We just opened up our kitchen to the dining room and now have these rough wooden beams exposed. They're a mix of old wood and some newer replacements, so the color is pretty inconsistent. We want something that'll protect them but still look natural - not too glossy. What do people usually use for this kind of thing?
Most people go with either a matte or satin polyurethane for beams like that - it gives solid protection without looking plasticky. If the color mismatch bothers you, a semi-transparent stain can help even things out before sealing, so the old and new wood look more cohesive. Some folks prefer oil-based finishes for that warmer, more natural feel, though they need more maintenance over time. Just make sure whatever you use is rated for interior wood and test it on a hidden spot first, especially since you've got mixed wood types that might take finishes differently.
Log into answer.
