How to Prevent Plywood Delamination and Water Damage with ESP Panels

Plywood and other sheet materials are widely used in construction and DIY projects, but they are often vulnerable to water damage and delamination. This happens when moisture seeps into the exposed edges, causing the plywood to swell, weaken, or even separate over time. If you’re wondering how to prevent plywood from delaminating, the key lies in sealing and protecting the edges.

 

While plywood is often treated for durability, cutting it on-site leaves the edges unprotected, making them susceptible to moisture ingress. However, there's a proven solution: ESP Panels (Edge Seal Protection). This eco-friendly, non-toxic, odourless paint creates a watertight seal around plywood edges, preventing water from penetrating and protecting against delamination.

 

Our dedication to providing high-quality products has been recognized with the Commitment to Excellence Award by the Building and Construction Review, making ESP Panels a trusted choice for professional-grade plywood edge protection.

 

ESP Panels Edge Seal is available in Clear, White & Red

A tin of ESP Panels for plywood edge to stop water damage
ESP Panels in white on a plywood edges to create a white water seal
ESP Panels in red on a plywood edge to stop water damage

Best Methods to Stop Plywood from Delaminating

1. Seal the Plywood Edges

Sealing the edges of plywood with ESP Panels is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture ingress and plywood water damage. This water-resistant plywood coating works well in both indoor and outdoor environments, including high-humidity areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and roofing projects.

 

By sealing plywood edges, ESP Panel ensures that moisture doesn’t penetrate the layers, protecting your plywood from warping and delamination. It’s also ideal for use on other materials like MDF and OSB, making it a versatile choice for a variety of applications.

 

Click here to buy ESP Panels Edge Seal and protect your plywood from water damage.

2. Reduce Costs with ESP

In the past, contractors and DIYers often had to rely on expensive marine-grade plywood to avoid water damage in outdoor settings. However, ESP Panels offers a more cost-effective solution by enhancing the durability of standard plywood. You can achieve the same level of protection at a fraction of the cost, ensuring your project remains both budget-friendly and durable.

3. Unexpected Uses of ESP Panel

While ESP Panel is primarily designed for plywood protection, it has been praised for its versatility in other applications. It has been used to seal joints in OSB for roofing projects, provide temporary repairs on flat roofs, and even protect chipboard cores in kitchen worktops by sealing holes drilled for taps.

 

Its ability to form a watertight seal between boards makes it a must-have for any project involving plywood, MDF and OSB, or similar materials where waterproof plywood solutions are required.

A team applying ESP Panels in red on a plywood edges

How to Apply ESP Panels

Applying ESP Panels is simple and effective, ensuring your plywood is fully protected from moisture. Follow these steps to get the best results:

1. Preparation:

- Ensure that all areas to be sealed are clean, free of dust, mud, and debris.
- If necessary, clean the surface thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely before applying the sealant.

 

For optimum results, make sure the plywood is completely dry before application.

2. Application:

- Use a woodwork stain and varnish brush to apply a thick layer along the edge of the plywood. Overlap onto the flat surface by about 5mm to ensure full coverage.
- Be sure to work the sealant into any holes or air pockets by moving the brush back and forth along the edge.
- For best results, you can also apply the product using a medium pile roller sleeve for even coverage.

3. Drying Time:

- The product is touch dry within 2 hours, depending on drying conditions and humidity.
- Ensure the sealant is fully dry before subjecting the plywood to moisture or handling it.

 

Tip: Working in optimal conditions will ensure the best protection for your plywood.

A customer ready to use ESP Panels in red
ESP Panels on a plywood edge ready for a project

Why Choose ESP Panels?

ESP Panel offers a combination of effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and ease of use that makes it the perfect solution for protecting plywood and sheet materials from water damage. See below why professionals and DIYers alike choose ESP Panels.

Water-Resistant Formula:

The product forms a watertight seal that prevents moisture from penetrating plywood edges, stopping delamination before it starts.

Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use:

Whether you need to protect plywood in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms or for outdoor use in roofing projects, ESP Panels is a versatile solution.

Cost-Effective:

Avoid the high cost of marine-grade plywood by using ESP Panels to protect standard plywood for use in challenging environments.

Award-Winning:

ESP Panels has been recognized for its innovation and quality with the Commitment to Excellence Award by the Building and Construction Review, cementing its reputation as a reliable and trusted product.

 

Timber Development UK had great things to say about our ESP Panels!

 

By choosing ESP Panels, you’re ensuring that your plywood stays protected from the elements, extends its lifespan, and maintains its integrity, no matter the conditions.

 

Buy ESP Panels and safeguard your plywood from water damage and delamination!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I stop plywood from delaminating?
To prevent plywood from delaminating, it’s essential to seal the edges properly with a water-resistant product. ESP Panels (Edge Seal Protection) creates a watertight seal on plywood edges, preventing moisture ingress and ensuring long-lasting durability.


2. What is the best product to seal plywood edges?
The ESP Panels (Edge Seal Protection) is one of the best products for sealing plywood edges. It’s eco-friendly, non-toxic, and provides a strong barrier against moisture, preventing plywood water damage and delamination.


3. How do I apply ESP Panel to plywood?
First, ensure that the plywood is clean and dry. Then, use a woodwork stain and varnish brush to apply a thick layer of ESP Panels along the plywood edge, overlapping onto the flat surface by 5mm. You can also use a medium pile roller for even coverage. The product is touch dry within 2 hours, depending on conditions.


4. Can I use ESP Panels on both indoor and outdoor plywood?
Yes, ESP Panels is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s ideal for high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as well as outdoor applications such as roofing, ensuring your plywood remains protected from moisture in all environments.


5. How long does ESP Panel take to dry?
ESP Panels is typically touch dry within 2 hours, depending on drying conditions and humidity. Make sure the sealant is fully dry before exposing the plywood to moisture or handling it.


6. Is ESP Panel a good alternative to marine-grade plywood?
Yes! By using ESP Panels, you can protect standard exterior-grade plywood at a fraction of the cost of marine-grade plywood, offering the same protection against water damage and delamination.


7. Can ESP Panel be used on materials other than plywood?
Absolutely. ESP Panels works well on a variety of sheet materials, including MDF, OSB. It’s also useful for sealing joints in roofing projects and even for temporary repairs on flat roofs.