Epoxy is used to finish off many different types of materials. Is it also something that can be put on plywood?
You can put epoxy on plywood but you may have some problems when doing so. Plywood tends to be flexible and that can cause the epoxy to crack and peel over time. In addition, plywood has to be prepared properly for the epoxy to adhere to it.
Although it is not necessarily the best choice to put epoxy over plywood, there are some reasons why you may want to consider it. For one, it may be a relatively solid floor, such as plywood over concrete or you may have some plywood furniture.
Admittedly, plywood is not the best choice for furniture but you would be surprised at how beautiful it can be with just a little epoxy put over it. Since you’re not putting an excessive amount of pressure on the plywood when it is used for furniture, it will likely last a long time.
Can You Put Epoxy On Plywood? (How To)
One possible option for putting epoxy over plywood is using something that is flexible. Most types of epoxy dry to a very hard finish when they are cured. A more flexible epoxy, however, may just move enough that it won’t experience the same problems.
You can also try floating the floor before you put down any epoxy. If you are able to seal the gaps between the pieces of plywood effectively, it helps to keep the floor from moving and you end up with a solid component once the epoxy is down.
I’m not necessarily saying that this is going to be the perfect method that will last for a long time but some people have been able to do it successfully. There have been those who have epoxy garage floors that were at one time plywood and they’re perfectly happy with them.
The bottom line is, if you do decide to put epoxy on plywood, you are taking a risk. It is likely that you will have some problems because of the flexibility of plywood and the epoxy not being flexible. It can be done, but it is not the best idea.
If you plan on working with epoxy, it’s important to do so safely. The fumes associated with epoxy can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re doing a large flooring project.
It isn’t simple enough to wear a respirator, such as an N95 if you’re working with this type of fumes. You have to wear a half-mask respirator at a minimum and ensure that you use the right cartridges that will help to block the fumes.
You should also consider other factors that will help to keep things as safe as possible, such as wearing goggles and wearing ear protection, if you’re working with any heavy machinery. It may seem like overkill to some people, but it is something you will be thankful for if it is necessary.
At this point, we will take a look at some of the specific options for putting epoxy over plywood. This will include some of the problems associated with doing so as well as a method that may work well for you.
Should You Put Epoxy On Plywood?
It is possible to do almost anything if you use the right method. This includes putting epoxy on plywood. It is also a good idea to know what you are up against so you can avoid the pitfalls. Here are some to consider.
Cracking – One of the biggest problems you will face when trying to put epoxy over plywood is the possibility of cracking. Plywood is flexible and it will shift and move under the epoxy but since they have adhered together, the epoxy will eventually crack. This can be a problem that starts off small and eventually, can be a big issue.
Adhesion – Although epoxy can stick to wood, it does need to be prepared properly if there is any dirt or grease on it. Plywood is a type of material that is often used in difficult areas. We may use it as a subfloor or perhaps as the walls before they are finished.
As a result, we might get a considerable amount of grease or other contaminants on the plywood and that is where the problem lies. Unless you remove the grease properly, you will not get the epoxy to stick.
In addition, plywood can get a sort of glaze on the surface over the course of time. That glaze will make it difficult for the epoxy to stick. As a result, you may need to sand down the plywood and rough it up to get proper adhesion.
Waterproofing – Some people want to use epoxy to make plywood waterproof. This may be a possibility, but it’s not going to be finished in one coat. If you really want the proper protection, you may have to put on a minimum of five coats of epoxy.
Although it certainly is possible to waterproof plywood using epoxy, it is not the best option for doing so. You can purchase urethane that can take care of the job in just a coat or two rather than having to go through five coats of epoxy.
Thick Layers – It is important to put epoxy on in of thin coat. This is something that many people overlook when they are applying epoxy to plywood. If you put epoxy on too thick, it can generate heat and lead to problems, such as bubbling.
Bubbling – This is a common problem that happens when applying epoxy and it can also happen when applying epoxy over plywood. As the epoxy settles and begins to cure, bubbles can come to the surface.
It is possible to pop the bubbles and remove them by using a heat gun or a hairdryer. Since you will likely be doing a large space, you may have difficulty getting to all of it before the bubbles set. In addition, as you are rushing, you may find that you overheat the epoxy and ruin it.
These are just a few of the possible problems associated with pouring epoxy on plywood. If you know them in advance, you can often avoid them by taking the necessary steps.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Plywood?
The general tools you will need for applying epoxy on plywood are the same as what you will need for any other flooring job. Here are a few to consider.
Preparation:
Floor Scrubber with Sanding pad
Broom with Dustpan
Mop and Bucket
Screw Gun
Long Screws
Construction Adhesive
Shop Vac
Applying:
Mops
Buckets
Trowels
Rollers
Brushes
Squeegee
Mixing Cups
Wood Stir Sticks
Painter’s Tape
Bags
Rags
Rubber Gloves
Safety Goggles
Knee Pads
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Epoxy On Plywood?
Preparing a plywood floor for epoxy is the most important part of the process. Here are the steps to take so we can go as smoothly as possible.
Sanding – Use a floor sander to sand down the plywood with some 80-grit sandpaper or a sanding pad. This will remove any gloss from the wood.
Clean – It can’t be overstated that you have to clean the plywood before you apply the epoxy. This not only includes sweeping the surface, but you also have to remove all of the dust as well as any grease or other contaminant that is on the plywood.
Secure – If the plywood is not secure in any location, it must be secured at this point. Use long screws to attach the plywood to the floor below it or use construction adhesive. The key is to have the floor to the point where it doesn’t move when you walk on it.
Float – At this point, you will float the plywood to cover any gaps and ensure that they are at the same level as the rest of the floor. By applying epoxy at this point, you can fill the gaps between the plywood and keep them from moving.
Clean Again – This is a good time to go over the floor with a fine toothcomb and make sure that there are no problems with cleanliness. You need to have the floor completely stripped of all contaminants at this point and there can’t be any sawdust or other debris that is on the floor.
At this point, you have the floor prepared for epoxy and can continue to apply it.
How To Put Epoxy On Plywood
Applying the epoxy once the plywood is prepared is similar to applying it on any other floor. Here are the steps:
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 20, 2022.
Mix – Use equal amounts of hardener and resin in a cup suitable for this purpose. use a wooden stir stick and mix it by hand for 10 minutes until it is thoroughly combined. Do not mix it automatically or you may add bubbles to it.
Pour – Begin pouring the epoxy on the floor in the middle. You can use a pattern at this point or simply apply it evenly.
Spread – Use a floor squeegee to move the epoxy from the area where it was poured to the outside. Don’t worry too much about lines or imperfections, they will even out as the epoxy flows.
Bubbles – As bubbles begin to appear, you can use a heat gun to warm the surface and the bubbles will disappear. Be cautious not to keep the heat going in one area too long or it could harm the epoxy.
Cure – After all of the epoxy is on the floor and is spread out, you just need to wait until it is properly cured. This could be a few days or longer, depending upon the epoxy used.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 20, 2022.
It is not generally recommended to use epoxy on plywood. It can work if you prepare things properly but there are some difficulties that are likely to happen.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 20, 2022.