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Discussion Forum

best finish for wood ceiling?

royboy | Posted in General Discussion on February 28, 2005 06:45am

Situation: last week I installed a 600 sf wood ceiling in a storefront my wife and I own. Random width aspen paneling. We are remodelling the whole space and the ceiling is the first finish surface installed. Wanting to seal the ceiling, so it can be cleaned if needed. Our desire is to put some sealer/finish on that minimally changes the appearance (color & sheen) of the raw wood, which looks great as is. As well as requiring minimal effort to apply (if we can avoid sanding I’d be a very happy camper).

Would appreciate anyone’s thoughts on good products/techniques.

Reply

Replies

  1. Shoeman | Feb 28, 2005 08:15am | #1

    My first thought would be Minwax Polycrylic - water based poly

    To keep down the sheen get the satin finish

    goes on easy dries fast and doesn't yellow

     

    I don't have experience with a lot of other products though

    we'll have to see what others think as well, but, my experience with the Polycrylic has been good

  2. User avater
    RichColumbus | Feb 28, 2005 11:57am | #2

    Who (or what) will be the final occupant? 

    For a restaurant, it will be one suggestion... for an office, another.  For a tanning salon... yet another. 

    1. royboy | Feb 28, 2005 04:20pm | #3

      occupant will be a retail shop/gallery. "fiberarts"

      1. zendo | Feb 28, 2005 04:53pm | #4

        I'd second the water poly.  It cost a bit more, but it will be clear, doesnt yellow. They generally also contain UV inhibitors.

        Wear a respirator, at the ceiling level the fumes get serious quickly, even though its water based.

        No way on the on the no sanding.  No matter what you use the grain will raise.  If you only put one coat you are inviting a dust problem... it will attach to the barbs of grain. 

        Pole sand it like sheetrock, take your time, dont wear yourself out.  Once its done its done.  When you see the second or even third coat you will thank me.

        -zen

        1. frenchy | Mar 01, 2005 01:45am | #6

          I'm sorry to disagree here, I dislike water based poly for one reason, while it doesn't turn yellow it does tend to have a blueish tint to it. I expect florescent to be used and the most common of those have their own blueish cast to them (unless you opt for the very expensive true color variety)

              The result of blue and blue tends to come off as cold.  I think if you speak to a real expert they will tell you to avoid that in a retail situation due to the poor psychology that a cold color carries.   I would go for a true poly that has a little yellow( warmth) in it and then feel comfortable using less than the most expensive bulbs in your fixtures..

             (in one earlier career I learned all about lighting)

          1. zendo | Mar 01, 2005 03:39am | #7

            No problem, good point. 

            How does everyone feel about lacquer?

            If you spray it, it could be quick.  Sanding will be about the same.

            -zen

          2. BruceM16 | Mar 01, 2005 04:35am | #9

            With about 900 sq ft of 1X4 clear cedar T&G on my ceiling, I'm having the same debate with myself about what finish to use.

            My neighbors used spray-on laquer for their 1X6 knotty pine ceiling. Looks ok. But I'm leaning towards the brush on oil-based urethane. Oil so it'll flow out and not raise the grain so much. The odor has me concerned, so I think rather than get up next to the ceiling to apply it, I'll use a tight-nap roller and extended handle. But I suspect it'll require 3 coats to protect the wood and help it keep that nice cedar 3-D look, rather than flatten out....at least that's what I hope.

            BruceM

          3. zendo | Mar 01, 2005 05:00pm | #10

            Its just an opinion, but Im not one to like rolled wood, I think its noticeable.

            I can tell you that if you use oil based, get a few sets of carbon filters for your respirator.  OSHA wants them changed every 8 hrs after they have been opened.  I think that is a bit much, but having done a few floors in the winter, you will start to smell and taste it in your mask when the cartridges are shot.

            Up near the ceiling is worse then near the floor.  Whatever your decision just be sensible.

            -zen

             

             

          4. DustinThomps | Mar 01, 2005 04:18am | #8

            There are waterbased products that have an amber hue, but I don't think you''l find them at the home depot, or similar stores.  Oil based products do have a beautiful glow, and level out well, but the stench.  Wear a respirator, ventilate well, and get some fresh air every once in a while. 

      2. User avater
        RichColumbus | Feb 28, 2005 05:24pm | #5

        Given that... I'd also recommend the water-based poly.

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