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If you want to use OSB as a finish material, it is possible to paint it to make it more attractive and perhaps even improve its utility. In fact, you can do so quite successfully.
What kind of paint do you use on OSB?
Using oil-based paint is essential. Just painting the OSB like you would paint plywood will leave the OSB rougher and the paint will bleed through regular primer, while using water-based paint causes the OSB to peel over time, making it look unattractive and requiring regular maintenance.
What do you cover OSB board with?
For OSB, we recommend that you use a solvent-based varnish. You can choose between high-gloss, matt and silky matt versions. Even special varnish for OSB boards is available. It’s important to apply it as thinly as possible.
What is the best primer for OSB?
If your OSB panels are used indoors, an acrylic latex primer will be an ideal base coat because it’s so easy to work with. Latex primers are fast-drying, so they can be painted over in as little as an hour.
Can you paint the shiny side of OSB?
You cannot achieve a smooth surface on OSB. Because OSB does not sand down smoothly, you will not be able to bring down the texture with sanding after painting. Older OSB will be especially porous, requiring several coats of paint plus primer.
How do I make OSB look smooth?
Acrylic latex stain-blocking primer will hide any stains on the OSB. This also seals the paint and prevents any bleed-through. Use a block-filler primer to fill in the gaps between strands of wood, thereby giving it a smoother look. Apply two coats of primer and allow it to dry completely before painting.
How long will OSB last outside?
For exterior applications, if you are not painting the OSB directly after installing it, be aware of how long you have before the material begins to be affected by the elements. For example, Weyerhaeuser Edge Gold OSB panels are warranted for 200 days against edge swell caused by water absorption.
How do you fill gaps in OSB?
I would use latex paint caulk to fill the voids if they are not too large. If they are large use a foam filler rope and top this off with the painters caulk.
Why does OSB say this side down?
“This Side Down” is stamped there for a definite SAFETY reason. The stamp is on the smooth side, which will mean the rough side is up on roof rafters or trusses.
What is OSB board used for?
OSB is a material with favorable mechanical properties that make it particularly suitable for load-bearing applications in construction. It is now more popular than plywood, commanding 66% of the structural panel market. The most common uses are as sheathing in walls, flooring, and roof decking.
Why is 7/16 OSB so expensive?
One reason for the OSB price surge is that production hasn’t kept up with the demand as plywood mills closed. “This issue is really one of production capacity,” Carliner said. OSB manufacturers curtailed output after two years of low prices in 2001 and 2002.
Can I use epoxy paint on OSB?
You can go with a pigmented epoxy or, if the surface of the OSB looks good, consider a clear 100% solids epoxy. It will highlight the wood grains, textures and give an unique finish. Another thing, pigmented epoxies normally cost a couple bucks more on the gallon.
Which side of OSB board goes out?
For interior uses the OSB should be smooth side out. The reason it is textured on one side is for roofing purposes and states to install with that side up.
Can you waterproof OSB?
Step 4: Apply Waterproofing Coat your OSB pieces and allow the seal to dry for 12 to 14 hours. Now turn the wood and coat the remaining surfaces. If you need more layers of waterproofing for more protection, you can add them. Just allow each layer to dry for 12-14 hours before adding the next layer.
Can I paint OSB for exterior use?
Paint the OSB with two coats of a premium exterior topcoat. Use a topcoat that will stand up to the weather in your area. OSB will fare much better when painted with a paint that protects it from the elements.
How do you seal OSB board?
Paint a polyurethane sealer on the OSB with the 3-inch paintbrush. Allow the sealer to dry for the time that is recommended by the manufacturer. Drying times vary, and can also take up to eight hours. After it is dry, lightly sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper.
Will drywall primer work on OSB?
What I can tell you is that PVA primer for drywall does NOT work well on OSB. My new garage is drywalled and has an uncovered 7X14 ridge beam. We shot it with PVA and two coats white paint, and it still didn’t cover well, although the drywall is fine.
Will rain hurt OSB board?
OSB won’t be completely destroyed by water, unlike MDF or similar interior laminate materials; however, like any wood product, it will swell and shrink as it absorbs and releases water, so you should typically avoid more than casual contact with water.
Is OSB cheaper than plywood?
A simple trip to the average lumberyard or home supply store is all it takes to realize that OSB is almost always cheaper than plywood. “For a typical 2,400 square foot home, OSB will save about $700 if used as the subfloor, sheathing, and roof decking instead of plywood.”
Can I use OSB instead of drywall?
With the exception of some fire rating necessities, it really boils down to personal preference. Both OSB and Sheetrock can be used to cover the walls in a garage. Fire-Rated OSB and sheetrock each meet the fire code requirements for attached and unattached garage spaces.
Which is better OSB or plywood?
Wood fiber is used more efficiently in osb. Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists.
