Waterproofing Particle Board

LindaD

LindaD

AC Members
Jan 6, 2000
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Ontario, Canada
It is possible? Or will it cause the wood to swell? It's veneered particle board.. and I don't think I'd even need to sand it. The surface is rather rough already..

I've been waiting months for a stand for my 75g tank. I had to settle for this particle board stand. But I'm extremely worried about water damage. I plan on putting a large messy water splashing Cichlid in this tank.. And I would like to seal it with polyurathane if possible.

If not I could use plastic to cover it, but that's an ugly alternative.

Ok to polyurathane or no?

Help!! lol
 
The polyurathane wont penetrate the verneer if its that plastic finish I`ve seenbon a lot of stuff. If its wood verneer I think It willl work better. Either way its sure to help. Dont see how it could hurt. Prolly ought to take the shine off with steel wool and wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol first.
 
whatever you do

pay special attention to the seams of the veneer. No matter how well the veneer was put on, the seams will always be the most vulnerable part to water damage...
 
Will do thanks. I guess I'm going to give it a try. I want to give it coat of black paint and then 3-4 coats of polyurathane. From what I've been told is that as long as I stick with oil based paints and polyurathane that it won't swell and will prevent the water from soaking in if I spill or the fish splash.

The stand isn't shiny, the surface is rather dull and rough. It came from Super Pet, it's got 3 cupboards in the front. It's actually a nice looking stand even though it is particle board. I think it will look even better though with a nice coat of paint on it.

Wish me luck that it doesn't swell and fall apart. LOL
 
Even when it's not wet, particle board isn't a terribly strong material. We have a number of bookcases that have melamine covering on them. Even without much weight, the shelves sag pretty bad. I know that the boards can hold more weight when standing on end, but 75 gallons of water, plus tank weight, plus gravel and decorations, is pretty darn heavy. I don't know that I'd want that in my house... Plywood would be a much better choice, I think...

Jim
 
Its junk. Best thing about is if ya chop it up itll compost fairly quickly.
 
Yeah I know. If I had any other choice I wouldn't use it. I bought it from a friend that is selling all his tanks and equipment. He had a 90g on it with no issues, no sagging.

But this stand actually has a middle brace built in under the top. I'm also going to add 2x4's for more support under the top and in all 4 corners, and brace the back with plywood.. Along with waterproofing it. And I'm putting styrofoam under the tank.

If once I'm done I have any doubts I won't put my tank on it..
 
If you're beefing up the stand (and it sounds like you'll have 2x4s and plywood to carry the real load), then the particle board is really just a skin to cover the frame. No problems there, especially with your precautions.

My caution is that I don't put a lot of stock on waterproofing as a primary line of defense against a building material falling apart. All you need is a scratch or scuff and the waterproofing is compromised. In the case of particle board and water, the failure is usually total. Waterproofing is bound to fail at some time over the life of a tank, so I would never rely on it.

Your plan sounds pretty good, though. Good luck!

Jim
 
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I wasnt meaning to bad mouth your project. Sometimes ya have to make do with what you have till something better comes along. Im sure it will be fine if ya beef it up with 2x4s, Good luck.
 
OH no no I didn't take it that way. I think it's a piece of junk myself. LOL

But yup I'm just making due with what I have for the time being.
 
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