Whether you visit a restaurant or a friend’s house, you’re always bound to see structural oak beams as a part of the main design of the interiors. Due to the material being wood, restoration is one of the many things that a homeowner must fulfill. Make oak beam restoration easier with these tips.

Apply A Coat Of Elbow Grease

Elbow grease is an option for owners who have laminated oak beams in their house, which are composed of a variety of oak wood pieced or “laminated” together. These types of wood have a high risk of developing cracks as it grows older. Although some owners opt to replace the beams with newer pieces, others love the aesthetic it brings. If you’re part of the latter, elbow grease is the product you should use to restore the laminated oaks.

Use Oil Stain

Oils stains penetrate deep into the wood to help preserve and protect them from the inside and outside. It can extend the life span of beams from months to many years if done regularly. Besides, stains also add to the aesthetic result when owners want a vintage or antique-like vibe. Here’s how you can stain wood effectively:

  • If you have spraying equipment, use it to apply the stain. If not, pour some on a cloth and start wiping on the surface.
  • After applying, let the oil absorb for at least 5 minutes and, finally, wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth.
  • If you wish to have darker colored wood, repeat the steps and allow the stain to stay for a longer time.
  • If you want a glossy finish, let the stain stay for at least three days and proceed to add a top layer of lacquer or varnish.

Choose A Top Coat

Finishing coat has long been a practice in the woodworking industry. However, as time goes on, opinions also start changing. Back then, workers used to varnish or use shellac, but nowadays, lacquer is the preferred coat because it dries quickly, long-lasting, and more affordable. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Using a spray gun, apply the lacquer on all areas of the wood. Make sure there are no drips and runs.
  • Let the finish dry.
  • Sand the wood using 120-grit sandpaper.
  • If you want more gloss, apply more coats but only sand the first layer.

Do Sanding

Sanding is a general procedure to restore all types of wooden oaks. The purpose of this procedure is to rid the wood of any coat or finish if possible. You may use an orbital sander or 100-grit sandpaper. Take note that you should see the natural wood color before proceeding to sand other areas.  You don’t have to spend more when your structural oak beams look old because there are numerous inexpensive ways to restore them according to your liking. – See Complete Property Solutions