Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

My question is there a way for me to protect and enhance the look of this bamboo strips? like a topcoat or something. I noticed that bamboo strips deteriorate overtime, even when they are not exposed to moisture/elements. I want a bamboo strip ceiling that would last for some time. If there as an alternative (and affordable) material i could use, let me know. appreciate the help! 🙂

I have recently submitted a 3-month test sample of an applied spreadable epoxy mix that is also marine grade w/ UV treatment for my Davao Pearl farm project. The test sample is Bamboo w/c they plan to use as roof shingles. We immersed it in water for 2 months and then we buried it under ground for 1 month after soaking to test whether wood mites or termites will attack the test unit or some contamination will take effect. As per my test it passed. I just don't know if three months is sufficient time for you to approve it. My client says they will now test it for another 3 months in their area. If it remains consistent or in it's original state then they will use it for their January 2012 renovation. Maybe this will be something to look forward to.:soon:

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

@ mig21,

So you prefer to use bamboo for your garage ceiling, that's cool bro, going native ? Using bamboo or sawali for ceilings gives a cool temperature to a room, only problem with them are they are prone to termites or wood boarer ( bukbuk ) attack. One simple way to preserve this materialis to wipe/brush it with several coats of Solignum clear wood preservative or you can drench the bamboo overnite then let them dry completely before installing.

The inside part of the bamboo, that's the one the termites or wood boarers love to attack because its kinda soft for them, and the outer shinny coating, tough for them termites. Now after it gets dry you may coat all sides with Phenoseal to make it waterproof then again after it gets dry then you can again now coat it with your prefered stain or just leave it natural by brushing or spraying with Valspar.

Hope this helps. :p 😀 :p

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

yep bamboo para organic looking (and affordable) 🙂 i plan to put a flourescent lamp (t5) between the roof and bamboo para cool effect.. heheh

anyways yeah i already bought a liter of clear solignum, thanks for the reminder. The bamboo isnt exposed to rain, do i still need to coat it with phenoseal? Will VALSPAR alone make it presentable enough? thanks!

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

Bro mig21,

You may or may not apply Phenoseal anymore, its still your choice, I was just making sure that the bamboo becomes waterproof, baka kasi magkaroon ng tulo sa bubong o yero, at least the bamboo will not absorb any rain water. 😮 :p

Yes Valspar will make it presentable enough if you prefer it to look natural but you can also stain it lightly with ZAR wood stain or Boysen, its much cheaper. Anyway if you really want it to be different and something to be talked about, try to play with some design applications, probably a basket weave approach, or divide the area by four, X style then apply the bamboo strip from the outer edges all around going to the center or you can try dividing again the given space are of 4' X 6' by 3 or 4 lenghtwise, then apply the bamboo strips in a diagonal way downwards and on the other side diagonal upwards and so on and so forth. These are just simple suggestions but if you prefer the simple straight application, then so be it or its up to you. :rolleyes: :juggle:

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

Appreciate the inputs bro! thanks man! !. im a newbie at this.. would you mind giving me some tips on how to stain the bamboo? the only thing i understand (i hope im right) is painting / applying the bamboo strips with valspar to make it look shiny.

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

Hey bro mig21,

You are on the right track friend, if you are going to use Boysen wood stain, the stain preference I leave it to your choice. You can just simply apply it by brushing, the more applications after drying the darker the stain becomes, its that simple. Bro if you have time you can check this thread, Bamboo Tabletop, its still in the latest thread. Its not my thread but I have some replies there on the third or fourth reply, cant remember anymore but the reply showing some bamboo kitchen furniture that I have applied some wood stains, maybe you'll have an idea how your bamboo ceiling will comeout.

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

thanks man. will check that thread. truly appreciate the help i get here in pinoyhandyman. !

Re: bamboo strips for Kesame

by the way, which goes first? valspar then wood stain finally? tia...