The most critical Step!
Prepare your surface
Preparation is the most important part!
The most critical part to any project is the prep that goes into it. It can be tempting to take shortcuts here, but that usually results in regret. There are several different ways to prep a log home depending on the condition of the logs and if we are going over another coating or working with a raw log. Speak with one of our specialists and they will help you determine the best method for your particular project.
WARNING: Ensure Stain Compatibility with other Coatings/Chinking/Caulking
Did you know that some coatings that you use may contain non-drying oils or waxes and may prevent you from using chinking and caulking in the future? If you are not certain, ask a specialist about our compatibility testing, database of various stains and chemical ingredient review service.
CAUTION: Only use Log Products on Log Homes
We receive phone calls daily from people disappointed they bought a deck/fence /wood stain at a big box or hardware store and it failed early. Log's Ain't Wood and they behave much differently. You don't treat a 2x4 the same you way treat a log. You want a product specifically engineered to perform properly for your home. Would you rather save a hundred dollars on product? Or do the job twice as often??
PREP PRODUCTS
Grinding Disks
Unlock the versatility of your ordinary angle grinder and let a Kutzall Shaping Wheel optimize your creative control! Shape, contour, hollow, trim, notch or make adjustments with ease as they wheel will be your go-to workhorse for any task.
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CPR Log Cleaner & Brightener
CPR® Log Cleaner and Brightener brings your logs and wood back to life. CPR cleans and brightens bare logs and wood, and restores luster and vibrancy when used for routine log home maintenance. It’s a gentle log and wood home cleaner whose oxygenated bleach formula won’t weaken wood fibers. It effectively kills mold, mildew and fungus, while also removing dirt, dust, pollen and other surface contaminants. Use CPR in conjunction with power washing or media blasting to perfectly prepare wood surfaces before staining, or apply with a pump sprayer and rinse with a hose for routine maintenance..
Log Wash
Log Wash is a liquid concentrate for cleaning log and wood surfaces. It can be used as a maintenance cleaner or to prepare the surface of wood for a new coat of stain or topcoat. For preparing the surface of bare wood for a new coat of stain, Log Wash removes dirt, grime, pollen, and surface stains without harming the wood or the finish. As opposed to bleach solutions, Log Wash does not upset the natural pH balance of the wood, thus preventing wood fiber damage and iron tannate stains. (To treat gray, UV-exposed wood see Wood Renew). The exterior of a log home is a settling ground for dust, pollen and other airborne contaminants that dull the surface and encourage mold growth. A light cleaning once or twice a year will keep a home looking beautiful and helps prolong the life of the exterior wood finish.
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Stain Calculator & More Info
Cedar Wash
Cedar Wash is a Ready-to-Use cleaner specifically formulated for preparing the bare wood surface of wood species that contain high levels of wood extractives and resin oils. Cedar Wash is designed to remove surface resin oils and high concentrations of water-soluble wood extractives in addition to dirt, grease, grime, pollen, and surface stains without harming the wood. We highly recommended Cedar Wash as a cleaner for Southern Pine, Douglas Fir, Spruce and Cypress logs.
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Stain Calculator & More Info Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Oxcon (Oxalix Acid Concentrate)
Oxcon (oxalic acid concentrate) is the only effective treatment for rust stains from around nails, spikes, and screws. Oxcon comes as a concentrate that is diluted with water prior to use. It is best applied using a garden type pump-up sprayer but a brush or broom will also work. Apply a liberal amount to the wood, let it work on the surface for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Oxcon should not be used for spot cleaning since it may cause blotching of the surface.
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S-100 Stripper
S-100 Finish Remover is an environmentally friendly water-based solvent that removes many oil and water-borne finishes from logs, siding, and decks. Perma-Chink Systems developed a finish remover using new technology originally developed for removing paint from aluminum aircraft surfaces. Supplied as a ready-to-use gel, it is easily applied with a short bristled brush, paint roller, or airless sprayer. Within a few minutes it begins to soften the finish and since it is a gel, it stays wet and active for a fairly long period of time. Once the finish has sufficiently softened, it can be removed by simply pressure washing. S-100 will not darken or discolor the wood, will not corrode or discolor metal surfaces, nor will it harm log home chinking or sealants. Although it is effective for removing most log home finishes, there are some high performance coatings that may require a more aggressive chemical stripper. Perma-Chink Systems recommends that a sample of S-100 be obtained from them and tested on the finish you want to remove prior to placing an order.
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Stain Calculator & More Info Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
StripIt Stripper
StripIt is a water-based, non-hazardous pH neutral stain and finish remover. StripIt removes multiple layers in one application. StripIt is odor free and can be used for interior and exterior applications. It will not raise the grain. StripIt contains no harsh chemicals, is biodegradable and non-flammable, and unlike caustic strippers, StripIt will not darken nor discolor the wood. StripIt can't freeze so if you are looking for winter shipping, please give us a call directly to arrange.
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Stain Calculator & More Info Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Wood Renew
Wood ReNew is a biodegradable percarbonate-based wood cleaner that cleans and brightens grayed and weathered wood. Use it to return wood to its original natural color before applying any of our quality wood finishes. Wood ReNew contains a thickener that helps it adhere to log walls and siding. Simply mix the Wood ReNew concentrate with water, stir, and liberally apply it to the wood with a mop or brush. Wood ReNew will immediately begin to fizz and foam as it removes dirt and grime. After about 10 minutes scrub the wood with a medium-bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Dirt, stains from mold and mildew, water stains, and UV damage will be gone and the wood will have a new, fresh look. Wood ReNew should not be used for spot cleaning since it may cause blotching of the surface.
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Stain Calculator & More Info Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Osborn® Brushes
Use these helpful tools so finish sanding won’t wear you out.
