Best Treatment for Old Elm Beam?

[Martin109]

I've got an elm lintel beam in this old cottage, which is probably 300 years old at least. Although it's only visible from below, and is roughly finished, with the original saw cuts visible, I think this is part of its appeal, and would like to preserve it and enhance its appearance.

What should I use? Some kind of oil - teak oil, Danish oil? Varnish (matt rather than gloss)? Does anyone have any experience of dealing with this kind of feature?

I've removed traces of paint/whitewash with a wire brush - this is hard, hard wood!

 

[Rob_H]

I used briwax on an old elm beam and it looked a treat.

 

[MikeG.]

Martin,

there is a big difference between "preserve " and "enhance". You will obviously know that this beam was probably not exposed originally, or if it was, it may have been limewashed. Anything you do to it, therefore, will be a modern treatment out of keeping with the original scheme.

That said, they can look wonderful! Personally, I would do nothing with it......leave it as it is. If you do anything, don't do something irretrievable such as oiling it. Wax might be the best plan.

Mike

 

[wizer]

Paint it BLACK!!!

:lol:

 

[Martin109]

Thanks, everyone. I've decided to leave it as it is!