read this article, you know that marine plywood is a more durable material than the pressure treated plywood. Therefore, you will have to spend extra so that you land the marine plywood for your different woodworking projects.
How many layers of plywood are there in a boat?
This type is a thicker material than regular plywood, comprised of about seven to 10 layers as opposed to three to five, with glue locking them all together.
How to seal plywood with epoxy?
Dip a foam brush into the clear, penetrating epoxy. Saturate the foam brush, and start spreading it on the top and side edges first, switching to the front face of the wood when you're done. Allow the epoxy to dry then seal the bottom edge and the back of the plywood.
Can you seal marine plywood?
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.
Does marine plywood dissolve?
The adhesive in regular plywood will actually dissolve over time, causing the structure of the wood to break apart, but marine plywood is specially treated to withstand years in direct contact with water. By sealing this material, however, you can increase its overall lifespan.
Can plywood rot?
It's a fact that plywood will rot regardless of what kind it is, but if marine plywood is not properly sealed with the right number of coats (especially if being used as a hull) it will deteriorate unexpectedly and cause serious problems for you. With normal plywood, you would use two coats of sealer, maybe even three.
