How much epoxy

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grover

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I'm having trouble doing a search on a phrase so can anyone tell me how much epoxy and hardener (west systems 105 and 206) will it take to cover a sheet of plywood? This plywood is going to be used as decking in a jon boat. I'm not even sure how many coats would be needed but I would think it would take at least 2 coats. I assume both sides need coating. Can anyone with experience or knowledge on the subject help?
 
Edit: Have you done any research for waterproofing plywood?
Personally, West Epoxy would not be my choice just because of the price.
There are many other methods discussed here in depth to treat the
decks of boats......... but, it is your call.
I have used literally gallons and gallons of the 105/106 for fabricating
wood sign blanks for its adhesion properties - but never for waterproofing.

do you have a 105 kit on hand now ?
I am thinking of a math situation . . . . .

mix one ounce of the properly proportioned products:
using a Bondo plastic spreader, old credit card, etc,
smear the prepared mix on a piece of scrap plywood
similar in grain and finish that you want to protect and
see how much surface area that one ounce will cover.
Then, do the math of your plywood in square inches and
that should give you a ball park figure of how much you
will need for the first coat. Then, do the same method
for the second after the first has cured ..........

sort of like paint = 400 square feet per gallon,
100 square feet per quart, yada yada yada.

the amount to cover anything will depend on the porousity
of the material you are going to cover. and of course, the
second coat will cover much more than the first.

- OR - simply call the Customer Service phone number and
ask for technical support in epoxy. (800) 262-8464
 
I thought the West Systems was the thing to use. I'll do a little more research because it is expensive stuff. Thanks.
 
While epoxy is the best there is an alterative. You can seal the plywood with what's called the old timer formula. It's a mix of one part Boiled Linseed oil, one part Spar varnish or Spar urethane and 2 parts Mineral spirts.
 
There is stuff called CPES (Clear penetrating epoxy sealer). It is also pricey.

I have made a homebrew version of this at 1/2 the cost.

I get my epoxy from US Composites, use laminating epoxy with medium hardner.

To get it so soak in better, just thin the resin with Xylol (about 25%).

It goes a long way. 1 quart would easily do 3 sheets of ply.
 
I didn't mention, and I don't know if it matters, but the plan is to use a deck restorer type product like Rustoleum 10X instead of carpet. Will adhesion be an issue with any of the products mentioned?
 
grover said:
I thought the West Systems was the thing to use. I'll do a little more research because it is expensive stuff. Thanks.
FWIW I have replaced use of West Systems with Raka epoxy by www.raka.com.

No pumps are needed and it is anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3rds the cost. Call Larry and he'll set you up!
 
Just remember whatever epoxy system you use, that you make sure it has a good UV inhibitor in it, or that you cover it 100% with something else anywhere you will get sunlight on it. (The West 105 does NOT have any UV inhibitor in it, and must be covered with paint, carpet, etc., or it will disintegrate from sunlight exposure.)
 

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