Gabe Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 What is the best way to strip a beam ? I have two beams in the living room, both previously clad and both heavily smoke stained from the old fire. Some evidence of woodworm so will be treating this as well, but do not need comments on the pros and cons of doing this yourself, as this has been well documented before. Have read lots of alternatives for the stripping but what is the best ? Neither beam has been painted or plastered, the cladding was just nailed on.Gabe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Avery Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 If they are oak beams then a light sander or a drill powered wire brush normally works well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 Preferably the kind of wire brush that fits like a knuckle duster, otherwise your knuckles get attached to the beam...Wear a mask, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Avery Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 [quote user="Dicksmith"] Preferably the kind of wire brush that fits like a knuckle duster, otherwise your knuckles get attached to the beam...[/quote] Drill powered wire brush Dick, pay attention at the back!![:)] Good advice about the mask though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 I tried that and it didn't work very well. The beam was heavily textured, and it didn't seem to get into the crevices (ooh matron!) as well as a wire brush. No mask and you sneeze chipboard all week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bannon Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Probably overkill if you've only got two beams but I've just sandblasted all mine that were, like yours, heavy with smoke stains. Not a nice job either as the sand gets everywhere but the result was first rate... the down side was finding even more woodworm. Arghhh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabe Posted March 22, 2006 Author Share Posted March 22, 2006 Thanks for the advice. Another question related to this. The ceiling joists, think that is the right term, running at right angles to the beams, have been heavily painted as has the underside of the floorboards of the floor above. These are also heavily smoke stained and very greasy. Whilst I would have preferred to strip the joists as well, I can't face the job as the paint is so thick and the room is big c.30m2. I will probably repaint these (coward) and the floorboards. The question is, can anybody recommend a method of degreasing and cleaning this wood prior to painting ? I did try doing a small air with a so called super kitchen degreaser, but no use. Could use sand blasting I suppose, but would this take all the paint off, or would it leave bits in difficult corners etc. Gabep.s. I do not want to put board up between the joists. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly1 Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Sandblasting would take off as much as you like and will get into the corners. If you have dodgy timber it might cause some damage. It makes a hell of a mess though, I wouldn't do it if I were living in the house.Holly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storeysinfrance Posted April 29, 2006 Share Posted April 29, 2006 sandblasting is one idea but.........there are downsides (cost of hires / sand everywhere)... so... suggest a conventional angle-grinder with a normal, toughened sanding disk... its stronger than a normal wood sander and you get all you want off easily... then xylopene the beams and, you're done.... not difficult (ive done numerous this way and result is fantastic).... its messy so be prepared - a mask a good option.... neil (24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted April 29, 2006 Share Posted April 29, 2006 Just looking through the Screwfix catalogue and they sell a "surface preparation disc" that ,to quote "removes paint,varnish rust and scale without damaging metal,wood,fibreglass granite brick or stone.non clog." Dont know if there any good but they do one with an arbor and one for a grinder.Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted April 30, 2006 Share Posted April 30, 2006 Same problem with textured beams, or if you don't want to have a sanded appearance. It's a poser and no mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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