SeventyFix Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 I covered most of my shop walls this past week with 3/4" OSB. It's sanded and finished out fairly nicely (it is OSB after all, so let's not consider this fine woodworking). My question is should I finish the walls with something? Polyurethane? Or keep it raw? The polyurethane might give some protection from moisture and be easier to wipe clean. If left raw, I could always give it a light sanding if needed. The "shop" in question is a 3-car garage, used to park a car and not climate controlled. What do you think? Leave raw? Finish? And if finishing, with what product? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 My personal preference is zero finish. For wood fiber products where you cannot expect perfect coverage, and dings will happen, I prefer to leave the fibers open to the air to dry. I see blistering in garages around here that were painted with latex that trapped some moisture. It might depend on your summer humidity levels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 Absolutely paint it. I had OSB on the walls for a year before paining an off white. The dark walls make the whole shop seem dark and small. Since paining them, not only I notice, but my wife and kids still comment on how much nicer it is in the shop because of the light. I only needed 2 coats with a roller, finished it all in a day. I will not go bare dark walls again. As far as traditional "finish", no. There's really no point. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 Good heavy primer and a semi gloss white paint. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 I understand the moisture possibilities of OSB that Carus mentioned but if that won't be a problem, I would want the lighter walls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 Totally agree on a good primer coat and some sort of “pure” white. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 26, 2019 Report Share Posted January 26, 2019 I like brightness, but a light gray or pale blue is bright, but not glaring. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip Sawdust Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 I used T1-11 and left it wood colored. I prefer it over white, and with LED shop lights I have plenty of light, even with no windows. And I never have to fix the finish I have one wall that's sheet rock; I may paint it one day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim DaddyO Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 I painted the OSB on my shop walls. I love how it brightens it up. I used a thick nap roller and bought a cheap 5 gallon bucket of white paint at WalMart. Shows the dust more but easier to clean too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Painted my osb white. Works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curlyoak Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Put a finish on. Almost anything will keep the OSB from absorbing moisture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 There are several versions of OSB. OSB type 3 and 4 contain phenol formaldehyde throughout, are structural and can be used outdoors in damp environs hence don't need finishing. I've use that on the walls in my shop. I left it natural so I could get on with making stuff. Leave it natural as no matter what colour you may decide to paint it then it will soon go wood coloured with all the saw dust in a wood shop. Want to hang something up? Knock a nail in. Job done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillyJack Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 I wish I had painted my walls before I started loading things on the walls. Makes the room brighter.the brighter the room the better.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat60 Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Another painted most of my osb walls white. Still have one wall to cover and paint and this is making it allot darker on that side of the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeventyFix Posted January 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Great replies - thank you for the feedback and ideas. I had not thought about the darkness aspect. I have been thinking about upgrading my lighting as well. I have two 48" 4 tube fluorescent lights on the ceiling. Maybe replace these 2 fixtures with 4 LED fixtures for more light and coverage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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