Sealing plywood edges is relatively simple; apply several coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry for about an hour. The edges will soak up the varnish quickly, so you need more coats to make sure it dries to form that protective layer.
How do you protect plywood from weather?
To use plywood outdoors, seal it by applying multiple thin layers of polyurethane varnish, epoxy sealant, spray-on latex, waterproof paint, or drying oils like Thompson’s WaterSeal.
What to put on plywood to make it waterproof?
Liquid Latex
Spray – on or paint – on Latex is another effective plywood protector. It’s available at hardware stores and forms a waterproof layer on the surface of the plywood to protect it from moisture. Liquid Latex products are easy to apply and relatively inexpensive.
Does plywood need to be sealed?
Sealing plywood is critical for a long-lasting finish. Plywood is a durable material for projects, but it is necessary to seal plywood to protect it against water damage and rotting, and to ensure a long-lasting finish. Once it is sealed, you may finish your project with paint or polyurethane.
How do you seal and waterproof plywood?
Using an epoxy sealer is probably the most popular way to seal plywood against the elements. The epoxy is usually found in paint or spray forms. The advantage that epoxy provides is that it makes the plywood stronger, in addition to waterproof.
Can plywood be stored outside?
Exterior-rated materials (exterior plywood, OSB, etc.) can be safely stored outside, but they should be covered – remember that most exterior-grade materials are rated for intermittent moisture exposure, not constant direct wetting.
How do you store plywood outside in the winter?
You always want to cover the plywood to keep it out of the rain and wind. Some plastic tarps will do just fine for this purpose. Make sure that some air can still get in. You don’t want moisture building up and not having a way to get out.
Should I cover lumber with a tarp?
Floyd, it is not a good idea to cover lumber with a tarp, as moisture will get trapped and it will mold. Storing outside and stickered is ok, but it’s best if you put something solid over the top of the stack and leave the sides open.
