Re-using old beams can give your home a beautiful rustic look. It is important to protect these exposed beams, though, to keep them looking good. Several products can be used to protect exposed wood. These include clear oils which seal and protect whilst still showing off the wood grain. Below are some of the best treatments for old beams.
Sanding
Whether they’re tired and need an uplift or have previously been coated, properly treating your old beams can add heaps of character to your property. The sanding process can be tricky but it’s a vital step in rejuvenating the beams, ensuring they are structurally sound and enabling them to accept wood stain, wax, or oil.
The first step in the sanding process is to check the condition of the wood. This can be done by banging a three-inch nail into the beams and if it doesn’t go in easily, there’s a high probability that the timber will need replacing.
If the wood is in good condition, the next step would be to sand the beams with a coarse grit to smooth out any imperfections and prepare them for the application of the product. The choice of product will depend on your preference – clear oils like Danish or Linseed oil are fantastic for sealing and protecting pine beams whilst showing off the grain of your beams.
However, if you prefer to keep a traditional black look on your exposed wooden beams then there are products such as Ronseal’s Total Wood Preservative that can be used for both new and existing, bare or previously treated wood. This product will give your beams a classic, black finish that is water-resistant and protects against mold, algae, insects, and insect attacks. It also allows the wood to breathe.
Sealing
A coating of preservatives can protect wooden beams from moisture, rot, and insect infestation. If the top interior wooden beams are exposed, they can be further protected with a sheet metal cap. These are often made from copper but galvanized steel can also be used. These caps are available from most builders’ merchants and should be fitted to the flat top surface of beams where water can pool.
Beams should be protected with a clear oil that will nourish safeguard and coat the wood. This will stop them drying out and becoming brittle. Some of the best options include boiled linseed oil, which gives a quick-drying finish with an attractive ruby tint, and tung oil, a traditional option that dries slowly to a matt tint. Alternatively, a polyurethane wood varnish will give a glossy finish and is easy to use.
For a more vibrant look, colored stain can be applied to the timbers. A good option is Mann Classic Oak Wood Stain which will highlight the grain of oak beams and bring a rich colour to any room. For a more subtle effect, Liberon Palette wood dye spray which is a great alternative and will give a saturated color to the beams whilst still highlighting the texture.
Wooden beams can be damaged by over-zealous cleaning, stripping, and sanding. It is recommended that you use a soft brush or damp cloth to remove dirt and debris from the wood, rather than a pressure washer. Using a harsh chemical or overly vigorous sanding could cause damage and make the timber weaker.
Staining
Staining can be a great option for rejuvenating old beams as it preserves their structural integrity while enhancing their appearance. When stained correctly, timber can be protected from moisture and rotting as well as mold and insect attacks. It is essential to use a preservative that penetrates the wood, rather than one that sits on top of it.
It is recommended to stain beams at a time of day that allows the stain several hours to permeate and dry before the sun hits it. This will ensure that the beam is protected from UV rays and the paint will look its best for longer.
Before staining, the surface of an oak beam of your beams should be clean and free of any dirt or dust. A big mechanical sander is usually the way to go when it comes to this, but for a truly smooth finish, you may be better off sanding by hand with fine-grit sandpaper.
Once the surface of your timber is clean and ready for staining, it’s best to choose a clear or transparent stain that will allow you to see the natural grain of your timber and any character marks. For example, our Beam And Carpentry Wood Stain LPC500 is a low-VOC product that provides excellent protection against humidity, stains, and abrasion while maintaining the natural color of your wooden beams. It can be used for both your interior beams and exterior projects, however, if your structure is exposed to direct sunlight it is a good idea to protect it with a fungicidal treatment such as Ronseal Premier Universal Preservative or similar.
Wood Fillers
Some old beams may be damaged by holes or other imperfections. Using wood fillers to repair them can help rejuvenate your timber, preserving its structural integrity and enhancing its appearance. However, choosing the right filler is vitally important. Modern wood fillers tend to blur the line between putty and filler, making it difficult to decide which one is best for the job at hand.
Some wood fillers are designed to make exterior beams look like real wood, with some even offering a choice of colors to match your beams’ natural hue. Another popular option is to use a filler gel that mixes sanding dust, preferably from the same wood being repaired, into a clear gel that can then be stained, varnished, or oiled.
Many modern wood fillers are made from epoxy resin, which gives them a hardwearing finish but can also be sanded or cut. They are ideal for repairing damage and filling gaps, although they should not be used in exterior settings as they don’t respond well to changes in wood movement and can crack or crumble under stress.
If you want your old beams to retain their rustic characteristics, it’s better to treat them with clear oil, such as Danish or Linseed oil, which will both seal and protect while allowing the beams to breathe and show off, and maintain their natural color. Alternatively, you can opt for a dark stain, such as Ronseal Total Wood Preservative, which will both protect against mold and mildew whilst giving the wood a classic black finish.
Epoxy Injections
Concrete crack injection is an effective restoration method for preserving the structural integrity of old beams by welding them back together with epoxy resin. This repair system is superior to waterproofing injection products because it not only seals the crack but also restores the loading capacity that was originally designed into the concrete.
First, a capping paste is applied to the surface of the crack to help seal and bond the injection ports that will be used for material delivery. These injection ports are either drilled or socket-mounted and can be placed in a series to span the length of the crack. A reservoir port may be added for faster material delivery.
Once the ports are in place they are bridged with a special epoxy paste that is spread along the crack and helps to contain the injection process. Injection of the epoxy is then performed through these ports in a series until the cracked area is repaired.
It is important to note that epoxy is not a suitable repair for actively leaking cracks since the pressure from the injection can cause the injected material to push out of the crack and leak at the point of entry. Additionally, the proper diagnostics must be conducted to ensure that this is the best solution for the particular damage and environmental conditions. Professional foundation contractors can provide accurate diagnostics and offer a warranty to guarantee their work.
Natural Finishes
Wood is a very versatile material that can be used in many different ways. It can be used to create furniture, beams and rafters, posts, and more. However, it can also deteriorate quickly if it is not properly maintained and cared for. Consequently, it is important to take steps to preserve the structural integrity of old wood beams and to enhance their appearance.
One way to do this is to restore them by staining the beams in a color that will blend in with the surroundings and make them look more modern. Staining also protects the beams from moisture and helps them resist rot and yellowing.
Before staining your wooden beams, you should test the color on a piece of scrap wood to ensure that it will look the same when applied. It is important to remember that a stain will dry much darker than it looks when it is wet. It is also essential to use a high-quality stain that will protect your painted wooden beams.
There are several different natural finishes available that can be used to rejuvenate old wood beams. These products include oils and waxes. These products penetrate deep into the grain of the wood to nourish it and slow down the aging process. They are also able to repel water and other liquids. Natural wood waxes and oils can be purchased from a variety of stores. For example, tung oil is made from nuts and can be used to give the wood a beautiful ruby tint. Beeswax is another natural wood finish that can be used to protect old beams. It can be purchased in liquid form and then brushed onto the surface of the old oak beams themselves.
