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I recently built a screen porch. The roof is exposed Douglas Fir beams and 2×6 T&G Southern Yellow Pine decking. I have not put any finish on the ceiling inside the screened in area and am wondering whether I have to. I am very happy with how it currently looks, but worry that what I don’t know might hurt me in the future. Any suggestions?
The house is in NJ and is in full sun.
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Don't know what your air is like there, but I've seen several porches, etc that were left unfinished. They are all doing well as long as they are kept dry and ventilated. None of these were in as humid an environment as I picture NJ to be though.
*Carl,I think I would use a clear satin finish. Probably a marine spar varnish, which is nothing more than a souped -up polyurethane varnish, but a spar has UV ray inhibitors in it to keep the finish from breaking down from sunlight exposure. I definately would not paint the ceiling. The rosins in Southern Yellow Pine make it hard for paint to adhere to it well. Sooner or later, the paint will blister.Since you're in New Jersey, there should be a lot of boating stores. Any store selling boat supplies should have some good quality spar varnishs that they could recommend. One name that comes to mind is a brand called EPIFANES. They are based in Portland Maine. Most boat docks carry their stuff, but if you can't find it, you can call them for info at 1-800-269-0961.Davo
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I recently built a screen porch. The roof is exposed Douglas Fir beams and 2x6 T&G Southern Yellow Pine decking. I have not put any finish on the ceiling inside the screened in area and am wondering whether I have to. I am very happy with how it currently looks, but worry that what I don't know might hurt me in the future. Any suggestions?
The house is in NJ and is in full sun.