Abstract:In order to increase the efficiency of strengthening and protecting of wood members, a thought for taking the epoxy resin(used for gluing fiber sheets) as a surface water repellent for wood members was proposed. Small wood samples were made from three wood species, and coated with one or two layers of epoxy resin and alkyd varnish, respectively. A comparative experiment study on water resistance of the different samples was carried out. The characteristics of the water absorption dynamics of the various samples were investigated. The results show that the epoxy resin has an excellent water resistance, and the water absorption of the samples coated with epoxy resin is over 50% lower than that of those coated with alkyd varnish. The epoxy resin can be used as a high quality water repellent for wood members.