Prevention of damp in raw chipboard edges.

[Bod]

I have to put an Ikea chest of drawers in a boat.

What should I put on the raw chipboard edges, to keep any damp at bay?

I have, varnish, paint undercoat, paint top coat, Danish Oil, could get PVA solution. Colour doesn't matter, non of the edges are seen.

Bod

 

[Woody2Shoes]

Hi - I'd paint everything with varnish - not just the edges, but all visible (from inside or out) hardboard/chipboard surfaces. Cheers, W2S

 

[Jasper42]

Epoxy resin, warm it up so it soaks in a bit better,,

 

[Bod]

Thanks for the input.
I've been told that silicone sealant spread on the cut edges will do the job, it fills the voids and doesn't soak in.

Bod

 

[AES]

Yup, I've tried that (transparent silicon sealer), and it seemed to work fine, but that wasn't for a boat.

It was also a pretty messy job, and quite difficult to ensure that you've covered the complete raw edge right up to the edges where the melamine coating (or whatever) starts on the visible faces.

I GUESS varnish or paint (oil type, not water-based!) would be at least as good and somewhat easier to apply equally all over the raw edges.

 

[petermillard]

Wood hardener. It’s clear, easy to apply carefully with a disposable brush, and soaks right in.

 

[user22161]

As suggested above, wood hardener or varnish will seal raw edges but, I wouldn't consider IKEA or any other knockdown furniture in a boat unless it can be glued up and well sealed. It's designed to be static on a floor, not subject to rolling, pitching and damp atmosphere.

P.S. I was assuming sea going but ditch crawler/ canal boat would be different and may be suitable.

 

[Beau]

Good luck with this. Do a test first as my experiences with chipboard is if a product soaks in the chipboard will swell from that alone.

 

[Bod]

As suggested above, wood hardener or varnish will seal raw edges but, I wouldn't consider IKEA or any other knockdown furniture in a boat unless it can be glued up and well sealed. It's designed to be static on a floor, not subject to rolling, pitching and damp atmosphere.

P.S. I was assuming sea going but ditch crawler/ canal boat would be different and may be suitable.

It's a Narrowboat, the main concern is that the boat sits unheated for most of the year.

Bod