Does all marine plywood resist termites?
Marine plywood made to IS 710 does, because borer and termite resistance is part of the BIS specification for that grade. Marine plywood made only to BS 1088 (the international marine spec) does not automatically carry a termite resistance requirement, though most reputable mills include it. Always check the standard reference on the ISI mark or the manufacturer's datasheet, not the word 'marine' alone.
What is the difference between BWR and BWP plywood?
BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) is the IS 303 designation for plywood with phenol-formaldehyde glue that withstands occasional water contact. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) is the higher specification used for marine plywood under IS 710, with stricter glue performance and, in the IS 710 case, mandatory borer and termite resistance. BWP plywood made to IS 303 alone meets the glue spec but not the borer/termite test.
Will paint or laminate prevent termites on regular plywood?
No. A surface finish slows moisture ingress and removes some of the conditions termites prefer, but it does not stop a subterranean colony that finds a cut edge, a screw penetration, or a joint with end-grain exposure. Termite resistance has to be engineered into the panel through the glue line, the veneer treatment, or the species choice. The finish layer is a complementary defence, not a substitute.
How long does glue-line treatment last?
Boron and copper-based glue-line treatments are designed to last for the service life of the panel because the active chemistry is locked inside the cured resin between every veneer. The treatment does not leach out under normal indoor conditions. Service life shortens when the panel is exposed to liquid water continuously (plumbing leaks, ground contact, persistent condensation), which is why ground-contact warranties typically exclude this scenario.
