Old loft beams

[Doodle]

Hi all,

I've just done the woodworm treatment on the old beams in the loft and would be very grateful for any info regarding the next step ie whether to oil/varnish/wax them. I don't want to change the colour as they are a nice oak colour and I'd prefer a matt finish. The beams are a mixture of old and new so there is some colour variation but I quite like the idea of seeing the difference.

also, if you have any photos..........

Many thanks in advance.

Chris

[ericd]

Is this a live in loft or just a loft loft?? If the loft is used for no other purpose than storing goods, use a bucket of diesel and splash it about.

That's what farmers do to their timber. No expensive oil/wax etc. just diesel as it comes out of the pump.

You can use this even if it's a live in loft, just keep the windows open for a while.

Alternative is to use cheap engine oil (new from the supermarket but the cheapest band is ok) then brush at will on your timber. After a few days the smell has disappeared.

[just john]

I have used a mixture of turps and (bought) boiled linseed oil , you might find this info helps,
beginners woodworking Finishing

[Doodle]

Thanks for your posts, very interesting.

It is going to be a bedroom with toilet etc so I think I've narrowed it down to clear satin varnish or linseed oil mix.

Chris

[Jo]

So no diesel then...........[Www] unless the bedroom is purely for non smokers[:-))]

[Doodle]

I can't get my head round diesel and as my mother-in-law (aged 78) will probably be staying in the loft and loft bound (hopefully) (only joking) I am sure she'd think I was trying to kill her off!!

Chris

[Dave&Olive]

hi ok

look here http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/1292909/ShowPost.aspx

done mine with bees wax mixed with pure tupentine and a cap full of hardener

Dave