How can I strip the paint from the beams on my house to bring back the natural wood color and make the exterior look more refined and cohesive?
Asked by Frankie Reid 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
Hey there! I could use some assistance in bringing my ideas to reality and could use some advice. In the first picture, I’m thinking of painting the door black, the house white, and bringing out the natural wood color with black trims.
I’m curious about the best way to remove the paint from the beams in the front. I find the current paint job a bit tacky, especially since the beams look jagged and rough (as shown in the second picture). I have experience stripping paint off furniture, but I’m not sure if the same method would be suitable for these beams. Any thoughts on this?
Consider using a pressure washer for this task.
Use cedar planks for the recovery process.
Was it like just stacking planks on the outside to make beams?
Dealing with those rough sawn beams will be a pain if you aim for a smoother finish. Instead of using a 40 grit sander, consider boxing them in with a smoother wood. Best of luck!
That’s what I was thinking 😟
Just use a planer on the beams. A couple of swipes and you’ll have S4S.
You can definitely do it with a planer, but it will probably take more than a couple of swipes. I’ve planed down 6″ posts before, ideally with a 6″ planer. You can’t take off that much at one time with a handheld planer, and he most likely wants to do it in sections. Then you can only go so far until you get to the ends. Anyway, it’s not going to be a 5-minute job. Good luck to him!
Yeah I’d enclose them with a different type of wood, not pine, and consider different color options. It’s all about breaking stereotypes!
Well let me tell you, renovating older homes is always more complicated than it seems!
I totally understand what you’re saying
Replacing them would be much simpler. If they’re really old and you’re sentimental about it, then just toss them and begin again.
Yeah, that’s exactly what I was considering
Your house is just too cute!
I’d suggest wrapping the 4×4 on your porch. Your header doesn’t seem like it can handle a standard 6×6 wrapped column without sticking out, so be aware of that.
You could wrap it in faux wood and apply a gel stain, or use real wood and an oil stain.
If you’re not comfortable building one yourself, building supply stores might have pre-built column wraps. Give some places in your area a call.
Picture: I did this on my house two years back.
Thank you very much, !
Use wider boards to cover the posts for a more solid appearance. Remove the post next to the door and center the post that remains. It’s right in the middle of the window now. See, now you have a more even look.
..Hey, did you know there are different types of architecture with wider posts than the header? They simply add crown molding for a nice finish.
That’s a new perspective, thanks!
Removing that paint won’t be easy. It might be simpler to replace it with a larger beam. If not, just paint over them unless you want to stain. Alternatively, you can wrap them with 1×6 boards.
Yes! Definitely wrap those things up!!
That paint is really on there, it’s gonna be tough to remove. I suggest covering it with some material so you can stain the wood to match your house.
That’s absolutely gorgeous!
For the best door paint, consider Iron gate in their black color using the All-In-One Paint from Heirloom Traditions Group
I really appreciate it!
I suggest starting with the rough “post” as a base for attaching a 1×4 and experimenting with a 1×2
Most folks simply cover their current posts with wood … it’s the easier route.