Varnish for roof beams

[Andy and Sarah]

We are in the process of converting the top floor of our house into 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. We have the original wood beams still exposed (which have been treated for anti-fungus, rot, woodworm etc ) and would like to varnish them. Our builder, albeit the mason, suggested that if we used the wrong varnish it would soak in and make no difference. However, he did not know, or could not explain, what is the correct varnish for the job. We don't want to change the colour, just get that shine to them.

Can anyone advise us?

[Charlotte3]

What you need is vitrificateur (?sp) incolore finition brilliant. We use masses of this stuff in work for exactly the same work. Use it on any woodwork needing a varnished finish without changing the colour of the wood. You can get it in coloured versions as well (incolore means colourless). This product can be used anywhere including floors, stairs, worktops, doors etc., although it's always better to use the aspect ciree finish on stairs and floors!

The first coat will soak in so you will need several coats bo build up to a shine.  To be honest a more traditional finish is "aspect ciree" which gives a finish that looks like wax and is more authentic. (Just a slight sheen rather than a shine).

Hope this helps,

Aly

[Andy and Sarah]

Thanks Aly

Is "aspect ciree" the name of the product or is it the finish of vitrificateur. Can you buy it in Brico / Castorama / L Merlin and is it applied by brush or with a rag?

Thank you for you help.

Andy

 

 

 

[Ford Anglia]

"Aspect Ciree" means it's a sort of silk finish, a bit like wax, which is "cire" in French.

When I've used vitrificateur, it's been with a brush. It tends to be thin, so be ready for any drips.

[Dave&Olive]

hi

 OK vitrificateur is an expensive way to go , it` s fine for stairs in gell form , or floors in liquid form ,gives a rock hard wearing finish ( you can even get a 2 pack version ,for an even harder finish ) but it`s water based and very thin goes on like milk , you would be far better off using say lasure bois , or even liquid wax

    have a look here http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j311/daveolive/?start=20  I used the liquid on the floor ,gel on the stairs and lasure bois on the beams

                    Dave

[Andy and Sarah]

thanks all - will have a scout around Castorama / L Merlin when I am there

Andy

 

[Charlotte3]

It's not always always water based (same as varnish), we use it in work all the time.. I know it's expensive, but it gives the best longest lasting finish.

Certainly, stained varnish is cheaper. I suppose it just depends what you want to spend.

On floors or worktops etc. the best finish is obtained using a short haired roller. 

Liquid wax tends to attract dust.

Aly