Refining OSB panels: painting, varnishing or wallpapering?

OSB panels are still a relatively new building material in Europe, which is why questions keep cropping up both when it comes to use and finishing. It is basically possible to paint, varnish or even wallpaper the coarse chipboard without any problems. However, due to the special features of the panels, a few factors must be taken into account.

To brush

Ordinary wall paint is sufficient for painting. Again, the panels should be sanded and ideally untreated. The only exception is pretreatment with a blocking reason. Anyone who opts for unsanded panels must sand and vacuum the surface accordingly before painting. Only then is there a correspondingly smooth base and both the risk of injury and the risk of chips tearing off and breaking off is reduced.
Tip: A barrier primer applied before painting prevents the paint from being absorbed or covered unevenly and also prevents the coarse clamping plate from warping and swelling.

paint

When painting the OSB panels, the same procedure is followed as when painting. The panels should be sanded down and treated with a barrier primer. Only then can the lacquer be applied in such a way that an even result can be achieved. It is also important that a solvent-based paint is chosen if possible. Because with water-based paints, the edges of the panels can lift as there is a risk of swelling. Whether the structure of the Oriented Strand Boards - as the boards are also called - is still visible or not, of course, also depends on the paint chosen. Opaque, colored variants make the pattern disappear. Light tones and transparent lacquers let them shine through.

Glazing and pickling

With glaze and stain, the structure of the board surface can be preserved, while the material becomes more durable and resistant. However, this type of refinement is not suitable for surfaces that are used a lot and subject to heavy loads. It is better to apply another layer of transparent lacquer after applying the stain or glaze. This makes the result more durable and moisture or exposure to sunlight do not lead to fading or discoloration in a short time.

Wallpapering

Manufacturers of OSB boards do not recommend wallpapering them. The simple reason for this is that the panels expand according to the prevailing humidity and contract again as they dry. When the wallpaper paste dries, the wallpaper could tear. Nevertheless, it is possible to refine the chipboard in this way. It is necessary to pay attention to the following points:

• Choose water vapor permeable wallpapers
• Use paste that is suitable for the OSB board
• Sand the substrate to achieve an absolutely even and smooth result

An alternative is water-resistant fiberglass wallpapers, which are applied to the panels or the wall with dispersion adhesive. When doing this, it must be ensured that there is no air between the wallpaper and the substrate. This results in a sealing of the wood, which can also prevent swelling.

Oils and waxes

The coarse clamping plates can easily be oiled or waxed. However, these methods are only useful if the panels are only subjected to little stress. For example, in the ceiling area or on walls that are in rarely used rooms. One advantage of oiling and waxing is that light scratches can be smoothed out quickly and easily. In addition, the visually appealing structure is retained.
Tip: There is little to be observed when oiling and waxing the OSB panels. The products should be of high quality and the panels should be sanded and untreated. Then the best results can be achieved.

Prepare OSB panels

Depending on which finishing variant is chosen, the panels must be prepared accordingly. As mentioned, this is primarily about grinding. This is important to make the surface receptive and to smooth it. Only then should the blocking primer, paints, varnishes; Oils, waxes or stains are used. Of course, this is not necessary for variants that have already been dealt with. Grinding is also useful because tearing chips and uneven edges not only impair the appearance, but also pose a risk of injury. This is only slightly problematic on the ceiling. In the case of walls and floors as well as other surfaces, however, splinters and chips that break off are risky.

Perform refinement

With every type of finishing - with the exception of wallpaper - it is important that several layers are applied. Because if the panels are receptive, a single coat of varnish or paint cannot achieve a covering and even result. The timing of the finishing is also decisive. To do this, proceed in the following steps:

1. After preparation by sanding and attaching the panels, they should be able to adapt to the room climate for at least 48 hours. If necessary, spacers should be used to prevent warping and shifting. Depending on whether the room is more humid or drier than the previous storage location, the panels will either contract or swell.

2. After acclimatization of two days or more, assembly can take place.

3. Once the assembly has been completed, the finishing can begin and the barrier primer or isolation primer can be applied. It is important that all further steps for finishing are completed within 36 hours if possible. Otherwise, the plates can again warp, bend or shift against each other.

4. Varnish, paint or oil should, as mentioned, be applied in several layers in order to achieve the highest possible quality and durable result.

Utils

In order to achieve an appropriate refinement, the right utensils must be used in addition to high-quality products.
Depending on the type of finishing, the following utensils are:

• Paint brush: Oil, wax, but also stain and glazes can be easily applied with brushes. These are also ideal for working on edges and joints.
• Paint or lacquer roller: Paint rollers are ideal for larger areas and for applying paint and varnish. They are particularly suitable for applying the funds very evenly.
• Cloth: Applying or wiping with a cloth is only recommended for oils and waxes. Even then, wide brushes are usually the better choice

In any case, the agents should be stirred thoroughly before application and gloves should be worn urgently.