Best log home finish- Oil vs Water

Which finish is better for your log or wood home-- oil-based or water-based? We don’t like to pick a side, because the best choice can vary by situation and there are high-performance brands with each. Each category of wood finish has its advantages and disadvantages, and even those differences can vary between brands and formulas.

Deep-penetrating oils are often a preferred choice for high-moisture regions that need the most breathable finish on the wood. Deep-penetrating oils are great for decks and horizontal surfaces because they won’t peel and are easy to maintain. Shallow-penetrating finishes, which can be oil-based or hybrid oil-waterborne formulas, generally are more compatible with caulk and chinking sealants than penetrating oils and they are generally more forgiving to maintain than surface stains. Surface stains are water-based and typically offer the best durability but also require the most meticulous of preparation and maintenance.

No matter what finish you choose for your project, preparation of the surface and proper conditions during application are the biggest factors in achieve the best performance of your log home or wood stain.

For your convenience, we offer a calculator that allows you to determine an estimated amount of staining you need for your home. Our team is also available to answer your questions and guide you through the staining process. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about choosing a finish that is right for your situation.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

How to Repair Peeled Spots

by Perma-Chink Systems, Inc

We occasionally get calls about repairing spots of finish that have peeled from logs, handrails, etc. In most cases the peeling is associated with checks or small fissures that have opened up after the finish was first applied. When this occurs rain water soaks into the bare wood on ether side of the check and when the sun beats on the area the wood turns to water vapor which has enough force to push the finish right off of the surface. If the peeling is limited to a few small areas, touching them up is not very difficult.

Before we get started on the best way to perform the repairs there is one thing we need to cover. If you have leftover product that's over two years old you need to obtain enough fresh stain and topcoat to accomplish the repairs. Using old product is risky and unnecessary. Give us a call and we'll see if there is anything we can do to help. 

Following are the recommended procedures for touching up peeled areas:

1. Sand the peeled areas with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper. Do not use a finer grit. We want the stain to have something to grab onto. Be sure to sand off any surrounding stain film that looks like it may have lost its adhesion.
2. If it's just a few small areas wipe down the sanded spots with a damp rag. For larger spots or multiple areas on a wall it's best to wash the entire wall with a two cups per gallon Log Wash solution. Allow the wall to dry.
3. If the peeling is associated with checks that are ¼” or more wide, seal them with CheckMate 2 after sanding and cleaning but before staining. This will help make the CheckMate 2 less visible.
4. Using a rag not a brush, apply one or two coats of stain to the bare wood. You want to apply enough stain to match the color of the surrounding wood. Since the coarse sanded area may be more absorbent than the original surface one coat of stain may be sufficient to match what's already there. Using a rag helps avoid lap marks and gets some stain down into any unsealed checks as well as small cracks and fissures. 

Once the stain has been applied and the color matches the surrounding wood, one or two coats of Advance Topcoat can be applied with a brush or rag. Lap marks are not much of a concern since the Advance is clear and colorless.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

Capture Log Stain - New Colors!

Three new colors for Capture Log Stain have been introduced in 2025. Aspen Bark, Gunstock Brown, and Smoked Hickory.

Aspen Bark:  Semi-transparent white is great for to breaking up some of the yellow wood look without losing the grain. Also great at creating the pickled/whitewash look while still protecting. Bonus: dial in the saturation of the white by using multiple cartridges.   Gunstock Brown:   A true neutral brown sans yellow or red undertones.    Smoked Hickory   Old-timey, antique wood look, new-timey protection.

Capture Log Stain by Sashco is a log finish that is extremely effective and attractive semi-transparent stain that is followed by a weather repellent topcoat, Cascade. Capture Log Stain and Cascade work together. Both are freeze-thaw stable in their containers through at least 5 freeze-thaw cycles (freezing in the container, rethawing, then freezing again, etc.) Modest sheen gives "depth" to the appearance of logs (when used in conjunction with the Cascade clear topcoat). Capture Log Stain’s unique elastic formula allows it to move freely as your logs move, instead of cracking and peeling. Two heavy coats of Capture Log Stain are now recommended, especially for Autumn Aspen, Bronze Pine, Natural, Wheat, and other light colors. Capture also works well by itself as a one coat interior stain or can be top-coated with Symphony. Capture Log Stain and Cascade are compatible with other Sashco products like PeneTreat (Tim-bor), Conceal, Log Builder Caulking, and Log Jam Chinking. Made in the USA. Capture Log Stain Technical Data |  SDS | Paint Care Notice  

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

Transformation Log & Timber Faster Dry Formula and New Colors

New from Sashco:

Jim the Stain Guy (aka the Senior Chemist in charge of stains) put several years of work into this improved Transformation Log & Timber formula to speed up the dry time so that the second coat can now be applied the next day, rather than waiting 24-48 hours. Two separate field tests with product applied to 18 different homes and in a variety of weather and humidity conditions confirm this. Those field testers and Sashco are confident that this new formula will improve jobsite turn times and reduce labor costs.
Updated formula pails have a green sticker on them.

 

 

 

 

Transformation Log & Timber New Colors:

 Brown Tone Gray

Finally! A gray for Transformation. Beautiful antiqued look, wonderfully modern protection. 

Brown Tone Neutral

Free of yellow and red undertones, but still with the Transformation Log & Timber gorgeous gloss and
transparency.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

Sansin Dec Finish

 

Sansin Dec Finish is a two-coat, specially designed formulation for decks, docks, and balconies. The modified natural oils in Sansin Dec Finish penetrate deep into the wood with the kind of variable moisture content frequently found in decks. Although high in solids, the Sansin Dec Finish formula does not leave a thick film on the surface but remains breathable and easy to maintain. Provides excellent UV and weather protection and will not crack, peel, or blister. It is the natural solution for maintaining the beautiful aesthetics found in wood. Made in Canada.

