Using expoxy to seal wood in boats

[NorthernBoater]

What kind of epoxy should I use to seal the wood I am using to reinforce the transom?

[avengersteve]

devcon is what i use, ive had issues with everything elese

[boater76]

Where would you find the devcon? Like at auto stores, walmart? Would you have to thin it out? And when you seal it I assume to put the expoxy all over the ply? Also where do I find that carbon looking stuff that I have seen on the exterior of transoms as well?

Ken

[NorthernBoater]

I stopped by my LHS to pick some epoxy up and the guy there said he thins it out with denatured alcohol. I am not sure if this is right.

[SJFE]

Yes that it right. Fluid, Steven and a few other guys advised me thats the way to thin.

[Jeff]

I usually mix it 30% alchol to epoxy. Don't go over 50%. It will take alot longer for thee epoxy to cure when thinned out. I mix thee epoxy and let it sit for a minute to ativate, then thin it it out, just my method. I use z-poxy finish resign. I like to use it for buildind, when gluing foam or plywood to wood where ca is not ideal.
Jeff
ps: for gluing wood and foam I now use titebond #3. It is waterproof, easy to use and wipe up, no mixing and waste and is lighter than epoxy and doesn't foam and push parts out like urethane glues. Still use z-poxy for laying up carbon or fiberglass cloth.

[JimClark]

Just make sure you get the alchaol from a paint store and not the drug store.
Jim

[boater76]

I see different types of the devcon at Walmart. Is there a specific type I should use? Im gonna use 1/4 ply on my transom.

Ken

[Fluid]

Just make sure you get the alchaol from a paint store and not the drug store.

Actualy I always use drug store alcohol...but there are several types. You want to ge the type with minimal water content - 90% alcohol or greater. Worked just great for me for over 20 years.

The problem with the higher water content is it will cause the epoxy to soften when set. This makes it a mess to try to sand if you are using epoxy as a wood sealer.


Do not use the fast set Devcon.

.

[Piranha2]

The devcon I use does not like to bond to anodized or plastic parts. I instead use the Loc-tite black max. Not sure in this particular application though.

[boater76]

I got my hull ready for the 1/4 ply. When I dilute the epoxy do i brush the epoxy on the wood first or the inside of the hull when i put the ply in?

Ken

[JimClark]

1/4th ply? What the heck size boat is this?

Jim

[boater76]

40" SH knock off.

Ken