Osborn® brushes are the efficient and easy-to-use alternatives to everyday sandpaper. They make quick work of removing wood fuzz (called felting), and are gentle yet effective when used on hand-peeled logs and delicate wood fixtures that require a light touch. Osborn® brushes are also excellent for wood and log homes that must be prepped entirely by hand. Use these helpful tools so finish sanding won’t wear you out. View More Info Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Glass Media Blasting Log Homes
Blaster-Buddy Glass Media Blaster The Blaster-Buddy finish removing system is the easiest and safest method of removing old finishes from your log home. Your home will be clean, dry and ready to apply beautiful new coats of stains and finishes. The Blaster-Buddy system weighs approximately 450 pounds and is about four feet high. It comes with 50 feet of hose, a remote control unit, an instruction manual. When rented it comes with a safety kit that includes gloves, earplugs, dust masks and a face shield with headgear. Environmentally Friendly Dry Method - No Water Used Product Manual
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Timber Pro Clean + Brite
Timber Pro CLEAN+BRITE is a specially formulated professional strength cleaner designed for all exterior wood surfaces. CLEAN+BRITE will remove tannin stains, dirt, mild greying, and environmental dirt from new wood. After cleaning with CLEAN+BRITE, the wood surface is ready for finishing. CLEAN+BRITE is also an excellent cleaner to keep your exterior coatings looking like the day they were applied and is safe to use on exterior finishes in good condition. CLEAN+BRITE can also be used to clean up your exterior concrete, stone work and masonry around the house from any dirt or mould build-up. **TimberPro Clean and Brite requires heated shipping from Oct-April as it can’t freeze. Pickup is still available year round. Please contact us directly for shipping quote to add heat as it won’t calculate automatically. Stain Calculator
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Timber Pro Strip and Brite
Timber Pro STRIP+BRITE is a specially formulated professional strength stripper designed to remove tough exterior oil-based finishes (not for acrylic or latex finishes). STRIP+BRITE helps bring your previously coated surfaces back to a new-wood appearance. STRIP+BRITE will also work to remove the heavily greyed areas and remove the dead wood fibers caused from sun damage. **TimberPro stain requires heated shipping from Oct-April as it can’t freeze. Pickup is still available year round. Please contact us directly for shipping quote to add heat as it won’t calculate automatically. Stain Calculator
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Log Wizard Debarking Chainsaw Attachment
The Log Wizard turns an ordinary chain saw into a planer with a 3" cutting area. Cut notches, debark logs, or grind off knots. The Log Wizard fits most chain saws. Attaches easily to chainsaw bar after drilling 2 mounting holes. Uses standard 3" planer blades. Extra sprocket included. Chain should be 2" longer to accept the new Log Wizard end sprocket. Made in Canada
SOUND WOOD
01.
Very Important! Sound wood means:
- It is free of any stains that have failed and any loose wood fibres.
- Free of yellow or grey wood
- If you stain over top of unsound wood, you should expect that it will sluff off taking the stain with it at some point.
- Methods of Prep
- Crushed recycled glass blasting. (feels like sand). Other media is still used but glass is by far the most common.
- Power Washing deep enough to get felting (wood fuzz)
- Hand sanding with Osborn brush, Buffy Pad Systems, random orbital sander or sanding discs.
- Light Powerwash is good if your home is still in the maintenance phase and not the restoration phase.
CLEAN WOOD
02.
Take the time, it’s worth it
- Most log stains are transparent or semi-transparent to see the beauty of the wood grain. Making sure the surface is clean before starting is important so you don’t see things you don’t want to see after staining happens and its too late.
- Clean means free of dust, pollen, pencil marks, bird poo mill glaze ( very important). You get the picture. A log cleaner/brightener is great for this
- Contaminants caught under the stain can result in:
- Peeling or flaking stain
- Mold, Mildew and/or algae growth under the stain
- Eye Sores- You didn’t do all this work to have it not look great
TEXTURED WOOD
03.
Why? Because:
More texture= More surface area
More surface area= More stain
More stain= More Protection
- Sanding too smooth closes the wood pores preventing stain penetration.
- How to get more texture? Media blasting, Pressure Washing, Hand Sanding
PRO TIP
Most stains call for a 60-80 grit finish as best to receive stain. We usually recommend starting with the least aggressive method first and only use what you need to remove the coating. This will help avoid excess secondary prep if your initial one was too agressive.
DRY WOOD
04.
Often missed, but very important
- Too high of moisture content in the logs or wood when staining can interfere with stain absorption and result in :
- Peeling or flaking stain
- Mold, mildew, algae growth
- Rot
- Divorce ( it’s pretty frustrating)
- Most stains recommend 19% moisture content and under to avoid problems. * Check the application instructions
PRO TIP
We typically choose a dry prep method over a wet one as then we don’t require several days for it to dry out. If you are pressure washing, make sure someone stands on the inside when you start a wall as often you will see water coming through the joints if not sealed well.
WARM WOOD
05.
Watch the sun!
- Stains typically can be applied from about 4-32 degrees Celsius. This does vary by manufacture and even by product so check the application instructions.
- Too Hot? The upper curvature of a log can get up over 70 degrees Celsius even though the outside temperature is only 32. These temperatures will result in heat flashing the stain before it even has a chance to absorb.
- Too Cold? Temperatures typically need to say above the minimums for a few days after application to cure properly. Also, when the logs are cold the pores of the wood are closed and stain will not penetrate as well.
PRO TIP
If you do not have a laser thermometer to check the surface temperature of a log, a good rule of thumb is “Don’t work with the sun at your back”. That helps to ensure you are not staining logs under direct sunlight and too warm.
