Finish for Rustic Mantle

[stevo wis]

Hi Folks,

I am just wrapping up my rustic barn beam mantle and I am wondering what kind of finish you use. I have some polyurethane so that's what I am thinking.
thanks,
Stevo

[Rick Potter]

That is what I would use. Very low gloss.

[David Kreuzberg]

Try none. I have one that is unfinished, and it looks great.

If you're not happy, then finish your mantel.

[Jonathan Jung]

What is the fire source? Will it be used much? I'd avoid poly if it's an open fire without a blower fan. Too much heat IMO. Something like Osmo Polyx or Rubio Monocoat would be good. Also it's important on a mantle to finish all sides to allow for even moisture control throughout the wood.

[Lee Schierer]

For a "rustic" mantle, I wouldn't apply any finish except maybe one coat of an oil finish to seal the wood a bit. Any film forming finish is going to make the rough cut areas feel like 50 grit sand paper.

If you have any scrap pieces test any proposed finish on the scrap before you do the whole mantle.