reclaimed oak beams

[kalamitykitten]

We have a few decorative reclaimed oak beams in our early 1800's cottage which have been left totally untreated.They have loads of worm holes in them & are very dry looking & flakey.I'd like to give them a smoother finish & a better colour,any suggestions?

 

[Lime]

You want them to look new? :?

 

[middi]

Are these beams " mock used beams" and therefore not structural in any way or part of the original structure?

If this is the case you can do pretty well what you like with them as long as they look nice to you. .

 

[geoff]

Wax looks nice - you don't have to buff it to a glossy shine, just a slight sheen looks good. I used a dark stained wax on mine as it fits in with a welsh stone cottage.

 

[bournonite]

erk....

I spend half my working life taking stuff like that OFF beams at the request of clients who want them to look natural (sorry... ) We just use either a very gentle blast of plastic beads (not sandblasting - too harsh, and erodes the surface) or a belt sander with 40 grit paper, in the direction of the grain, on about half speed, with no pressure - just lifts the very top surface dirt.. English heritage would disagree - but their daft idea of chemical stripping using poultices, is, in my humble opinion, just as horrible, chemical and destructive as anythng else - and it leaves the beams blackened..

 

[Penners]

I agree with Geoff. Give the beams a good brushing to get off any surface dust or really friable material, then just wax them. The wax will get rid of the dry appearance, give them a nice rich colour, and (if you're generous with it) fill old woodworm flight holes. The holes won't become invisible, but hey - they're character!

You can then decide whether you want to buff the beams at all (if not they'll stay matt), slightly (for a gentle sheen), or really give them welly for a high sheen. The choice is yours.

Take care not to get the wax on to any surrounding paint or plasterwork.

 

[kalamitykitten]

You want them to look new? :?

No not at all.....I just don't want bits dropping off in my already bad cooking!

 

[kalamitykitten]

Thanks for your help,will try brushing & waxing. Have read somewhere that a copper wire brush can be used,any thoughts on that?
Also could anyone recommend a good wax to use?

 

[Penners]

Have read somewhere that a copper wire brush can be used,any thoughts on that?
Also could anyone recommend a good wax to use?

A copper or brass brush is often used for oak, to avoid leaving particles of ferrous material in the oak. It's a timber very high in tannic acid, and this can cause black corrosion marks where ferrous metals are in contact.

That's why old oak doors with iron nails in them develop black splodges around the nails.

However, it may not be necessary for you to use anything as aggressive as a metal brush - a stiff handheld floor brush may do the job, and risks less removal of soft material from the beam. Start with a less aggressive brush and work up as necessary.

I like beeswax and turpentine wax - it's easy to put on because it's soft. I think Liberon make one but there are plenty of brands. You should be able to find it in your local DIY store.

 

[kalamitykitten]

Penners.........Thank you for your help. Hopefully will have them looking beautiful in no time.

 

[skier-hughes]

I used a stiff floor brush today on a small piece of oak and it worked a treat in removing all the green build up from lying outside for a few years.

 

[kalamitykitten]

Finished my beams today.Used copper wire brush first then fine sand paper.Finished off with a couple of really good coats of Briwax & buffed gently.Look fab.Took some time & elbow grease but worth the effort.Thanks everyone for advice.

 

[Penners]

Finished off with a couple of really good coats of Briwax.

For future reference, I believe some Briwax products contain organic solvents - not good to breathe the fumes (or indeed to release them into the atmosphere).

You will survive this exposure :wink: but in future simple beeswax with or without turpentine is better.

 

[Nemesis]

Yup, Briwax is er - interesting in a confined space.

 

[kalamitykitten]

It was a bit whiffy! Have hole in ozone layer above my house but a smile on my face!
Think I will maintain them in future with beeswax now I have the colour in them.