londoneye Posted August 29, 2007 Share Posted August 29, 2007 I am sure I have seen a post about this before, but can't seem to find it now I want it.We have new oak lintels in our renovated barn, for 4 new windows. We also left in the old oak lintel above the original barn door opening.The old oak lintel is the lovely silvery grey colour. One of the new lintels is also quite dark, but other three are very light colour.Originally I wanted to sand down the fourth (darker) lintel and have four light coloured ones. Now, however, I quite like the way the darker ones look. Question: any idea how long it will take for the lighter lintels to go a nice silvery grey colour? Second question: should I treat the lintels with anything?Can anyone help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted August 30, 2007 Share Posted August 30, 2007 How old is your barn LE? It will take quite a few years for the new oak to 'silver' especially the inside. The old lintel has probably never been treated with anything and that is why it is that colour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoneye Posted August 31, 2007 Author Share Posted August 31, 2007 Don't know Jonzjob. Best guess around 100 - 150 years ???Is it best to treat the new timber with something then ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 leave some old iron in a pail of water use nails chain anything like that then when water is nice and murky (Say after a fortnight) paint the raw wood with the water, this should accellerate the aging look and give the silver hue you refer to. Please note this will only work on raw untreated wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoneye Posted September 2, 2007 Author Share Posted September 2, 2007 I'm sorry i know I am bleating on a bit now - but if I 'sealed' or 'finished/stained' them with something wouldn't it be better for the structure (as opposed to the look, which I agree would be better if left alone).Sorry !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted September 2, 2007 Share Posted September 2, 2007 Depends what you want really although a clear preservative may work over wood thats been treated the way suggested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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