Do we have to finish it with urethane or whatever??

Site Admin Joined: Mar 22, 2005 Posts: 33

Message (Gail writes) :

We have just finished putting pine tongue and groove on our small cottage (we built ourselves mostly - 28X32) walls and ceiling. We were not planning on putting any finish on them - but were just told that it would turn 'gray' if we don't! Is this true? We thought it would just naturally turn darker (golden) with age. Do we have to finish it with urethane or whatever??

Thanks

Gail

Site Admin Joined: Mar 22, 2005 Posts: 33

Re: Interior wood walls and ceiling.

If it was me, I would definitely put at least two coats of a (water bases) crystal urethane on and sand, dust between each coat. If you don't put something on your wood it will become darker, duller, dirtier and check (shrink and crack). The T&G (tongue & grove) will open up and curl more likely in time if it is left un treated. Applying something on it will help protect its nature moment. I don't think it will grey because its not going to be exposed to exterior weather and direct sunlight).

Applying urethane to seal your wood will help keep organic material from attaching to it. For a more natural look, use a satin finish. It has less sheen. The fresh look of natural wood is beautiful, if only it stayed like that.

Now, that being said... I have a friend who's father built 4 cabins for his family summer gatherings. None of the cabins interiors were ever treated. They are made of spruce T&G. The are very very dark inside and for the most part, not much checking. My friend (son), wishes his dad would have put something on them because they are so dark and rough. But he says... "they are only cabins" ...

What ever you do, be sure to season your wood well. The more moisture, the more shinkage.
Hope that helps.