How To Waterproof Particle Board Using Sealant & Contact Paper?
Particleboards are made up of wood waste including sawdust, wood chips, and other wood particles. Moisture is the main enemy to wood, and more so to low-quality wood waste.
Hence, they don’t guarantee strength and water resistance. On the upside, being grain-free and dent resistant, particle boards are an economical alternative to wood.
Mixed with glue and resin, pressed and processed, wood waste makes for excellent boards. These of course had to be made more durable with the right processing, waterproofing being the main one.
While using particle boards for furniture, wall paneling, kitchen cabinets, waterproofing becomes essential in case of any unexpected leaks or bad weather.
What Happens to Particle Board When It Gets Wet?
Thickness swelling and water absorption occur readily with woody particle boards. Large particle sizes pave way for faster water movement inside and cause swelling. Particle boards might also show bending at different places.
And also, if the edges of the board are unprotected, water easily seeps in through them, making the board body shrink or expand.
Moreover, formaldehyde glues, commonly used in making particle boards, provide low resistance to moisture. They are not waterproof and cause processed wood to swell further.
The generation of mold and mildew is another consequence of continuous water exposure. Mostly, they appear blackish green. Allergies from their spores result in runny nose, eyes, wheezing or other health concerns.
Let’s know detailed steps about making particle boards seamlessly waterproof.
How To Waterproof Particle Board Using Sealants?
Many kinds of sealants are readily available in the market. These are mostly oil and water-based and work efficiently on porous surfaces.
For highly absorbent particle boards, low to semi-gloss acrylic sealants are preferred. Once, the treatment is done, it ensures water resistance for around 2-3 years.
Below is a good option to consider while choosing sealants:
Several coats are required since the sealant gets soaked up shortly. For best application, use a good quality polyester bristle brush, like below:
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Wooster Brush F5119-5 1/2 Bravo Stainer Bristle/Polyester Stain Brush, 5-1/2 Inch | Check Price On Amazon |
In addition to waterproofing, these sealants prevent the outgassing of formaldehyde, which is a common issue with processed wood.
Wood sealants adhere best when the particleboard surface is free from any waxy texture. Along with being resistant to moisture and temperature changes they also protect particle board from UV radiation.
Prior to applying sealant, sanding down the particle is significant. 120 grit sandpaper might suit the best for this job, such as this one:
While working with particle board, one might risk getting sawdust, and fine wood particles in the nose and mouth. Hence, safety measures including quality gloves are a must as well. You can check the below option:
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 | GLOVEWORKS Black Nitrile Gloves 5 Mil Disposable for Food Service, Cooking, Professional Cleaning, Size Large, Box of 100 | Check Price On Amazon |
Use a mask to effectively cut out any splinter, dust, or toxic gaseous element from getting into your body.
Required Material
Step by Step Process
1. Clean the particle board
- Sand down your particle board with 120 grit sandpaper. Adjust the sanding according to how coated or thick it is.
- Wipe it out using a rag or tack cloth to make the surface lint-free.
- Vacuum the particle board to remove the excess dust settled on it. The surface should be bare for the sealant to hold efficiently.
2. Apply the sealant
- Dip the brush in the sealant and then remove the excess before applying. Remember to stir the sealant lightly, without actually shaking it.
- Use long strokes to apply. Make the drips even before they dry up, else they might create a bumpy surface.
- Gently coat the sealant on both the sides of particle board. Make sure to coat thick where the wood is more prone to moisture.
- The sealant gets quickly absorbed into the wood. Within an hour the coat dries up.
3. Sand and coat again
- Sand the surface lightly if the surface is not even. Lay on the next coat.
- Minimum 3 coats are recommended with proper drying time in between.
Precautions
- The sealant should not be shaken. Shaking causes air bubbles which are evident in the finish as well.
- Do not apply sealant under direct sunlight.
- Always use goggles, mask and gloves before handling the particleboard and sealant.
- The place should be well-ventilated with moderate temperature.
Total time required
It takes 3-4 hours for the coats to get dry. The particle board should be finally ready to use after 24 hours.
Cost
The approximate expenses you might have to incur are:
- For sealant: $60
- For paint brush: $15
- For sandpaper: $10
- For gloves: $25
- For mask: $10
Total Approximate Cost: $120
How To Waterproof Particle Board Using Contact Paper?
Most contact papers are made up of vinyl type materials. The commonly used PVC vinyl is a highly waterproof material. Contact papers are therefore suitable for damp places which come in frequent contact with water.
Contact paper has a smooth surface on one side and an adhesive surface on the other. The adhesive used is water-resistant as well.
Particle boards can be aesthetically less pleasing than finished wood. A contact paper allows you to increase the aesthetic appeal of your particle board along with making it fully waterproof.
It transforms your average-looking furniture into luxurious-looking marble or hardwood. It is incredibly durable and can easily last for up to over 4 years.
Below are some good contact papers for porous particle boards:
Self-adhesive contact papers are at times hard to stick to particleboard. Also, they are not easy to remove and they leave glue marks on the article board.
Hence, a bonding agent should be used. Contact cement is one such bonding agent which is perfect for non-porous surfaces.
| Photo | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Dap 271 Weldwood Original Contact Cement, Pint | Check Price On Amazon |
Before going on with the contact cement, the particle board surface should be sanded down with sandpaper. Following 120 grit sandpaper would be a good choice for your particleboard:
For the even adhesion of paper to the particle board, the use of a squeegee is advisable.
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|---|---|---|
 | 4 Pack Felt Squeegee Wrapping Tool, 4'' Inch Premium Scratch-Proof Decal Vinyl Wrap Squeegee Handy Tools for Vinyl Installation, Scrap Booking, Wall Decals | Check Price On Amazon |
Required Material
Step by Step Process
1. Cleaning the particle board
- Scrape it with a sandpaper to make the surface even.
- Vacuum the particle board to ensure that the surface is lint free.
2. Applying the contact cement
- Dip the brush into the contact cement and gently coat a thin layer of it on one side of the particle board.
- Apply the same on contact paper as well.
- Wait for around 20 minutes to let the contact cement on both the surfaces dry. It should be dry to touch before proceeding.
3. Align the contact paper
- Once the cement is matt and firm (recommended one), align the contact paper with the particle board.
- Make sure you place the contact paper right the first time. Once glued, it won’t be easy to shift.
4. Flatten the surface for even finish
- Use a squeegee and flatten the contact paper quickly as to guarantee that no air bubble is trapped inside and the surface is crease free.
- Repeat the whole procedure with the other side of the board and the edges.
Precautions
- Don’t apply the contact cement in heat or near flame.
- Over sanding of particle board can happen quickly. The surface should only be sanded once else the particle board might lose integrity.
Total time required
It would take 4 hours, in addition to around 20 minutes wait, before the particle board is ready to use.
Cost
The rounded-off values of various items required are:
- Contact cement: $30
- Contact paper: $25
- Sandpaper: $10
- Damp roller: $10
Total approximate cost: $75
Final Words:
Particle boards once made waterproof, are a very suitable material for your home DIYs.
The first method is more time-consuming, but it’s a better option if your particle board is going to be exposed to weather changes. The second one suits more to indoor projects, giving them a sheeny aesthetic.
These methods assure your particle board stays moisture and mildew resistant for a considerable amount of time. Once you have a good experience with waterproofing particle boards, you’d be able to use them more diversely!
