Exposed wood beams can add character to a home. However, they may get damaged, dirty and old over time, which will require an upgrade. Even if they are not yet old, if they do not match the new look of your home, you may also consider upgrading them to get a more pleasant feel to your place. There are different methods to restore wood beams, and we listed some of them below.
Hand sanding
Removing the old paint and varnish of the wood beams will make them breathe again. Old paint can make your home look dated. Since the beams are exposed, they could contribute to the outdated feel of the home. Bringing back their natural beauty will enhance the overall look of your place, and it will also give it a more inviting vibe. Removing the paint manually through sanding by hand will do the job, but it will be tedious. It will require much time and effort, especially if you will be working on a big area. Hand sanding can be efficient and practical if you are only working on a small piece of furniture, but it may not be your best option if we are talking about big wood beams. Nevertheless, it’s still a method that is available for you to consider.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting uses fine bits of sand or other debris to remove paint and dirt on the surface, including wood beams. However, you need to do it correctly and with the right amount of pressure as it can cause damage to the beams if not done right. If you are not an expert in sandblasting, you may need to hire a professional to do the job for you to ensure the safety of your beams. The process can be noisy and messy, so you cannot do anything around the area while the job is ongoing.
Chemical stripping
Chemicals are also used in removing paint from beams. They melt the paint, which you can them remove through scraping. It still requires hard work, although not as intensive as hand sanding since the paint has already loosened. Nevertheless, it will still need a significant amount of time and effort. Moreover, since you are working with chemicals, there is also the risk of damaging the beams. Plus, the smell can be nasty.
Heat gun
A heat gun can also be used for removing paint from your old wood beams, but it can be dangerous. You can end up burning them instead of restoring them. Moreover, it will also still require you to manually scrape the paint after it loosens, just like you would if using chemical stripping.
Protecting and sealing
After removing the old paint, varnish and dirt, you should sand the wood beams to bring out their natural beauty. You can leave them as they are, or you may also apply clear protection so their classic look will still show while ensuring that they are protected.
Doing the restoration by yourself can be tedious and time-consuming. Plus, if you don’t do it right, it can turn into a disaster. You may want to consider hiring a professional beam renovation company to make the process faster and safer.
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