Hello Rabbi Bartfeld,

Q. Is there a problem with using bamboo that is coated with a varnish like substance for schach?
I saw at dollar stores that they have them…

A. Poskim permit painting or coloring the material used for kosher schach since it does not change the nature of the substance and it does not create a separate-standing body. (Haelef Lecha Shlomo 365, Beis Yisroel 106, Nitey Gavriel – Sukos 15: n. 15 -quoting Chazon Ish, Orchois Rabbenu – quoting the Steipler Rov zt’l,) so too is the opinion of Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a