Staining
Staining Your Log Home
Choosing Between Latex Vs. Oil-Based Stains
Picking the right stain for your log home is a decision you don't want to take lightly. Choose the wrong stuff, and you might be in for a pricey headache trying to fix it. Always go for a high-quality stain specifically made for log homes. The stain needs to be tough enough to handle all the expanding and contracting that happens with temperature changes, without cracking or peeling. And whatever you do, don't even think about using paint! Paint won't let your logs "breathe" like a latex stain will, and that can cause problems down the road. Oil-based stains aren't the best option either, for the same reason. We've used Life Line from Perma Chink for over twenty years on our own cabin with great results. It's a reliable stain that really lasts if you take care of it and apply it properly. In our experience, it's definitely one to consider. Speaking of maintenance, that's really the secret to making any log home stain last. Most finishes need a little touch-up with a clear or maintenance coat every few years. Just be careful with some oil-based stains that have color in their maintenance coats. Every time you apply it, the logs get a bit darker. A few coats in, and you might not even recognize the original color! Giving your log home a gentle bath once a year can also help the finish last longer. It's basically just washing away any dust, dirt, or tree sap that's built up on the logs. You can use a product called Log Wash and apply it with low pressure to let it soak in a bit. For stubborn spots, a soft scrub brush might be necessary. A power washer works too, but make sure you're standing back far enough so you're just misting the water on for rinsing.
Prepping Your Log Home for Staining
Getting your log home ready for its first stain is a bit like prepping a canvas for a masterpiece. You want to smooth out any rough patches or splinters leftover from the building process. A gentle wash with something like Log Wash from Perma Chink helps clear away dirt and sawdust. Your cabin deserves a fresh start, after all. Here's the secret weapon: borate treatment. This stuff works wonders for preventing rot and keeping out those pesky wood-boring insects. It's super important to do this step before staining because once that stain is on, the borate won't be able to penetrate the wood. Now, borate comes in different forms. Some are powders you mix with water, while others are pre-mixed solutions. The powdered ones are great at bug prevention but don't offer as much protection against rot. The pre-mixed ones are better balanced in that regard. If you really want to go all out, there are glycol-based solutions you mix yourself. These seep deep into the wood, giving you the best possible defense against both rot and insects. The catch is that they take longer to dry up to two weeks before you can stain. But hey, good things come to those who wait, right? Regardless of which type you choose, make sure to slather it on until it runs off the logs. As always, follow the instructions on the label.
Removing Old Finishes
When prepping a log home for staining, we're big fans of corn cob blasting. It's like a dry spa treatment for your logs, leaving them clean and ready for a fresh coat of stain right away. Why is that a big deal? Well, dry logs are happy logs! Moisture is the enemy here, so the less water involved, the better. A word of caution: never power wash a log home with an existing finish. That's like blasting it with a firehose, forcing water deep into the wood, where it can get trapped and lead to all sorts of problems, like black mildew lurking under your new stain. If you have to strip off the old finish, a power washer might do the trick on areas where the stain is already worn and dry. But be warned, it can leave you with an uneven look since it won't work as well on areas where the finish is still in good shape, like under overhangs or up high in the gables. Corn cob blasting can be tricky, so we recommend calling in the pros for this part of the job. They'll have the know-how and equipment to do it right, leaving your logs smooth and prepped for a gorgeous new stain.
Selecting the Perfect Stain Color
Don't forget to check those references before you settle on a stain! Most folks go for semi-transparent stains on log homes to show off the beautiful wood grain. Keep in mind, though, that darker stains tend to stand up better to the sun's rays. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still lets the wood breathe, a solid color latex stain might be the way to go. It's kind of like paint in terms of coverage, but it still has those breathable qualities you want for a log home. And with proper application, it'll last for years, even in full sun. We've had good results with Sherwin Williams Woodscapes if that's the route you choose.
Addressing Water and Pest Issues
Having trouble with water or pests in your log home? We can help you figure out what's going on and offer solutions. If you need it, we can even help with applying that borate solution we talked about earlier.
Products We Use & Recommend
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