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The Best Way to Recolour Wood Beams

The Best Way to Recolour Wood Beams

Whether your beams are pine, oak, or something in between, bringing fresh life to tired timber can completely change the feel of a room. Some folks lean toward lightening them up for a more modern look, while others want to deepen the tone and draw out the grain. Either way, if you’re looking for the best way to recolour wood beams, it’s all about good prep, patience, and using the right finish for the job.

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Start with Proper Surface Prep

Before even thinking about stains or finishes, the surface needs to be ready. Dirt, grease, or remnants of old finish can mess with the final look, so don’t skip this step.

Cleaning the Wood

Begin by wiping the beams with a dry cloth to remove loose dust. Then use a damp cloth and mild soap to get rid of any lingering grime. Don’t soak the beams. Wood doesn’t love excess moisture, especially older pieces. Once it’s dry, move to the next step.

Sanding for Better Absorption

Sanding helps open up the grain and removes any lingering finish. For rough beams, start with 80-grit sandpaper and work your way up to 120 or 150. Always go with the grain. If you skip this and sand against it, you might notice scratch patterns once the stain goes on. And that’s not what anyone wants.

Choosing the Right Product

Now that your beams are prepped, it’s time to pick your color and type of product. This is where the fun begins.

Oil-Based vs Water-Based Stains

Oil-based stains tend to penetrate deeper and bring out more character in the grain. They also give you a bit more working time since they dry slower. Water-based stains dry quicker and are easier to clean up, but they might raise the grain slightly, so a light sanding after application may be needed.

Gel Stains

If your beams are overhead or have uneven grain, gel stains are worth considering. They’re thicker, almost like pudding, and sit on the surface a bit more. That makes them easier to control, especially on vertical or rough-cut wood.

Application Tips for a Smooth Finish

Now here’s where patience pays off.

Brushing and Wiping Techniques

You can apply stain with a brush, rag, or sponge. For deep grain beams, a brush can help work the stain in better. After brushing, always wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. If you leave too much on, it’ll look blotchy or sticky once dry.

The key to recolour wood beams properly is applying thin, even coats and giving each layer time to dry. Rushing the process often leads to a finish that looks muddy or uneven.

Layering for Depth

Some stains can be layered for a richer tone. Apply the first coat, let it dry completely, then add another. Test on a scrap piece or an inconspicuous area first. Not all woods react the same, and what looks good on pine might come out totally different on cedar.

Topcoat for Protection

You’ve got the color right where you want it. Now seal it in.

Types of Topcoats

Choose a clear finish that suits your space. Matte or satin works great if you want the wood to feel natural, while semi-gloss gives a bit more shine without being too flashy. Polyurethane is common, but tung oil finishes can also bring out character without adding too much gloss.

Drying and Curing

Apply with a clean brush in a thin, even coat. Let it dry fully before using the space again. Depending on the product, it might take a day or two to fully cure. Don’t rush furniture or decor back into place or it could mess with the finish.

Woodworking Resources:
Kakuri. Japanese Woodworking Tool Set. Tools/Equipment
Kakuri Japanese woodworking tool set is the ultimate set for any woodworker. It’s the highest grade tool set from Kakuri, and known for its precision and timeless quality. 🗸

Enertwist. Premium Wood Chisel Set. Tools/Equipment
Enertwist Premium Wood Chisel Set is a budget friendly chisel set which is great for woodworkers. It contains 8 full size wood chisels, sharpening stone, pencil and more. 🗸

Real Avid. Real Avid 360 Degrees Swiveling Bench Vise. Tools/Equipment
Real Avid 360 Degrees Swiveling Bench Vise is a top of the range multi purpose bench vise. It can be used for woodworking, tool sharpening and many other projects. It has many great reviews and makes a great addition to any tool kit. 🗸

Arbor Garden Solutions. Wooden MDF workbench with double shelf. Tools/Equipment
Arbor Garden Solutions Wooden MDF workbench with double shelf is a solid wooden workbench. They come in different sizes, so suitable for many different spaces. Every woodworker needs one, and this is a great option. 🗸

Norman Pirollo. Furniture Design Course: 26 Lessons. Online Course
The furniture design course by Norman Pirollo spans 26 lessons covering topics such as design, concepts, sketching, drawing, scale models, prototypes, selecting wood and more. Learn from a pro who has been in the industry for over 25 years. 🗸

Norman Pirollo. Cabinet Build Class: 33 Lessons. Online Course
The cabinet build class by Norman Pirollo has 33 video lessons covering the process of design and building cabinets. Norman has vast experience in the woodworking space spanning over 25 years. 🗸
To see the full woodworking courses on offer by Norman see our detailed woodworking course post. Also see our woodworking plans post for project plans.

Flexner, B. (2005). Understanding wood finishing: How to select and apply the right finish (Rev. ed.). Reader's Digest.
Understanding wood finishing: How to select and apply the right finish is a DIY handbook that introduces people to wood finishing tools, materials & techniques, and comes with over 200 photos and illustrations. A highly rated handbook. 🗸

Noll, T. (2009). The joint book: The complete guide to wood joinery. Chartwell Books.
The joint book: The complete guide to wood joinery features 70 illustrated and easy to understand instructions for joints. Easy and fun for beginners, and also great for experienced woodworkers. 🗸

DK Publishing. (2020). Woodworking: The complete step-by-step manual. DK Publishing.
Woodworking: The complete step-by-step manual offers step by step instructions for all skill levels. Covers all essential aspects of woodworking, contains 25 detailed woodworking plans and much more. 🗸

Editors of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. (2016). Making wooden gear clocks: 6 cool contraptions that really keep time. Fox Chapel Publishing
Making wooden gear clocks: 6 cool contraptions that really keep time showcases full detailed plans and instructions on making wooden clocks. These are great projects that can be built and sold. 🗸

Hylton, B. (2008). Illustrated cabinetmaking: How to design and construct furniture that works. Fox Chapel Publishing.
Illustrated cabinetmaking: How to design and construct furniture that works brings you over 1300 drawings & diagrams for drawers, tables, beds, bookcases, cabinets & joints. A complete visual guide for furniture construction. 🗸
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