How to Finish a Horse Barn
Also referred to as a stable, a traditional horse barn is constructed of plywood. Like all wooden surfaces, the plywood panels are susceptible to regular wear that leads to drying, density loss and eventual cracking. To prevent these natural occurrences, treat the horse barn with the proper finish, including a stain and varnish to preserve and protect the condition of the wood.
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Things You'll Need
- Power sander
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Duster
- Tack cloth
- Wood stain
- Stirring stick
- 2 brushes
- Paint roller
- Rag
- Sanding sealer
- 280-grit sanding sponge
- Wood varnish
Instructions
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1
Sand the plywood with a power sander equipped with 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out nicks, scratches and worn areas. This prepares the barn for staining while eliminating dirt and surface imperfections.
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2
Dust the wood to remove the grit that was left after sanding. Wipe it down with a tack cloth to remove the remainder of the sawdust.
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3
Mix a can of wood stain with a stirring stick until all of the contents at the bottom have been equally distributed. Apply an even coat onto the plywood using a natural-bristle brush or paint roller to even out its color. Follow the direction of the wood grain and then use a rag to quickly wipe away the excess product before it dries.
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4
Brush a sanding sealer over the wood once the stain has dried overnight. Use long strokes following the grain of the wood. Once the coat is dry to the touch, smooth it thoroughly with a 280-grit sanding sponge.
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Seal and protect the barn's finish using a polyurethane wood varnish. Apply the product with a painter's rag or foam applicator brush. Allow it to cure overnight and then sand the surface with the 280-grit sponge.
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Repeat the same procedure for at least one to two more coats of varnish to effectively seal the moisture in the wood; this will prevent cracking, drying and warping. Do not sand the top coat
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Tips & Warnings
Cover your face with a dust mask and wear protective eye goggles before sanding or working with chemicals.
References
- Photo Credit stable in ireland image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
