Recommendations on finish for wood wall

[Matthew Windholtz]

Hello,

My buddy is putting up some skip-planed lumber on the walls of his workshop and we were debating the best finish. He got randoms of red oak, white oak, poplar, some cherry. Since the finish of the wood is relatively rough, I thought the best finish would be a spray finish. Wiping or working something into the wood could be a challenge due to the large area, and the fact that the lumber is rough and not very finished.

We want more natural finish and look.

He has access to a HVLP.

What would you do? I have provided 2 pictures.

466680466681

[John TenEyck]

Matte or flat waterborne finish. It will look like no finish at all.

John

[mark mcfarlane]

I'd be tempted to leave it raw. What specifically are you trying to accomplish adding a topcoat? Dust control?

[Jim Becker]

Spraying is a very good idea. I'll also suggest matte/flat waterborne as it will do the protective job but not be readily evident unless you really want a higher luster. Same technique and same waterborne, but more coats and in a higher sheen.