Clean/Restore Used Bourbon Barrel

[goldenmole]

So while picking up some beer at my local craft brewery (Amager Bryghus) I took home a old Bourbon Barrel. Now the idea is to sand it, perhaps give it a coat of something protective and then use it for decorative purposes or as a small table inside or outside. Obviously I have no idea what I am doing, and very limited skills. Any advice, pointers or suggestions? Cheers!

 

[mikethompson]

Uncork it and use it as aromatherapy?

I don't know, but seems like a cool item to have.

 

[goldenmole]

Uncork it and use it as aromatherapy?

I don't know, but seems like a cool item to have.

Oh yeah I did some deep inhaling Mind you: it was used to store some double black mash for 12 month's

 

[Bengel]

I would just leave it as is and enjoy it for the purposes you stated, they have a natural beauty. I have seen pictures of people converting them into small bars, cutting out for storage door and such. I think you will use it just like it is. Great find!

 

[Old School 3319]

I would do no more than a waterproofing sealer it looks great

 

[TinCup]

As said, keep it as is and protect from the elements with a clear top coat

 

[scloyd]

Nice barrel. I would leave it as is and coat it with something like Thompson's Waterseal.

I use this 18" tall wooden barrel as a trash can in my smoking room/porch. I bought it at a flea market about 20 years for a few dollars. I really like the aged/weathered look.

 

[jeff540]

Clear coat it (poly or similar) and be done. Don't keep it outside, just my $0.02

 

[goldenmole]

Thanks! Gave it a quick sanding and will put on some clear coat once fully dry. Likely keep it outside but under a roof. My new pipe smoking table for when the kids and wife are not around.

 

[daveinlax]

They look great sanded, stained with a glass table top too. ?

 

[goldenmole]

They look great sanded, stained with a glass table top too. ?

I guess stained means colored in some way.. I like the natural wood color (also for my pipes), so will leave it like it is. Sandblasting or rustication are out of question

 

[Bengel]

It will darken a bit with the sealer I think.

 

[jhowell]

Nice barrel. I would leave it as is and coat it with something like Thompson's Waterseal.

I use this 18" tall wooden barrel as a trash can in my smoking room/porch. I bought it at a flea market about 20 years for a few dollars. I really like the aged/weathered look.
View attachment 26972

What you have is a barrel used to ship nails.

 

[scloyd]

What you have is a barrel used to ship nails.

You're the second person to tell me that. It's official...I am the proud owner of a nail barrel.

Thanks!

 

[kcghost]

Nice looking barrel in any event.

 

[shanez]

Might I suggest:

 

[mso489]

Barrels are so well-built for their purpose. This will last forever as a table, with no added work at all, or add more at will.

 

[jhowell]

You're the second person to tell me that. It's official...I am the proud owner of a nail barrel.

Thanks!

I misspoke - since it is for dry goods (nails) it is properly referred to as a keg.

 

[whsergent]

I think id try murphys oil soap with a soft brush then polyurethane sealer.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Scloyd, going by the iron bands on your nail keg, I would say it's quite an old piece. Nice find.

Regards,

Jay.?