resin as waterproofer?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=93470
Printed Date: April 30, 2024 at 5:25 AM
Topic: resin as waterproofer?
Posted By: allchromed01r1
Subject: resin as waterproofer?
Date Posted: April 30, 2007 at 8:26 AM
Hey guys, I am throwing 2 subs on a boat. They are going to be out of the way on the side, but with people being wet and getting on and off the boat, I am afraid of the MDF getting wet. I have been trying to think of ways to "waterproof" the box but can really only think of throwing a layer of resin on the box. Anyone have any better ideas to save the mdf from occasionally light splashes? Thanks!
Replies:
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: April 30, 2007 at 8:52 AM
Resin will work great. Are you thinking of carpetting it afterwards or painting for finishing touches ?
-------------
Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: allchromed01r1
Date Posted: April 30, 2007 at 9:00 AM
This is going on a 34 ft cruiser. On the back of the boat, the lower seating area, there is a storage area the side that is just about the perfect size for a box. The box will extend just a bit and I plan on putting a lip on the top to keep any water from falling on the sub if it does get wet. This area that box is going is removeable, so we planned on removing this compartment, bolting it down, covering the entire compartment with a grillcloth, and reinstall the compartment. This way it kind of hides the fact the sub is in there. Sound ok? Any better ideas?
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: April 30, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Just make sure that you seal the box inside and out with resin and if possible on the outside with matting as well to ensure that it will not get wet or even absorb the moisture in the air if your in a high humidity climate. ------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: Custom_Jim
Date Posted: April 30, 2007 at 12:17 PM
If one side is sitting on the floor raise it with some strips of 1/2" or 3/4" material then apply a coat of resin with catalyst over it this way is water does have to pass under it, it can and less material will be in contact with a wet floor. Run the strips going from the front to the back of the boat. You can apply resin to 5 of the 6 sides and once cured sand the edges that the resin may have run over and coat the remaining side overlapping onto the first coat. You could then scuff the resin and apply a good finish paint over it for an added layer of protection and have it blend better with it's surroundings. Be careful when installing it so you do not nick the coating and create an opening for the water to wick into the wood. I would also inspect it now and then to make sure it's still as it should be. Jim ------------- 1968 Chevy II Nova Garage Find 2012
1973 Nova Custom
1974 Spirit of America Nova
1973 Nova Pro-Street
Posted By: slab42
Date Posted: May 19, 2007 at 10:16 PM
I did a similar thing in my Jeep. I wanted the whole structure to be waterproof, so I coated the entire thing in resin. It adds weight at gerth, so take that into account. Make your enclosure 1/4" shorter on all sides, if it will be in a tight fitting spot. I also just ripped lenghts of 3/4" MDF that were slightly shorter than the enclosure, and glassed them to the bottom as 'skids' that supported the enclosure. I did this mainly to allow room for wires to be run, but you can benefit from it by allowing water to pass by, instead of pooling. I think you will be fine if you coat it. I did mine more to keep the mud and water away from the electronics when off roading, but it will work just the same for you!
Posted By: ndm
Date Posted: May 21, 2007 at 9:25 AM
allchromed01r1 wrote:
Hey guys, I am throwing 2 subs on a boat. They are going to be out of the way on the side, but with people being wet and getting on and off the boat, I am afraid of the MDF getting wet. I have been trying to think of ways to "waterproof" the box but can really only think of throwing a layer of resin on the box. Anyone have any better ideas to save the mdf from occasionally light splashes? Thanks!
Why not build it out of birch instead...then you can resin if you want... The box wil be way lighter too. The birch will cost more but I have coated MDF with resin before and it still got nasty from the moisture...From the inside it seams. I wouldnt use it for wet weather situations like yours ------------- do it right the first time ....or do it again and again and again...
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