I'm building a new storage workbench primarily using prefinished maple-faced plywood. My strategy includes predrilling and using screws or pocket screws for assembly, but I also want to add a chemical bond to the joints. I've tested wood glue (Titebond 3) and found that it doesn't adhere to the prefinished surfaces at all, which is disappointing. I do have some epoxy that I originally got for coloring and filling relief carvings in other woods like maple, cherry, and walnut. I'm wondering if the epoxy would be a viable option for bonding the prefinished maple. I'll have the structure secured with screws, but will the epoxy really enhance the joint, or am I just wasting my time and materials? My plan is to apply the epoxy on the edge-to-face joints and let it cure for 72 hours. For the workbench surface, I'm considering spreading it thinly between two sheets before trimming. I also thought about testing the epoxy out first since I've already gathered some scraps. I spread some epoxy on a scrap piece and clamped another piece to it to see how well it holds. I'll keep you updated on the flow and adhesion results!
3 Answers
Using epoxy on prefinished plywood might not yield the best results. Given that the plywood already has a protective finish, it might be tough for the epoxy to adhere properly. But if you're mechanically fastening everything with screws, it may not be completely necessary. Just keep an eye on how the epoxy interacts with the surfaces you're bonding.
If there’s a film finish on the plywood, it can definitely affect how well anything bonds to it. I would suggest checking if there are any spots where you might be able to sand the finish off slightly before applying any adhesive.
You might want to consider using dados if you can. That way you’ll not only improve the mechanical strength of your joints but also avoid any adhesion issues with the epoxy and plywood. Dado joints are a solid choice and can help provide stability.
True, but if you do decide to use epoxy, just make sure you apply it correctly and maybe roughen up the surface a bit to help with adhesion!