What wood is this ? Just bought a former victorian pub

[eikonhse]

This is my first post. I recently bought a former pub in Kent. Rebuilt in 1905 after the original burnt down and converted to residence in the 80's.
The main rooms, doors and hallway have wainscoting in dark wood. Can anyone help identify what kind of wood this is likely to be? Perhaps heart pine, or maybe oak? It was a working persons pub. I would like to keep a natural wood finish, but this is very old, and very dark and I'd like to lighten it up. One option is to bring a soda (or walnut shell) blasting company ? I have no idea if this is a shellac finish or some kind of other varnish. Any and all suggestions would be very welcome, I'd love to some help.

 

[Kearn]

Possible it’s oak, but unlikely contextually and doesn’t appear to be.

Don’t believe the emperors new clothes approach of weird and wonderful materials being used as the blasting media, it’s the operator, their motivation and experience, and their kit which is paramount.

There are a few outfits who clean timber because they care about the result rather than the paycheque and how far they can get it done.

I’d start with some inconspicuous investigations, wire wool, light hand sanding, Bahco 625/665 cabinet scrapers and see what comes off and how, and what the unveiling wood is. It’s highly likely that you won’t be maintaining an almost dark finish if you remove the very dark one though. You may need to stain/wax to achieve that.

 

[eikonhse]

Possible it’s oak, but unlikely contextually and doesn’t appear to be.

Don’t believe the emperors new clothes approach of weird and wonderful materials being used as the blasting media, it’s the operator, their motivation and experience, and their kit which is paramount.

There are a few outfits who clean timber because they care about the result rather than the paycheque and how far they can get it done.

I’d start with some inconspicuous investigations, wire wool, light hand sanding, Bahco 625/665 cabinet scrapers and see what comes off and how, and what the unveiling wood is. It’s highly likely that you won’t be maintaining an almost dark finish if you remove the very dark one though. You may need to stain/wax to achieve that.

Ok, thanks for your help. I don't understand one sentence in your reply. "It’s highly likely that you won’t be maintaining an almost dark finish if you remove the very dark one though."
What does this mean?

 

[Kearn]

Ok, thanks for your help. I don't understand one sentence in your reply. "It’s highly likely that you won’t be maintaining an almost dark finish if you remove the very dark one though."
What does this mean?

Ah, I misread ‘natural wood’ - my point was, you either remove it all, or you don’t.

I’d live with it for a while if it were me. Other decorative elements can help.

Chances are it was something relatively cheap from what you’ve said, so never intended to be unpainted or stained.

 

[eikonhse]

Thanks, I understand now. I am loath to paint it, but just not sure I can live with the wainscoting and trim that dark.

 

[Cubist]

No reason why you couldn't paint just the wainscotting a more appealing colour to at least neutralise the visual impact of all that stained wood. Or perhaps remove it altogether - it would have been highly practical in a pubs lounge bar and access hallways for the wobbly clientele but much too much for a comfy living space.

A tip from my father - check the hard to paint edges of doors and any opening windows to see if any bare wood is visible or if acceptable scrape a little of any coating off to reveal it. That can often quickly confirm whether you're dealing with a hard or softwood and sometimes the species.