The choice of varnish for OSB boards and tips for its use

OSB-plates (oriented strand boards ("B" stands for "board" - "plate" from English) are widely used in construction. They are used both for wall cladding and for laying the floor, as well as as a basis for the roof.

OSB-plates are also found in furniture production. This is a pretty versatile material, and you won't go wrong by choosing it. But immediately before use, it must be properly prepared - in order for the plates to look presentable, it is necessary to process the surface and varnish it.

The characteristics of the varnish will depend on where you will use the boards themselves. For external panels, coatings that are more stable in all senses are needed, protecting against the negative influences of the external environment. They must contain an ultraviolet filter that saves you from the sun.

Also, the varnish should contain stabilizers (for example, based on alkyd resins, which create a film effect). Wherever you use varnish, it must be moisture resistant, because you are dealing with wood, which is a very hydrophilic material.

It is important to note that in order to achieve a lasting effect, you need to apply the varnish in several layers. Another plus is that the lacquered surface will look more aesthetically pleasing.

Any wood material tends to catch fire quickly. Therefore, if you have chosen this material as a cladding of a building or for a room where there is a fireplace / any household appliances that can potentially ignite, take care of your safety and select a product that has fire-fighting properties.

There are a lot of varnishes for OSB boards. Everyone will be able to find one that will satisfy both practical and aesthetic needs.

• Latex coatings. They are usually made on an acrylic base. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. They cover irregularities well, give a pronounced glossy effect. They are moisture resistant, withstand low temperatures (plus for use on the facade). Resistant to fire, antiseptic and non-toxic - a good option for families with children.

• Water-soluble (acrylic) coatings. The cheapest and most environmentally friendly option. Provide strength, durability. They can withstand temperature extremes, but they cannot be used at temperatures below -20 ° C, therefore, they are clearly not suitable for northern regions and areas with a sharply continental climate. Of the advantages, it can be noted that the varnish is practically odorless when applied, it well protects furniture, floor coverings from aging, and allows the material to "breathe". Has a pearlescent effect, visually expanding the space.

• Pentaphthalic coatings. They are made on the basis of pentaphthalic resins, which have the ability to dry quickly. It has a rather viscous structure, so that the consumption will be small, and the adhesion to the material is much better than that of the above varnishes. Retains the natural structure of the tree, protects well against moisture, putrefactive bacteria and mechanical damage. With it, the OSB-slab of the room will last a very long time. But for outdoor use it is not suitable, since the resistance of the coating to ultraviolet rays is low.

• Alkyd coatings. As mentioned above, they tend to form a film, which creates a high level of moisture resistance. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Withstand strong temperature drops - they will serve in any climate. Do not change color when exposed to ultraviolet rays. Having a dense consistency, they are well applied. There are two types of varnishes, depending on your preferences: with mother-of-pearl and matte finish - the effect appears after polymerization (drying).

• Silicone coatings. Perhaps the most expensive option of all the proposed ones, but it is clearly worth the money. Can be applied over already painted material. Withstands any temperature and humidity - ideal for facades. Prevents wear and tear of OSB boards and creates excellent protection against mechanical damage.

So, among such a choice of varnishes, you need to find one that suits your requirements and meets all the necessary characteristics.

The market offers a wide assortment, so it is not surprising that, entering any hardware store, eyes begin to run up.

• Let's start with Soppka varnish specially developed for OSB boards. This company specializes exclusively in the production of refractory materials. So there is no doubt about the reliability of this property. Also, the goal of the Soppka company is to decorate your home with high-quality protection not only from fire, but also from rot, fungus and moisture.

• Carapol is a German brand that produces eco-friendly paints. It is one of the leaders in the world. Offers varnishes and paints based on silicone resins. Compositions are wear-resistant, with a mineral matte finish. White color.

• Deol. Country of origin - Russia. Alkyd enamel is intended for OSB boards. It is durable, resistant to chlorinated detergents - suitable for public places / vestibule / hallway. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Ferrara Paint. A creative Ukrainian company that creates decorative paint. In the assortment you can find a varnish suitable for OSB boards. This brand is especially suitable for those for whom aesthetics is the leading component.

• Dufa. A trade mark that took root in the market in 1955 and still does not give up its positions. Traditional German quality, time-tested product. Latex paint is perfect for interior panels. Forms a matte moisture-resistant coating, preserving the structure of the tree and protecting it from mechanical stress.

The choice of varnish will largely depend on where you want to use the slabs: indoors or outdoors, for floors or for furniture.

The use of OSB boards for furniture is an unusual, but very modern and interesting option. In this case, acrylic varnish is suitable for you. It will provide protection from moisture and decay. It has no smell, which is very important for furniture, and for any item inside the room. It will create a biased look, as it has a glossy finish.

OSB is widely used for flooring. It is a comfortable and environmentally friendly material. When choosing a varnish for it, be guided by the fact that it must be dense enough and create a durable coating. This will help to avoid various damages, premature wear, the floor will retain its original appearance longer and will serve you for a long time without the need for endless renewal. It is also important to create protection from fire, because the floor, especially the wooden one, is one of the first places where fire spreads.

For varnishing outdoor panels, it is important to choose a varnish that can firmly endure temperature extremes and can withstand severe frosts. But here you must be guided by the climate in which you live. Naturally, the southern regions are more unpretentious in this regard, but the inhabitants of the northern regions will have to understand well the temperature regime that the coating will withstand.It is also necessary to remember about protection from moisture, especially in coastal areas, and from UV radiation.

In order for the varnish to lay down well and serve for a long time, the surface must be prepared for coating. For this in some cases, it is necessary to grind the slabs first, especially if they are already old or their quality was initially low.

Next comes the application. To properly varnish the surface, follow all instructions on the varnish packaging. They are individual for each product. Start at the edges and then apply the varnish with a roller over the entire area, and the roller movements are carried out in one direction. This is followed by a long drying process. Again, the time will depend on the specific varnish and brand, but on average it takes 12 hours. And after that, you need to apply another layer in the same way. Wait until dry, and you can apply.

On request, it is also possible to decorate with colored paints. But only after using a primer.