How do I lighten old timber?

Question

My friend has an old house with old timber beams in her ceiling they have not been stained with anything they are just old, she would like to lighten the timber, so it fits in with her modern decor. She does not want to remove them. What is the best way to do this?

Answer 1

sanding will take the surface age patina off. theres other drastic messy ways but try that first.

Answer 2

Goto the hardware store and buy deck lightener. It should be oxalic acid.This should help. You can also use a wire brush to remove the loose dirt.