Over the beam with thin wood panels instead

The beam was likely primed and then painted. It's a huge job to expose the wood and then find you don't like the appearance. IMO it's just easier to apply a veneer to the face of the beam.

https://timberchic.com/collections/new-wall-coverings?gclid=CjwKCAjwwqaGBhBKEiwAMk-FtCb5FlaF4O2AexfA_4vhC1OHtmDvDVhKltmYpfn3meJDfVwC4zM4BxoClxsQAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/peel-stick-veneer/s?k=peel+and+stick+veneer

I'm with ital mover... it's likely not attractive.

I'd cover what you have and be careful on the ends where you meet the walls for a clean finish.

I doubt that the beam will be attractive. I think your safest option is to box it in with wood you like.

I also agree to clad it. it will actually be way easier. if you're doing this yourself, you can stain the wood before it goes up.

“Clad” is the word I was looking for.

You can do a cheapo experiment by getting peel and stick wood look wallpaper and temporarily putting it up there and see if you like the effect. Yay or nay, you can peel off the wallpaper and get the beam back to what it was or decide to go ahead with cladding it. I had an apartment where the landlord created a single beam bisecting the space between the living and dining area, and it was very nice. He just did a fake box beam and stained it, and then I think he banged it up with a chain to make it look like an ancient support beam.

However the walls were stucco so that might have helped the look.