Another coating option is EPDM rubber

Discussion in 'Wooden Boat Building and Restoration' started by sdowney717, Oct 8, 2025.

  1. sdowney717
    Joined: Nov 2010
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    Location: Newport News VA

    sdowney717 Senior Member

    Shop Liquid Butyl Rubber Roof Coatings to Fix Roof Leaks - Official EPDM Coatings Store

    Can also buy Pond Pro 2000
    Pondpro2000 - Shop/Order to Fix Pond Leaks
    100% submersible forever.
    Can get white or black
    I emailed them and was told shore hardness is the same as a radiator hose for an engine. (60-70)
    Was told people have used it on wood boats and they got good feedback.
    Can go directly on the wood, no primer needed.
    EPDM coatings will not tear.
    Pond Pro 2000 people told me copper bottom paint will stick as long as it is not silicon based.

    I had a long chat with copilot AI about hulls and coatings and things
    EPDM is a more expensive coating as you don't get the same coverage per gallon.
    It is thicker coating.
    Infinite no fuss recoats, just like with Chlorinated paints.
    It will also go over Chlorinated rubber if the Chlorinated rubber paint is sanded.
    And a primer exists to make it stick to paints if you want one, it is in the chat.

    Using Rubber Pool Paint on Wood https://copilot.microsoft.com/shares/XNa8NJpfrwThXCRojrHaT
     
  2. sdowney717
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 1,600
    Likes: 118, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 274
    Location: Newport News VA

    sdowney717 Senior Member

  3. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    What are you going to coat with EPDM, and why not an FRP coating?
    Understand the EPDM will remain pliable, and is pretty tough stuff, but a resin/fiberglass coating could lend considerable strength to a wood hull too, and has a better chance of penetrating and bonding to the wood.
    Either coating over wood seals moisture in as well as out, making hidden rot a real concern, while limiting your ability to monitor and repair it.
     
  4. sdowney717
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 1,600
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    Location: Newport News VA

    sdowney717 Senior Member

    My choice is chlorinated rubber paint on the plank wood.
    Then a 1/16" coating of 5200 using this notched spreader.
    I have 10 gallons of 5200 to use, otherwise I would use EPDM rubber
    But under it all is the chlorinated rubber paint.

    EPDM rubber is a worthwhile coating. Boat does not need FRP or epoxy
    But some of the frames on the port side after removing planking I am soaking with table top epoxy and milled fibers along with extra wood reinforcements. As much as I can, I am getting rid of bronze screws and using 316 3" long screws for planking to frames. I have been pulling off many port side planks.
    I cut 1/2" poplar dowel plugs and glue them into the left over plank holes.
    Then without drilling recessed holes screw in the SS 316 torx bit screws. All I do is drill a 2" long 1/8" width pilot hole for these 316 #10 screws.
    This way, I get a full 3" screw to hold a full 1" plank into very solid framing
    1" plank to 1 1/8" frames to either oak floors or additional PT SYP framing added to the oak bent frames
    Any but blocks, I also thicken to work with the 3" screws

    QLT By MARSHALLTOWN 977 6-Inch by 4-Inch Notched Spreader - Masonry Hand Trowels - Amazon.com

    Chlorine paint, 5200, then ablative bottom paint. I may lightly sand the 5200 before bottom paint

    So multi layers are in play

    All the various coating, epoxy, or chlorinated paint, or 5200, or EPDM rubber paint are water impermeable
     
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2025
  5. sdowney717
    Joined: Nov 2010
    Posts: 1,600
    Likes: 118, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 274
    Location: Newport News VA

    sdowney717 Senior Member

    Honestly I would have used the EPDM rubber paint, except that I have two 5 gallon pails of 5200 to use up. EPDM would have been slightly cheaper and just as good, maybe better.

    I wanted the chlorinated paint as it is a pretty tough coating for borers to chew through, and I thought good idea to seal the wood up. And its good for not cracking, it can stretch about 10%

    I did get the 5200 new with a 20% off coupon.
    White EPDM is better as you can see it, what your doing, same with white 5200

    I also wanted a coating on the hull that can stretch and not tear. EPDM and 5200 can elongate 500%

    I have heard various things about bottom paint sticking to 5200, some said sticks, other say a light sanding is needed.

    I plan to use CPP bottom paint
     

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