Gel coat on particle board

[spoot]

I'm going to build some canopies for my 40g and was wondering if it is possible to use the gel coat normally used on the top layer of fibreglass decks directly on particle board. Thanks for your help.

 

[Pharaoh]

There are quite a few people that have used gel coat to seal plywood. I have also heard of people using polyurethane to seal it.

 

[Dan F]

I would be hesitant to use particle board in a hood, it is very prone to swelling and warping in high humidity environments. spend a few bucks more for a finish-quality plywood.

 

[andres]

Should work alright. I have used polyurethane, and with a few coats its like plastic. Particle board may be very prone to warping or rot as dan has said, its just glue holding it together.

If you are set on using particle board, put a very liberal amount of sealant on it.

 

[Knowdafish]

Should work alright. I have used polyurethane, and with a few coats its like plastic. Particle board may be very prone to warping or rot as dan has said, its just glue holding it together.

If you are set on using particle board, put a very liberal amount of sealant on it.

And especially seal the edges.

 

[spoot]

Thanks everyone. I'm not set on using particle board, but I see this as the best way of getting a good seal. Even with finishing ply, the cut edges are prone to having voids that would not seal as well. The gelcoat is lying around from a previous deck repair and I thought I might as well use it.

 

[Pharaoh]

Oh, just realized that you had said particle board, definitely go with plywood.