My isonic 2010 is developing some tiny cracks in the bottom, looks to me that the wood veneer has lost protection. What would be the best option? I am thinking I will have to sand to bare wood and apply 1 coat of clear epoxy, then give it some other paint coats?
Thanks !
Thanks Kimba, awesome article on your blog
Yes Nigel, will give me something to do this windless weekend 
It's only cosmetic and due to the veneer drying, grain separating and curling up at edges of the grain - think dry autumn leaves curling up at edges. Easily fixed as mentioned. The most important thing will be to make sure no moisture gets to the timber and that it's fully sealed.
Surely one day someone will ask why the veneer used in board construction isn't cured correctly before lamination? Also mostly pine which is a very cheap substrate. The manufacturers would spend very little more to purchase a quality timber veneer that has the correct moisture content.
Just an old woodworker asking, that's all...
I sanded it all by hand, don't trust myself with an orbital! The venner looks in good condition and still waterproof. I put the board on the scales and it seems within range, also I applied a vacuum pump to the vent hole and listened, no water sound at all. Picture is while giving the first epoxy coat. After the second I will give it a white bottom finish, I think it will better protect the wood from cracking again.
Looking good! Dont forget to remove the amine blush between coats...and a hot air gun can help with bubbles. Looks like you know what you are doing though
Select to expand quotepowersloshin said..
After the second I will give it a white bottom finish
Looks better with the wood-grain !
Select to expand quotemathew said..powersloshin said..
After the second I will give it a white bottom finish
Looks better with the wood-grain !
I agree!!! wood-grain looks awesome!!!
You can read Kimba's blog it's very informative. The glass only covers the fin box area and about 20 mils around the rails. I think that would add strength and durability to the board construction, but add to the weight as well. These boards are not living permanently in the water so I am not sure if glass fibre should be mandatory. In my opinion most of the damage is done by exposure to too much heat/sunshine, and that can affect also full carbon boards. I had a 2008 i101 with white bottom and never showed any cracking of the veneer.
You can't just leave the wood grain with epoxy over - as shown by all the *boards with wood deck that turned to crap.
One good soaking with epoxy, rub back and quality paint.
