How to Build Epoxy Over Wooden Boats
With the passage of time, wooden boats start to rot due to the wood’s constant contact with water. Stopping this process might not be possible. However, there are certain ways in which you can slow it down. Building a protective covering of epoxy over the boat is one of the possible options. This is a time consuming so you will have to be very patient. On average, it may about 2 to 3 days before you are done applying epoxy over a wooden boat.
Things Required:
– Marine caulk
– Marine epoxy
– Paintbrushes
– Palm sander
– 220-grit sandpaper
Instructions
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1
In order to ensure that water does not find its way into a wooden boat, you will have to coat marine caulk to all the joints of the wooden boat. However, you can not overrule the importance of applying a coat of marine epoxy since it is the epoxy which will prevent excessive water damage to the wooden boat over a long period of time.
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2
Start by mixing the epoxy. Make sure that you thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing epoxy, especially if it is your first time at building epoxy over a wooden boat. Moreover, the area in which you are working has to be properly ventilated.
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3
Mix only a small amount of epoxy and use it before mixing more. This will ensure that you have enough time to apply all the proxy that you prepare and that it will not harden without being applied to the boat.
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4
Start applying epoxy on the boat’s inside. Apply epoxy at points where the sides of the boat meet the bottom of the boat. Then attend to the joints between the sides and the transom. Finally, seal the joints between the sides and the bow. Scrutinise all the joints once again to make sure that you have sealed all of them. Allow at least 24 hours for the epoxy to dry before proceeding any further.
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5
Apply epoxy to the joints on the outside of the boat. As before, make sure that you have sealed all the joints. Wait another 24 hours once again.
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6
Now that the joints have been taken care off, you need to cover all the wooden surfaces with epoxy. Use a paintbrush for this purpose and work in small patches, completing one surface before starting the other one. Wait another 24 hours for a final time.
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7
With a palm sander and 220-grit sandpaper, thoroughly sand all the surfaces and joints which you covered with epoxy.
