How do I treat reclaimed barn wood?

Question

I just bought a lot of reclaimed barn siding. It is not painted and has some insect damage (tiny little holes). What can I use to treat it that will condition it, kill the bugs, and maintain the natural look. I will be using it to build a wall in my home, so I want to make sure that I don't bring any insects in.

Answer 1

In addition to the tips the other guy gave you, you might consider a light sandblasting and then stain it with a color you like. It leaves a really cool, sort of rough texture that follows the natural curves of the wood grain. I did a cabinet like that and it looks fantastic.

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Answer 2

the first thing is to but it in an enclosed area (shed, garage, etc)
and bomb it with a pest bomb let it set for 2 days for odor to dissapate
Next depends on the color and look you want if you want a dull finish get a dull or flat oil treatment, if you want the shiney finish than use a gym floor polyurathane it has an awesome clear shine after the odor goes away than install the wood

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