Hi All, Im looking to rejuvenate some very old oak ceiling beams which currently have a dark brown gloss finish, back to natural oak finish. I contacted a couple of specialists that renovate beams with a view to having them blasted (with sand, soda, ice or whatever they use) but was surprised when both companies informed me that they now seal the existing finishes on the beams and them add more paint / dye to achieve a natural oak finish complete with grain. Does anyone know what paints / dye are used to achieve this type of finish ??? Ive done some research online and seen info on using distemper or casein paint but im not familiar with either. Im not convinced that stripping the beams using a chemical stripper is an option as the surfaces are just too rough in places. Thanks in advance for your assistance
Take a look at the Peelaway Range, with your beams you probably would find Peelaway 1 to be best suited. I believe Screwfix stock it.
Thanks, I’ll take a look. My only concern with using chemical stripper is how effective it would be in the deep grain.
If the bandage works and you are very very lucky it will peel off leaving clean wood, it's worth perfecting this because the alternative is hell on earth on uneven timber, hence why the ones you see are smooth from a belt sander, it's a lot to expect the final finish to be clean wood.
I'd try it on a bit, if it works the OP is saved a world of pain, it is expensive but that is a lot of man hours stripping any other way too.