I've tried sealing reclaimed wood after deodorizing it, and honestly, results were mixed. One piece turned out great, no odors at all... another seemed to trap a faint musty smell underneath. Maybe depends on the wood type or sealant used?
Yeah, sealing reclaimed wood can be tricky. I've noticed denser woods like oak or maple usually seal better and trap fewer odors. Also, water-based sealants tend to breathe more, reducing that musty smell compared to oil-based ones... might be worth experimenting a bit more.
I've had mixed luck with reclaimed wood myself. A few years back, I salvaged some beautiful old pine beams from a barn teardown—thought I'd hit the jackpot. Sanded them down, sealed them up with an oil-based finish (rookie mistake, I know), and installed them in a client's office lobby. Looked amazing at first, but within a week, the receptionist was politely hinting about a "funky smell." Turns out, sealing softer woods like pine with oil-based products can trap moisture and odors pretty badly.
Switched to water-based sealants after that fiasco, and it's been way better. They seem to let the wood breathe just enough to avoid that musty scent. Oak and maple definitely behave better, but even with softer woods, water-based finishes have saved me from more awkward conversations about mysterious smells. Still, reclaimed wood always feels like a bit of a gamble... part of the charm, I guess?
Been there myself with reclaimed pine...lesson learned the hard way, right? Water-based finishes definitely help, but honestly, a little unpredictability keeps it interesting. Plus, clients usually appreciate the story behind the wood—even with the occasional funky smell hiccup.
Have you tried sealing reclaimed pine with shellac before applying a water-based finish? I've found it helps tame some of those funky smells and unpredictability without losing the charm. But you're right, clients usually do love a good backstory...makes their home feel unique. Ever had a client who just couldn't handle the quirks though? Curious how you navigated that one.
