Plywood checking without cloth?

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SkinnyDipperTX
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Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by SkinnyDipperTX »

Lm18. Do all exposed surfaces have to be covered with cloth?. Seeing mixed reviews on search. I understand cloth for strength and durability but will okoume plywood really check if there isn’t cloth on it. Im planning on putting cloth on top deck but wondering if it is necessary inside hatches, topside of sole and console.

Fuzz
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by Fuzz »

Most people use at least three coats of epoxy on wood with no glass. I feel like it will not take much more if any to lay a light cloth down with that much epoxy. For that reason alone I would use some glass. Last thing you want is for checking to mess up all your work.

fallguy1000
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by fallguy1000 »

In Texas, cloth would be best bang for the buck. 4 ounce at least; then weave fill with 2 oz resin per yd.

And yes, even white will check in the south without glass.
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OneWayTraffic
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by OneWayTraffic »

I wouldn't put it inside the console, or inside hatches. But exposed surfaces, it really can't hurt.

TomW1
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by TomW1 »

For all exposed surfaces I would definitely cover the wood with 4oz. For the deck you might even want 6oz. for better protection from things that get dropped on it.

Tom
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fallguy1000
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by fallguy1000 »

Not to outdo or argue, because Tom brings a good point, but all trafficked areas typically get 2 layers of 6 oz, even a lightweight canoe gets two layers underfoot.
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Doug N
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by Doug N »

I had BS1088 meranti plywood check under 3 coats epoxy, 2 coats system 3 hi build primer, and 3 coats of a very tough alkyd paint. This was on the side walls of the cockpit which were one of the few areas outside that I didn't cover with at least 6 oz cloth. No problems anywhere else at all. Wouldn't have taken much effort to glass it either.
Doug

SkinnyDipperTX
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Re: Plywood checking without cloth?

Post by SkinnyDipperTX »

Thanks for the input everyone.

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