Log Home Staining

Staining a log home is more than just aesthetic, staining provides long-lasting protection for the exterior of your cabin.

There are various types of stains that can be used on the log home; one coat, two coat, transparent, semi-transparent, and solid color. No matter your choice of stain, the idea is to protect the exterior from UV, weather elements, repels water, and helps prevent rot. Some factors to consider when choosing your wood stain may include:

• Stain Type and Brand
• Transparent or Solid Color Stain
• Type of Wood
• Chink Lines or No Chink Lines
• Caulking or No Caulking

Our Log Cabin Staining Process

Cabin lovers take pride in their log homes and Legacy Painting is committed to making sure you are satisfied with our staining process.

Whatever the condition of your log home, sometimes the process is a little different. For example:

• New, Weathered, Never Stained, Previously Stained Wood
• New lumber may require weathering period prior to application
• Previous termite or wood insect issues or prevention may require additional labor and material

 Once we have identified the condition of the home, we will:

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Clean the surface with our environmentally safe and biodegradable stripping and cleaning solution.
3. Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush to help remove mill glaze and kill any mold and mildew.
4. Pressure washing wood surface clean with fresh water until all the cleaning solution is removed.
5. Allow the surface to dry for at least 48 hours or until the moisture content is 18% or less.
6. Apply Caulk where necessary (or chink).
7. Apply the stain with a natural bristle brush, roller or sprayer in the direction of the wood grain and one log at a time.  This process will prevent “lap-marks”, especially if a transparent stain is chosen. The stain will be back-brushed to help work it into the wood.

If you are going with a translucent wood stain, then only one coat is necessary. If we are applying a solid-color stain to your log home, then 2 coats would be recommended.

How Long Does Stain Last On A Log Home?

It depends on different factors including weather extremes and heavy foot traffic. For instance, if the home was never properly prepped before staining, the stain may not last 1 year and begin peeling.  If the home was properly prepared than your stain will give you a longer life.

Generally speaking, a translucent deck stain will give you several years of life before reapplication is may be needed. However, a solid color wood stain could last a decade or more before another coat is needed. But the life of your stain will primarily be dictated by initial prep and weather conditions over the years.

When Not To Stain

Like any contractor that works a lot outside, we monitor the weather constantly.  We want to make sure that the weather conditions are good when staining a log home. It is recommended not to apply wood stain:

• In direct sunlight.
• When the surface is hot to the touch.
• When it is raining or rain is within 24 hours of applying the stain.
• When dew or frost is present.
• If the temperature is lower than 50°F (10°C) or higher than 95°F (35°C).

If you are looking for a log home staining company, consider using Legacy Painting! 

When you hire Legacy Painting for your staining project, you know that it will be done right.