DH thinks I've ruined my whiskey barrel

[AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]

🙄

Last week I bought an old whiskey barrel, we're going to cut it in half to use as planters. It was filthy, black and just really grimy and gross. So I bought some decking cleaner and set to work scrubbing it using my drill brushes. It looks SO much better now! But DH has come home and is horrified at what I've done. He said the 'old and rustic' look is part of the charm and that's what people buy them for. I think rustic is one thing, actual dirt and grime is another.

It's a massive improvement, right?

It still looks rustic and aged to me - I think it’s fine, @AintNobodyHereButUsChickens.

I agree with your DH on this one

Definitely an improvement

Meh. Looks like a cheap repro now IME. Is a matter of taste though so no real right or wrong

I agree with your DH

100 percent itd an improvement op. I’d give it a varnish now and bring out the grain,

I think it still looks old and rustic after you’ve cleaned it. And it will get weathered and mucky again if you’re using it to make planters anyway.

I think it looks better now

I agree with your husband. What a shame.

It will age again quite quickly if you dont treat it with anything so I wouldn't worry.

You haven't ruined it but are you going to weatherproof it now?

It still looks rustic and over the winter it will get a bit weathered looking again. Your DH is just making a fuss and that would annoy me.

I'd be treating it or it will rot. I prefer the cleaned version

Well I wouldn't have bothered doing the top, as that will be the bottom and on the ground once it is cut in half.
I think the sides look better though.

https://barrel-store.co.uk/product-category/half-barrels/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwivemBhBhEiwAJxNWN1H3UjsBbOAoTfPQ2lz9AtSBAmZS_pkvRENv62517AnijOiZJXWO-hoCPIMQAvD_BwE

If you’re using it as a planter that bit will be underneath anyway?

Another one with your husband - it was better before.

I see that the weathered (stained) look is in. I'm quite invested. What are you planting in them now?

Just noticed you did the sides too. Yes it is a massive improvement!

As you can see from the replies some people prefer it one way, others the other - there is no right or wrong (for the record I prefer it before you did the deed) - it’s just a shame you and your husband don’t see it the same way.

Sorry. Team dh here

It’s going to be back to the original state pretty quickly anyway…

I wouldn't really care any which way and just let you crack on

On DH side. Sorry OP! It's not terrible or a disaster or anything so dramatic, but I did prefer it before.

Personally I agree with your DH. But it's your whiskey barrel - do with it what you will. Paint it pink with dots and call it Barbie Barrel if you like!