Epoxy on wood

[G0ri11@]

I’m restoring some interior wood on my boat. Some of this is teak and some is just plywood that is painted on one side.
My question is, is it worthwhile to epoxy either before painting the plywood or varnishing the teak?
Again, this is all interior, so minimal exposure to water and sunlight..

 

[nightowle]

No. It's not necessary unless it's an application that would really call for it. Like wood tabbed to your hull.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I'm with Nightowle. Epoxy is unnecessary on interior wood where it is just for a finish and there is little or no water contact.

If epoxy is used and the wood can't be fully encapsulated, there is also the possibility that water, getting under the epoxy, can't dry out because of the epoxy. This would lead to dry rot, as well.

Wood should be able to "breath" or be completely isolated. You will have to be critical about which.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[All U Get]

Will brings up a good point, I had seen a wooden hull after the owner epoxied the bottom. The ribs and planking were loaded with dry rot. Hard way to learn about boats.

 

[dlochner]

The only place that might be worth coating with epoxy is end grain or the edge of plywood that will be in a wet or damp spot. Water can wick up the end grain. Otherwise, it is not worth the time, effort and money.

 

[HMT2]

I put in a new sole and epoxied that. But otherwise I’m with them.

 

[G0ri11@]

Thanks for the advice. Saved me some time and $$$