New Shop build Plywood wall finishing ideas needed.

[turbo36]

Planning on using sanded 3/4" plywood for the first 8 feet of the interior walls of my new barn build. I am uncertain as to how to finish the walls, I plan on painting them white but not sure whether I should try to caulk the seams and nail holes or just live with them?

 

[HawkinsHollow]

If it was me I would caulk. It would not take too long and would probably give a better finish. When you paint things white cracks always stand out because cracks are black. The caulk would at least bridge that gap and hide the cracks. Still would not be drywall perfect but it is a barn and will look better than 95% of barns out there.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

This is what my plywood walls that I'm working on look like. No caulk. I build 2x4 stud Faux? walls on 24" centers and used 1/2" plywood. Took a ton of paint. Did 2 coats of Kilz and 3 coats of interior semi-gloss paint.

 

[ArlyA]

In a barn or shop? Gee, paint and live with it.

 

[gstrom99]

3/4" plywood? Wow! $! Anyway, I caulked (latex) my OSB before painting. I needed three coats of latex paint to cover the printing on the OSB since it bled through.

 

[ArlyA]

3/4 would be nice to attach things to. Can we ask what you are paying for it there? I worked in a shop for years that had roofing tin walls. Nice for fires but you couldn't attach nothing to it.

 

[scootr]

Prime then caulk the obvious flaws and apply the finished coat. If you have big exposed knots you may want to fill and smooth them with drywall mud. You only build it once but you will look at forever.

 

[turbo36]

3/4 would be nice to attach things to. Can we ask what you are paying for it there? I worked in a shop for years that had roofing tin walls. Nice for fires but you couldn't attach nothing to it.

I bought 53 sheets of 3/4" inch sanded birch plywood for 50 bucks a sheet from a lumber liquidator. They are perfect condition.

 

[rumwrks]

Consider caulking and using intumescent paint (yes it's not cheap, no it's not 100% fireproof, yes it does help).

 

[turbo36]

Consider caulking and using intumescent paint (yes it's not cheap, no it's not 100% fireproof, yes it does help).

“Intumescent” I can’t wait to work that into a conversation. Just when you think you know everything someone more educated than you throws out something for you to look up on Google. Thanks for the info!