14" wide flange exposed beam . Clear coat , black primer or leave natural

[Sedgehammer]

This is a 48# beam per ft. Flange is 1/2" . 8" wide . We will most likely make some angle shaped brackets that will bolt up to the exposed 3x11 floor joists with 2 , 5/8 sq headed bolts each and the floor joists will butt up together on the 8" wide beam . Then we will use 1" sq headed bolts & bolt the flange to the beam . Wood you clear coat the beam , leave natural or spray paint it with a black primer ?

[jmouton]

clear coat is pretty kool in my opinion 

[Sedgehammer]

i'm leaning that way , but have to get the bosses input

[Tom King]

I would want to paint it, but wouldn't want to go to the trouble of removing the mill scale to do it, so most of mine fairs on its own.

[Crusarius]

Clear coat looks kool. I would definitely do something otherwise overtime it will get nasty and possibly leave rust stains on the floor. Especially if it is in a damp area.