Why is impregnation necessary

Impregnation for plywood is necessary when it is going to be used in conditions of increased humidity. Untreated sheets swell and delaminate from water. Moisture also leads to the formation of stains from mold and mildew, a decrease in material quality, and a reduction in service life. Plywood impregnated with special compositions is not afraid of water and lasts longer.

Treated plywood

It remains unclear why wood should be impregnated when you can buy bakelite or waterproof laminated plywood. The fact is that ordinary FC and FSF sheets cost 2-3 times cheaper. If you process the material yourself, you can save a good amount of money on the price difference.

Types of impregnations and nuances of their application

Impregnations suitable for treating plywood sheets:

  • Linseed oil. It is boiled hemp or flaxseed oil. Provides moisture resistance by forming a fatty layer that repels water. Suitable for FC plywood flooring. To allow linseed oil to penetrate the wood, it should be heated to 60 °C before use. The composition is applied with a brush in several layers with breaks for drying until the wood stops absorbing the liquid.
  • PVA glue. Provides water resistance and protection against decay. The glue is applied with a roller or brush in layers without breaks for drying until the liquid starts to seep from the opposite side. Then the sheet is turned over and treated again. After that, it needs natural drying for 3-4 days.
  • Epoxy resin. Protects plywood from water, prevents decay, and increases strength. Due to its harmful effects on health, it is used outside residential premises. It is applied with a brush until the plywood stops absorbing the liquid.

The process of applying impregnation to plywood

Attention! Before painting the plywood sheet, it should be treated with an antifungal agent. For this purpose, a primer with an antifungal effect is suitable.

It is not necessary to buy special products for treating plywood. If the material will be used outdoors, it can be impregnated with used oil. It will protect the wood from water, insects, and rodents.