Should I Seal the Gaps Between OSB Sheets?

[Pat Germain]

I'm in the process of putting up OSB on my shop walls. Since the garage shop is far from square, there are some slight gaps between some sheets. Is it necessary or a good idea to seal these gaps before painting? For example, should I put joint compound, or something, in there?

Thanks.

[Jason Roehl]

Not necessary, but a little caulk will certainly help the looks of the final product, and add a bit to the air-infiltration prevention.

[David G Baker]

Pat,
I would use latex paint caulk to fill the voids if they are not too large. If they are large use a foam filler rope and top this off with the painters caulk.

[Pat Germain]

Gee, I didn't even consider using caulk. Thanks, guys!

[Chris Padilla]

Just make sure it is paintable caulk.

[glenn bradley]

I used paintable caulk. I had painted before caulking but didn't like the look of the gaps so I caulked and touched up.

[Anthony Whitesell]

I wouldn't worry about the gaps based on air infiltration, the seams should be on the studs and the air blocked that way. If your looking to fill them before painting for a smoother look, I would either use joint compound or chaulking. There was a suggestion around here once upon a time, to paint the OSB, then skim in joint compound and paint a second time. The idea was that this would provide a smother finish and although the compound may be get chipped, the under layer of paint would help to hide it until you were ready to repaint the shop.

[Matt Meiser]

I didn't do anything with mine--I just painted. At first you'll notice them, but once you start hanging stuff all over the walls, they'll disappear.