rain water on mdf

[dale315 1]

I have a slight leak in my trunk area which causes a small amount of rain water to drip on my carpeted enclosure. My question is, how bad is it on the box? Will it deteriorate the mdf? I know the main response will be to fix the leak, but its been a repeated fix that keeps coming back.

[Kanaworm$ 292]

It will swell up over time and make it weaker.

1. Fix the leak

2. Fiberglass the area that is getting wet.

3. Scotch Guard the carpet

[BanginGMC 23]

Yeah MDF soaks shit up really good, so you need to try to rig some shit up or get new weather stripping for the trunk.

For now... i'd go to a store and get a sheet of plastic and put it on top of your box.

[jcarter1885 995]

I have a slight leak in my trunk area which causes a small amount of rain water to drip on my carpeted enclosure. My question is, how bad is it on the box? Will it deteriorate the mdf? I know the main response will be to fix the leak, but its been a repeated fix that keeps coming back.

I have been in the same position with a leak that was supposed to be fixed and everytime they say fix it just leaks worse. Finally I took about a year to diagnose the problem and fix it myself, using a beer bottle filled with water to find the leaking source. Once I found it was a tube that wouldnt stay put I got some silicone and put it on the what the tube wrapped around, then I got some liquid nails and sealed up the edge from where the tube wrapped around the opening it attached too. Once I got this done I put twist ties around the tube and the opening it attached too, since then no problems and very happy I got rid of my own leak. You gotta learn sometimes dealerships and car repair centers wont always do the job right so it will have you coming back again unless you have a personal mechanic who will treat you and your car right like its his own.

Yeah my first advice would be to try to fix the leak and if it is a weatherstripping problem then go find your car at a junk yard and get a new weatherstripping for cheap, matter of fact I need on for my trunk as well since my last box tore mine up.

Water is not good for mdf or wood of any nature if it is not treated and stained for protection against it.

[KU40 173]

The MDF is probably already ruined. Just a little water will deteriorate that stuff. But if it drips into the middle of the top you may be in better shape since at least that's not a joint that could fall apart.

[ABXX49 20]

The MDF is probably already ruined. Just a little water will deteriorate that stuff. But if it drips into the middle of the top you may be in better shape since at least that's not a joint that could fall apart.

It will get moldy too.

[dale315 1]

The leak has been fixed three or four times and its alot of work since it has to do with the rear glass, which needs to be taken out, rust issues, and sealant issues. Its really something I dont wanna deal with anymore. The car is pretty old and is my daily driver. So time and money are a concern also and I'd rather just try ways to get around the problem.

How well would spraying scoth guard on the carpet work?

[///M5 2,833]

Scotchgard won't do anything. A little water basically destroys a box. Coating it in fiberglass BEFORE getting it wet will solve this issue. The easiest way for you to fix it would be to put another layer on top. It isn't fun to pull carpeting though

[jcarter1885 995]

Scotchgard won't do anything. A little water basically destroys a box. Coating it in fiberglass BEFORE getting it wet will solve this issue. The easiest way for you to fix it would be to put another layer on top. It isn't fun to pull carpeting though

x2, definitely not fun to pull carpet off a box.

[dale315 1]

When making a new box, how many layers of fiberglass should I have on there? Is one good enough or should it be multiple layers?

[Rudeboy 152]

When making a new box, how many layers of fiberglass should I have on there? Is one good enough or should it be multiple layers?

If you're just trying to waterproof MDF, you don't really need fiberglass at all. I take polyester resin and dilute 4 parts acetone or styrene to 1 part resin. Ten add as much catalyst as you would if the entire volume was resin. Slather on 3 or 4 coats waiting 1/2 hour or more between (you'll need a fresh batch for each coat). The mixture will soak the top 1/8" or more MDF. Let that cure for a day and then go over it with a coat of undiluted resin.

[Duran 387]

Don has spoken!!!

[Rudeboy 152]

Don has spoken!!!

After I wrote that it occurred to me that it might be more effort than most people will want to go through to waterproof MDF. Works really well though.