How to Prepare Marine Plywood for a Boat Deck
Using marine plywood as the final deck surface aboard a vessel is a viable alternative to many other products. Marine plywood uses special water-resistant glues. Also, marine-grade plywood uses a better quality of veneer -- the exposed layer of the plywood -- than most interior plywoods, so that when you cut marine grade plywood, you won't have "a void in one laminate on a freshly cut edge," according to Professor Gene Wengert, retired Professor and Extension Specialist in Wood Processing, Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in an commentary for "Woodweb."
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Spread a waterproof sealing compound on the top side of the plywood with a paintbrush.
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Apply waterproof sealer to the edges of the plywood.
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Cover the bottom of the plywood with waterproof sealer completely.
References
Tips
- Apply waterproof sealer to each edge of the new, smaller piece if you cut the plywood into smaller sections.
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses, chemically resistant gloves and, if possible, chemically resistant clothing when working with waterproof sealer.
Writer Bio
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.
Photo Credits
- Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
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