Sealing timbers in bathrooms

[gtr-gaz]

We have exposed some old roof timbers in the ensuite. They had a bit of woodworm, so I treated them with some Cuprinol 5 star preservative. What I want now, is to seal them with something to stop the moisture from the shower getting in them.

Any ideas what to use? I like the colour and texture they are now and don't what to spoil them with any old varnish.

Thanks

[robinhood21]

I would imagine beeswax would do the job.

[gtr-gaz]

Thanks, I'll try that.

[Lost soul]

Oil them , it will need to be redone every now and then but it will look much better

[TooLateForAName]

Make sure that there is decent ventillation - humidistatic fan control or one room mhrv system.

You'll never get a fully moistureproof coating so what you need to do is make sure that they can easily dry and that the moisture doesnt get too high. Things like varnish can trap moisture in the wood. Damp wood is more appealing to insects.

If you are talking about old big beams then the cuprinol will not have penetrated far into the wood so don't be surprised to see more woodworm emerging over the next couple of years ( I seem to remember that they have a 3 year life in the timer before emerging as beetles). Just keep an eye on it. For future reference try using a borax solution to treat - far less harmful to you and your family.

[Simpo Two]

TooLateForAName said:

If you are talking about old big beams then the cuprinol will not have penetrated far into the wood so don't be surprised to see more woodworm emerging over the next couple of years

Don't you squirt the Cuprinol right down the holes, as opposed to just a surface treatment?