New oak beam treatment

[Robina]

Hi,

We have just had a new oak bean installed after removing a dividing wall. Of course it is much paler than the old beams and we are not sure how to treat it - either for the sake of treating it properly or to darken it down a bit. We are reluctant to stain it to match as it is so nice as it is.

Thaks for any advice,

Robina

[Robina]

I should have added... we have a tin of Behandla from IKEA bought to treat a wooden worksurface. Would this be suitable?Robina

[Lancashire Lass]

It will darken on its own over time. We have used clear matt varnish on ours.

[Jonzjob]

In the days of old nothing would have been put on oak beams... They just darkened with age. If you want to put anything on then just something like a neutral Danish oil? I think that a varnish would not be my first choice though?

[Dog]

I use walnut stain to darken wood it is cheap as chips and eco-freindly.

[Théière]

If walnut is too dark tea works well.

[gyn_paul]

Linseed oil will give them a super finish and make it slightly darker.

p

[Dog]

I love linseed and it's good for sealing and strengthening/tempering bamboo spars for kites amongst other things, but it does seal the wood. It's a constituent in paint so make your choice.

[broy]

If you think its nice as it is then don't do anything. It doesn't need anything and theres nothing wrong with old stuff looking old and new stuff looking new. Chamfering corners and planing/sanding is all i did to mine and I think it looks good.

[Araucaria]

Linseed oil - thinned with turps - gives a good finish, but if the oak is old it will make it a very dark colour. It's cheap so why not try it on an out of the way patch first (eg on top where it won't show).