Sealing & waterproofing deck & superstructure???

Discussion in 'Construction' started by HorribleHarry, Sep 15, 2008.

  1. HorribleHarry

    HorribleHarry Member

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    Hello all, I am rebuilding the superstructure of my ship (balsa & plywood) & I haven't seen any real guide to what is standard practice for sealing these structures. I have heard people use 20 min. epoxy, fiberglass resin, spar urethane & dope. What do you all use to waterproof & strengthen your wooden structure & decks with? Or could you steer me towards a source of information?
    Thank you,
    Harry
     
    HorribleHarry, Sep 15, 2008
    #1
  2. rarena

    rarena Well-Known Member

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    I use fiberglass resin. Others I know use west systems marine epoxy. That really is probably the best but it's pricy.
     
    rarena, Sep 15, 2008
    #2
  3. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I've used both West epoxy and spar urethane. West is better for ultimate waterproofing, but given the abuse my superstructures take, spar varnish gets the job done much more cheaply. So when I replace the SS, I'm not using more of the precious, spendy West, just some more varnish.
     
    Tugboat, Sep 15, 2008
    #3
  4. SnipeHunter

    SnipeHunter Well-Known Member

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    Since you're rebuilding your superstructure I would suggest considering rebuilding it out of ABS plastic instead of wood. Its light and holds up well under fire. Also its it rather easy to work with and you dont need to worry about waterproofing it. A sheet of 1/16" (24"x24") is fairly cheap (~$13 at mcmaster-carr). For the wood decks I use west system with the 207 hardener.
     
    SnipeHunter, Sep 15, 2008
    #4
  5. Powder Monkey

    Powder Monkey Active Member

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    Snip where you get yours from
     
    Powder Monkey, Sep 15, 2008
    #5
  6. SnipeHunter

    SnipeHunter Well-Known Member

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    where i get what from
     
    SnipeHunter, Sep 15, 2008
    #6
  7. warspiteIRC

    warspiteIRC RIP

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    He said: mcmaster-carr (on the web)
     
    warspiteIRC, Sep 15, 2008
    #7
  8. Powder Monkey

    Powder Monkey Active Member

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    NOT SUR IF THAT WAS IT OR NOT BUT I GUESS IT WAS
     
    Powder Monkey, Sep 15, 2008
    #8
  9. CURT

    CURT Well-Known Member

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    Instead of the Abs try using Sintra instead. Easier to work with.
     
    CURT, Sep 17, 2008
    #9
  10. John Clayborn

    John Clayborn New Member

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    lol. If you want the superstructure to be able to show some damage and dont mind rebuilding it from time to time and you're just looking to water-proof the puppy you can use either Thompson's waterproofing (used for wooden decks on houses to protect from the rain), or some kind of wax coating. If you want to protect it from damage a fiberglass or epoxy coating is better.
     
    John Clayborn, Oct 13, 2008
    #10
  11. ironduke1916

    ironduke1916 New Member

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    probably a stupid question.....should the West System water-proofing process occur before or after painting?
     
    ironduke1916, Nov 12, 2009
    #11
  12. GregMcFadden

    GregMcFadden Facilitator RCWC Staff

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    I've always coated with epoxy (west systems) prior to paint
     
    GregMcFadden, Nov 12, 2009
    #12
  13. jadfer

    jadfer Well-Known Member

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    My west systems epoxy's catalyst is yellow so it always has a yellow tint to the finished epoxy. I am going to look into epoxy pigments so I can epoxy in COLOR!
     
    jadfer, Nov 12, 2009
    #13
  14. jadfer

    jadfer Well-Known Member

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    I found this link that might be helpful if you wanted to seal the deck with grey for example.

    http://www.westsystem.com/ss/adding-pigments-to-epoxy/
     
    jadfer, Nov 12, 2009
    #14
  15. webwookie

    webwookie Active Member

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    While I doubt that anybody intended to have their ship constantly outdoors and exposed to the elements so as for it to make a difference, West Systems epoxy is not considered a final coat finish due to its limited UV stability (although using 207 hardener does yield a more UV tolerant composite matrix).
     
    webwookie, Nov 13, 2009
    #15