OSB panels outdoors: seal weatherproof

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Table of contents

  • advantages and disadvantages
  • classes and subdivision
  • Protect OSB panels
  • wood varnish
  • stain and glaze
  • wax
  • oil
  • Proceed

OSB panels have numerous advantages. However, the material is only suitable to a limited extent for outdoor areas. Choosing the right class and seal can change that, though.

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advantages and disadvantages

OSB panels are oriented strand boards. They are assembled from coarse wood chips and pressed together with special glue at high temperatures to form panels. They are therefore comparatively durable and versatile in dry areas.

However, they are only suitable to a limited extent for damp areas and outdoor use. Because of the coarse surface, liquid or high humidity can cause the material to swell. Possible consequences are:

  • rot
  • Mold
  • discoloration
  • deformations

Therefore, on the one hand, the right variant of the material must be selected. Here there are clear differences. On the other hand, the appropriate sealing is required.

classes and subdivision

OSB panels are divided into different classes. These categories show what each material is suitable for. Ideal for outdoor use are:

  • NLK 3
  • OSB3
  • OSB4

These, too, are only useful in the long term for outdoor use if the material has been treated appropriately beforehand.

Protect OSB panels

Protect the OSB panel from the weather

There are various ways and means of protecting OSB panels from the weather:

wood varnish

One of the simplest variants of sealing is wood varnish. However, when choosing, you need to pay attention to a few criteria. These include, among others:

  • free from toxic substances
  • suitable for outdoor use
  • durable
  • easy to clean

Another advantage is that wood varnish offers a variety of colors. Transparent variants let the color and pattern of the panels shine through. Colored lacquers, on the other hand, can be used wonderfully to match other surfaces and elements or to set accents.

Tip:

Tip: A special varnish is the so-called wood seal. Holzsiegel is particularly durable, abrasion-resistant and can seal the surface watertight.

stain and glaze

Both agents are well suited to changing the color of the plates. However, if OSB is treated with it, this is not sufficient as permanent weather protection. If you decide to stain or glaze, the wood still has to be sealed with varnish afterwards. Otherwise it may swell, deform and become rotten.

wax

Wood wax is wonderful for some furniture and wooden surfaces. It has several advantages. Below:

  • color refreshment
  • low and pleasant smell
  • soft shine
  • water-repellent surface

A notice:

The product is also relatively easy to apply. However, it is not sufficient as a seal for outdoor use with OSB panels. Because wax is not sufficiently weatherproof for this. In addition, OSB cannot absorb the substance accordingly. This is due to the glue used.

oil

Oiled wood appears refreshed in color and has a shine that is referred to as the so-called "wet effect". Water rolls off and the material is protected. However, this only applies if the oil can penetrate properly. However, this is not the case with OSB. Therefore, neither wax nor oil are suitable for weatherproof protection.

Process OSB panels

Proceed

Regardless of whether you decide to paint directly or to stain or glaze beforehand, you must pay attention to a few points. These are:

Preparation

In order for the paint to form a secure seal, the OSB panels must be free of dust, lint and other dirt and dry. It is usually sufficient to vacuum the surface thoroughly.

cover everything

Using a paint roller and brush, all surfaces should be thoroughly covered. This also applies to grooves, joints and other parts. Make sure the paint is evenly distributed.

drying time

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow the first layer to dry completely.

second shift

In order to get a complete and durable seal, you should apply the varnish in two layers. This means that even intensively used surfaces are better protected.
Note: Apply the varnish in a clean environment. Otherwise dirt may accumulate on it during the drying process.

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