[eaglestats]

Which side of the OSB board is considered the "right" side. we are putting OSB board in an upstairs rec room. We want to paint the board. Can you tell me which side to paint...."chip" side or the "rough/dark" side.
we prefer the rough for the ceiling and the chip design for the walls. Please give us the procedure for painting. Also can you specifically tell us the type/kind of paint to use.

Thanks from a
"desperate" reader.

mbm

[DangerMouse]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

What you propose sounds fine to me. Whichever side you want to use!
There is no "right" side in this case. I saw a half-wall at a chinese eatery that was OSB plain and just varnished.
(looked pretty cheap, of course)
If I were you I'd use the rough side as the walls and the chippy sides as the ceiling. It'll be less obvious it's OSB that way after painting.

DM

[Gary in WA]

Do you have OSB or plywood as sheathing? If so, don't add it inside to create another vapor retarder as it is semi-permeable.
Welcome to the forum!

Gary

[Hunter25]

I was wondering about that too. I want to use the USB over an existing old T&G floor in my attic. Does anyone see a problem with that? I wans't planning on painting it but putting a rug pad and rug over top of it. Hope I'm not getting off of the topic.

[Mop in Hand]

The rough side out is placed on roofs with a pitch so they are safer to walk on.

[Gary in WA]

The waxed (smooth) side is stamped for the inspector, faces in -- on roofs and rooms, so he can see the rating at inspection. Used in an attic, OSB would practically stop the moisture coming through from below and possibly mildew or mold on the face. Or, you may be alright. Carpet and pad is not a good idea unless the room is heated, not ventilated attic.

Gary