How to seal OSB board edges
Warren McLean
A while ago we put some OSB (aka melamine board) shelving in a closet,
only to find that the cut edges gave off a bad smell (of
formaldehyde) for about a year.
We would like to build some more shelving, but how do we seal the cut
edges so that we don't get the same smell ??
Thanx in advance for your help.
Warren McLean
wmc...@awinc.com
Frank Erskine
<wmc...@awinc.com> writes
>
>A while ago we put some OSB (aka melamine board) shelving in a closet,
>only to find that the cut edges gave off a bad smell (of
>formaldehyde) for about a year.
>
>We would like to build some more shelving, but how do we seal the cut
>edges so that we don't get the same smell ??
If you don't intend to glue melamine edging to the boards, treat them
with polyurethane varnish (preferably two coats).
--
Frank Erskine
Sunderland
England
Rob-L
: We would like to build some more shelving, but how do we seal the cut
: edges so that we don't get the same smell ??
Look for some iron-on edge-band, which is available in solid colors as
well as various types of simulated wood. It is melamine, with some kind
of rubbery adhesive on the back, and comes in rolls. If it's too wide,
you can trim it after application, and clean it up with a fine file.
It'll smell when you heat it up, but within a few days it loses that odor.
bay...@kali.nas.com
>A while ago we put some OSB (aka melamine board) shelving in a closet,
>only to find that the cut edges gave off a bad smell (of
>formaldehyde) for about a year.
>We would like to build some more shelving, but how do we seal the cut
>edges so that we don't get the same smell ??
1. OSB is Oriented Strand Board, typical cheap construction board for
wall, roof, and floor sheathing, melamine is melamine or, locally?,
MDL Medium Density Laminate? (a manufactuers brand name I believe)
2. Seal any exposed edges w/ any sort of finish/paint or iron on
polyester edgebanding w/ hot melt adhesive on the back, I seem to
remember seeing a tape style (sticky back) edgebanding that might work
as well. Check your local hardware stores. Caulk the shelves where
they meet (or don't) walls.
--
Dave
TwoJean Consulting
compressed-sawdust-with-resin board. Older boards and products from older
factories, still use urea-formaldahyde resins as binding. This off-gasses
over time, with a large amount upon exposure to heat (installation in a
house, frequently) and dissipation over time. Dave suggests edge banding,
which is an excellent solution. Another, cheaper but less attractive
solution is a plastic sealant such as polyurethane paints. It will have
to be renewed over time, and should be applied in a series of thin coats
to do the best job. Exposure to sunlight deteriorates the polyurethane.