Cold-Molding: Modern Wooden Boat Building with Epoxy

Cold-molding is a technique of forming a strong, light, waterproof hull by laminating thin wood veneers in cross directions with epoxy. It combines the best of traditional wood and modern composite.

How does it work?

Several layers of thin wood are bonded at crossing angles with epoxy between them. The result: a structure far stiffer than solid wood, resistant to cracking and moisture.

Advantages

• High strength-to-weight ratio.
• Waterproofing from the epoxy → lower rot and swelling risk.
• Reduces the need for traditional caulking.

Its place in repair

Cold-molding techniques can be used in the structural repair and reinforcement of classic wooden boats. But it isn't right for every boat; it's weighed together with epoxy reinforcement according to the original structure and the boat's character.

The right decision

Cold-molding takes expertise; applied wrong, the layers can delaminate. We assess the method best suited to your boat under our wooden boat refit service.