*
So, I pulled down the old plaster on lathe system (or did it fall) and now am left with dark, ugly beams with a rough surface that has become an ideal surface for spiders to construct large and intricate webs.
While I appreciate their fly-catching properties, I’d rather have something a bit classier. I’d like to keep the look of exposed beams but sure would like a more attractive look (and one easier to keep clean).
Should I try to cover the rough surface with some kind of paint? Is there a way of sanding the beams down that’s easy and not too messy?
Or is it easier to just buy some finishing lumber and hide them completely?
Replies
*
Painting would depend on the quality of the wood - will it look good when you're done? Is it all cracked, crazed, and twisted? Old wood will soak up a lot of paint, so use a primer/sealer first. If you paint a light color, it should brighten things up considerably.
I opted for cedar tongue&groove over my old beams - 3/16 inch planing nailed parallel to the beams. It came out looking pretty nice and I still have the "natural wood look."
*
So, I pulled down the old plaster on lathe system (or did it fall) and now am left with dark, ugly beams with a rough surface that has become an ideal surface for spiders to construct large and intricate webs.
While I appreciate their fly-catching properties, I'd rather have something a bit classier. I'd like to keep the look of exposed beams but sure would like a more attractive look (and one easier to keep clean).
Should I try to cover the rough surface with some kind of paint? Is there a way of sanding the beams down that's easy and not too messy?
Or is it easier to just buy some finishing lumber and hide them completely?
*
Flossie, tough question over the net... are the beams sawn, with many rough fibers; or hewn with scalloped surfaces? What is your choice for ceiling now that the plaster/lathe is down?
More information, more answers.