oak beams

[Anonymous]

Any suggestions for cleaning untreated oak beams 150 years old?
Also what is best to use to bring out the colour? Suggestions have included equal measures of linseed oil and turps; liqiud wax; mat polyeurethane. Can anyone advise?

 

[Anonymous]

As far as finishes go, I'd avoid any sort of varnish - hell to remove in future. Beeswax is a good way to treat wood though - SPAB has a leaflet on making beeswax polish if you want to try it yourself.

I've never cleaned oak beams, so can't say how best to clean!



http://www.spab.org.uk

 

[Anonymous]

When you say clean, I'm assuming they are just a bit dusty and grimey with time. In that case a good bit of elbow grease applied with a nice stiff bristle brush (get one that fits into the palm of your hand nicely) with remove the dust and surface dirt. If you have some sort of dirt on them or old paint of plaster round the edges, either scrape off with a paint scraper or apply a bit of paint stripper and remove with wire wool.

I can't comment on the linseed mixed with turps because I've not done it. I have found liquid waxes to be very easy to use on old beams. By keeping it warm as you work and applying with an old worn down (or trimmed if you don't have a worn one) paint brush you can get into all the holes, cracks and crevices. Then 24 hours later go at it again with that stiff bristle brush and they will look lovely. For best results I would then repeat the exercise to get two coats on. I've always used clear, which brings the honey tones out of the wood, but doesn't impinge with a false dye.

Whatever you do, don't use varnish or paint. They will be spoiled for the future as it's very difficult and invasive to remove.

Sue

 

[Anonymous]

hi
thanks for the advice - they look fantastic now!
celia

 

[Anonymous]

sue
excellent advice re the wax on beams, removal of paint stripper and cleanig.
They look fantastic now
celia