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Post by spike on Dec 13, 2004 1:24:54 GMT -5
How do you waterproof melamine
Pooka said before that you just silicone all gaps between wood and such. I was just wondering if i coulg get a bigger explanation in more detail. Also, do you use a glass 'sheet' or a sheet of melamine for a divider between the land and water areas
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Post by dragosmom on Dec 13, 2004 9:43:26 GMT -5
Melamine is 100% trademark plastic-type material and shouldn't require sealing even if cut. Melamine-coated usually has a core of differing material with an exterior coating of melamine. If you cut it, you expose the core material to moisture and the possibility of later decay from moisture exposure. However, as most of this panelling is used in bathroom areas subject to high humidity and moisture requirements the inner material used is most usually relatively moisture resistant as well. You can use acrylic or glass to separate your water area from your land area. The only drawback to acrylic is scratching easily mars the surface, but it is fairly inexpensive, lighter than glass and easier to work with.
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Post by Pooka on Dec 13, 2004 9:53:48 GMT -5
To water-proof it all you have to do is make sure that there is a water tight bead of animal-safe silicone wherever there is possible exposure to core material. When I suggested water proofing in another thread I was thinking protect the wood from high humidity to retard the rotting of the wood, however in theory there is no reason melamine should not hold water like a pool if properly sealed. As to a divider I would use traditional glass, maybe even thick tempered glass and silicone it into place. Many types of plexiglass or acrylic do not seem to bond well with silicone I have heard.
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Post by spike on Dec 14, 2004 1:57:49 GMT -5
Ok, so basically just silicone the gaps just in case and use glass as the divider, which will probably work best for me ;D...thanks for the info
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