{"id":1422,"date":"2021-03-08T16:21:22","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T16:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/HouseOverhaul.com\/?p=1422"},"modified":"2022-07-08T17:39:27","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T17:39:27","slug":"how-to-waterproof-plywood-10-tips-that-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/HouseOverhaul.com\/how-to-waterproof-plywood-10-tips-that-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Waterproof Plywood: 10 Tips That Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Plywood is one of the most used materials because it is inexpensive and can be used in a variety of ways, from indoor projects to outdoor ones. Wherever you use plywood, it needs to be protected from water so that it does not mold and decay. Here are 10 tips that actually work when waterproofing plywood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get to work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check If It’s Already Waterproof<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I know that sounds silly, but maybe your plywood is already waterproof! Some home improvement stores offer already waterproofed plywood and you may have lucked out! The easiest way to check if your plywood is waterproof is to throw some water on it. If the water stays on the surface of the wood, it’s waterproof! If it soaks into the wood, then you will need to waterproof it before continuing with your project. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Know Where The Wood Is Going<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knowing where your plywood is going to be used is very important. It will affect what type of waterproofing you use. There are several different ways you can waterproof your plywood and knowing if it is going to be used indoors or outdoors will help you know which sealant to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your plywood is going to be used in an indoor project, perhaps cabinets, it will not need a stronger sealant.<\/strong> Because the wood will not come in contact with water often, it will not need something like epoxy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If your plywood is going to be used for an outdoor project, perhaps a deck, it will need a stronger sealant to block out the water from the elements.<\/strong> Wood that is kept outdoors will be exposed to a lot of water, whether it’s from snow and rain, or from natural humidity. Using a strong sealant will be important in preventing mold and decay in your plywood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only will waterproofing your plywood prevent mold and decay from water, but it will also counter the effects of UV rays and avoid splintering. Your plywood is going to last a lot longer if you take the proper steps to protect it from water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get the Right Gear And Setup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin any sort of waterproofing, you are going to need the right gear and setup. For a project like this, you will need to have good ventilation in the room or a respiratory mask. All of the sealants we suggest release fumes that could be harmful to you. <\/strong>Additionally, when sanding the wood, there will be a lot of dust in the air. Without the proper protection, you may have an allergic reaction to the dust or it could irritate your eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another great piece of gear to have is rubber or latex gloves. This will protect your hands from the potentially dangerous materials that make up the sealants as you work. Any of these sealants can irritate your skin and can become problematic. Take the necessary cautions now before it becomes a problem later. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With any project, be sure to have a proper setup away from pets and children that may get hurt. Be aware of your surroundings to prevent any dangerous occurrences with materials and tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Sand It Before Waterproofing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is one of the most important tips we can give you. Before sealing any wood, you need to wipe it down and sand it.<\/strong> Removing any dust, dirt, or messiness will help the sealant really stick to the wood. With a damp rag, wipe down the wood to clear away all the residue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If there are any inconsistencies in the wood, divots, or uneven edges, now is the time to fix them. It is not ideal to fill in holes after sanding or sealing because you’d just have to start all over again.<\/strong> Most home improvement stores carry wood filler that will do an excellent job at evening out those holes, smoothing those edges, and filling in gaps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, use fine-grit sandpaper, anywhere from 100 to 200 grit, to sand down the plywood. Using finer grit sandpaper will ensure a softer finish to the wood. Sand the entire piece of wood for an even surface<\/strong>. Wipe down the surface again to remove all the dust created from the sanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Epoxy Sealant <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Epoxy sealing is going to be the best option for outdoor projects.<\/strong> Depending on the type of epoxy you use, it will retain the natural color of the wood or give it a tint. This type of sealant is one of the easiest to apply and does not require many layers or subsequent coats. You can get epoxy from any home improvement store. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When applying epoxy to plywood, it is important to have the proper protection, sand down the wood, and wipe away any dust and debris. Also, have the room and floor properly prepared for your project. Epoxy is extremely hard to get out of every type of surface. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pour the epoxy into a metal can or Tupperware, anything that will make it easy to dip in your brush, and mix thoroughly. Using a bristle brush or foam paintbrush, apply the epoxy. You’ll want to apply it evenly, with not too much epoxy on your brush. Be careful to not overwork the epoxy<\/strong>. Brush it too many times and it could cause discoloration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another way you can apply the epoxy is with a paint roller. Instead of using a can or Tupperware, place the mixed epoxy into a paint tray. Using a thin paint roller, one that is not fluffy or texturized, and dip it into the epoxy. Be sure to get an even amount on all of the roller, otherwise, there will be inconsistencies on the wood.<\/strong> With even strokes, apply the epoxy to the plywood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like more thorough instruction on how to apply epoxy to wood, here is a handy video made by a professional: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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