Which side of OSB to paint?

Prime and paint the smoother side of the OSB board for exterior and interior installations, though it's unnecessary for underlayment. The smoother side should have some printing on it. The rougher side may have "this side down" printed on it. The smoother side is also more water-resistant.

thespruce.com - How to Paint OSB Board - The Spruce

What is the 28 day rule regarding camping?

This means that as it stands, farmers can open a tent campsite (including bell tents) for up to 28 days per year without the need to apply for...

Last updated Nov 18, 2021

What can I build without permission?

Permitted development: 10 projects you can do without planning permission Install a Juliet balcony. ... Switch up your interior. ... Add a single-...

Last updated Dec 16, 2019

Promotion

OSB, or oriented strand board, has a flaked appearance and bumpy texture. It's a solid and popular choice for an underlayer for carpeting, tile, hardwood flooring, wall sheathing, and roofs. OSB is made of many layers of chipped-up lower-grade wood; these are the strands. These strands are arranged flat and then oriented perpendicular to each other. Cross-hatched strands impregnated with resins help create stability in OSB. Oriented strand board is primarily intended to be a functional board, not a finished board. It is widely used and accepted within the building and remodeling industry for its low cost, high strength, and availability. It is sometimes used as a finished surface in utility areas like sheds, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and basements. If you want to use OSB as a finish material, you can successfully paint it to make it look good and perhaps even improve its utility. But OSB has a few limitations and requires special preparation before you start rolling on the paint.

Preparation

The Engineered Wood Association (known as the APA) acknowledges that you can successfully paint "Exposure 1" OSB. Still, their central reservation is that OSB has a thin wax coating that protects it against moisture and inhibits painting. Also, OSB's strands' prominently visible nature will likely show through on one coat of paint, so filler and heavy primer are probably required to remove some of the texture of the wood. Also, you must avoid exposing any of the OSB's edges to water, as it may cause the OSB to swell or crack. OSB is designed to hold up to some initial periods of unintended rain or weather exposure, but OSB manufacturers do not recommend permanent exposure to outdoor elements. OSB rated as "Exposure 1" is very good at handling high moisture over time but has its limit. If a building project is delayed long enough, water eventually penetrates the material and will cause it to swell and disintegrate. Edges cut on-site are especially vulnerable to moisture penetration. Factory edges hold up better against water because they are finished with a sealant during manufacturing.

Before You Begin

Before painting, you will need to do several things. Suppose you want to smooth out the texture so that the crosshatched wood chips are not visible. In that case, you can add a polyester resin filler such as 3M Platinum Plus Filler and repeatedly alternate filler coats with sanding to smooth out the board's texture. Check with the manufacturer if the OSB has a thin wax coating to protect it. If it does, it will need to be removed by using a wood floor wax stripper before you attempt to paint it. Some OSB only appears to have a wax surface coating, a result of the high pressure exerted on the material by the manufacturing machines. Once your board is ready, be generous with the primer. OSB's open strands readily absorb the paint, requiring two or three coats of primer to close up the pores. Older OSB will be incredibly porous, requiring several coats of paint plus primer. Particularly old OSB that is beginning to fall apart cannot be painted; the paint will not help glue the OSB together.

Which is cheaper a shed kit or build from scratch?

If you've been wondering is it cheaper to build your own shed, you'll discover that yes, it is less expensive to build your own shed than to...

Last updated Mar 20, 2018

Do snakes like compost piles?

Why Are Snakes Attracted To Compost Piles? Snakes typically find their way into compost piles because of their warm temperatures and critter-...

Last updated Sep 6, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What's the best base for a metal shed?

paving slabs We recommend using paving slabs, tarmac or concrete. A solid concrete base is more permanent and provides an excellent base for a...

Last updated Jul 25, 2021

How deep will a rat dig?

about 18 inches Rats typically burrow down about 18 inches to nest (if they can't find an indoor home), but they are capable of digging much deeper...

Last updated May 5, 2021

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can I use expanding foam as shed insulation?

Expanding foam insulation can be applied to any surface that needs to be reinforced to prevent draughts and enhance structural integrity. Expanding...

Last updated Feb 13, 2022

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What's the best siding for a shed?

LP Siding – If you love the look of traditional wood siding, but you want better durability, LP siding might be the best option for your shed. It...

Last updated Nov 16, 2022