Particle board molds

[digger]

I just received some molds from Bear Mountain Boats. All my other molds I made from MDF or plywood. I'm concerned about the longevity of the particle board. Although I'm not in a high humidity area, I feel as though I should apply some sort of sealer as protection.

Any thoughts?

[brooks]

I made my forms out of particle board and didn't use any finish or sealer. I did use 3 coats of paste wax on the perimeter and about 3 inches into the form sides. I put the paste wax on after the form were on the strong back. It worked like a champ and I had no problem removing the stations and the stem molds from the cedar strips. They almost fell out. I didn't put a sealer on the stations because I thought it might change the stability the particle board already had and wetting it might jeopardize it. I have seen what happens to wet particle board.

[Jim Dodd]

On a set of plywood forms I've used several times, I varnished the edges, with left over spar varnish.
It does preserve them, and the staples hold better to.

Jim

[Cruiser]

My PB molds are 2 years old and are fine .... but I store them in a dry place, if there is any chance of them getting wet, seal them.

Simple coat of any kind of varnish is enough.

Just my $.02

Brian