PREPARATION IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT

• Inspect wood surfaces for defects and make any necessary repairs.
• Use Sansin cleaner and/or wash the entire surface with a minimum 3000 PSI pressure washer use clean water.
• Sand the surface well using a 60-80 grit paper and a variable speed orbital sander.
• Follow by power washing, vacuuming or using compressed air for proper cleaning. Surface must be clean, free from dust, dirt, grease, wax or any existing coatings.

APPLICATION METHODS

• Always flood the surface to the point of saturation
• Dipping
• Brushing
• Flood coating
• Spraying – hand or automated spraying (low pressure or airless)

WORKING PROCEDURE

• Stir well before and during the application process.
• Test formula on an inconspicuous wood surface to ensure proper color and penetration.
• Apply in proper conditions: Ideal temperature of 21°C (70°F) and relative humidity of approximately 50%
• Do not apply if rain or near freezing temperatures are expected.
• Saturate the wood surface.
• Brush out any puddles and runs and level the finish.
• Do not apply on wood that is warm to touch.
• Do not apply in direct sunlight.
• Continually check the surface; wipe up all puddles and brush out runs. 

MAINTENANCE

Horizontal surfaces require maintenance every 1-4 years. Maintenance is necessary when the surface shows signs of wear, such as fading or erosion. Maintaining your wood on a regular basis will ensure
long-lasting color retention, exceptional dimensional stabilization and effective water repellency. Periodically, clean the wood surface with a power washer or Sansin Multi-Wash to remove dirt and residue. How frequently maintenance coats are required will depend on the quality of prior preparation, quality of application and exposure levels. If fading or erosion is evident, prepare wood by using a power washer to lightly clean the wood surface; or use Sansin Multi-Wash. Then re-apply one maintenance coat of Sansin DEC according to instructions. Exposure, workmanship and color will affect the performance of the coating.

STORAGE

Shelf life when stored in ideal conditions is 18 months. Store at a temperature of between + 10ºC and + 30ºC (50ºF and 86ºF).
Keep containers tightly closed.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

Applying Sashco Colorfast

 Everyone knows that color is king on a log home stain job, but pleasing the king can be difficult! Wood porosity differences lead to blotchy, uneven results when staining. UV damage causes the wood to yellow your stain or interior clear coat. That once-perfect color is lost. That’s why you need Sashco’s Colorfast. Colorfast strengthens the glue that binds the wood cells together, called lignin, preventing yellowing of the underlying wood cells to help maintain a consistent color year after year. Before staining, Colorfast evens out wood porosity, creating a smoother surface for stain application and preventing over-absorption and a too-dark color. After staining, the lignin stabilizers prevent the wood underneath from getting sunburned, leaving the stain or clear coat applied on top looking the same year after year. It’s color confidence for your log home. Color: Goes on milky white. Dries clear.

Why use Colorfast™?

• Keeps the color the color: Lignin (wood cell glue) stabilizers prevent yellowing and darkening of the wood itself overtime, which in turn prevent color shifts in the stain applied over top. Light colors stay light and darker colors don’t shift too dark.

• Reduces blotchiness: Fills pores for a smoother surface and more even stain application. Great for blasted, rough-sawn, knotty pine, or milled logs.

• Prevents picture-frame effect on interior wood: Apply on bare wood on the interior of the home and under Sashco’s Symphony ® interior clear coat to avoid yellowing around wall décor.

• Use under any Sashco stain: Using oil-based Transformation Log & Timber? Water-based Capture®, Cascade®, or Symphony® ? No problem.

• Easier stain application: Greatly reduces the need to back-
brush the stain applied over top.

• Great as a log keeper coat: Prevents mold and yellowing due to UV damage on new wood as it moves from the mill to the job site and throughout construction. Contains both mildewcide and algaecide to help preserve the wood until it’s time to stain. Or, life happened and you need to wait for a few weeks between prep and staining? No problem.

• Seal those ends: When applied heavily on log ends, prevents over-penetration of stain and log ends that are darker than the rest of the logs. 

Application Instructions

Exterior Application Instructions

Proper substrate preparation and product application mean greater longevity, a better color, and better long-term performance. Read this full Colorfast™ Info Sheet before applying any product and call Sashco at 800-767-5656 with any project-specific questions.

1. Make sure it sticks: If you are changing from one stain product to another, contact us first. Colorfast™ will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Any product already on the wood, and especially those that contains waxes, non-drying oils, or silicones, will interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Colorfast™ and must be removed before the product is applied.

2. Clean the surface: Media blast, power wash, or sand wood surfaces using an Osborn ® brush or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to remove all previous stains and loose, unsound gray or yellow wood fibers, along with mill glaze, pollen, and other surface contaminants. This creates the best surface for Colorfast™ penetration and stain longevity. If mold or algae is present, apply Sashco’s CPR ® in the brightener strength according to the directions or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. If necessary, use a chemical remover. (Follow label instructions carefully and ensure wood is back to neutral pH, checking with pH strips.)

3. Remove fuzz: For best appearance, remove felting (wood fuzz) with Osborn® brushes, Sashco’s Buffy Pad system or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper once the wood is dry. Remove all sawdust with a broom, compressed air, or a leaf blower, or rinse with water.

4. Apply preservatives: Apply Tim-bor ® according to directions for protection against wood rot and wood-ingesting insects BEFORE Colorfast™ is applied. Allow wood to dry 1–3 days, until wood is at or below 19% moisture content level. (Use a moisture meter to check!) 

5. Timing matters: UV rays from the sun can damage the wood you just worked so hard to prep in as little as 1 week; therefore, Colorfast™ should be applied as soon as possible after wood prep is complete. If cold or rainy weather threaten or delay your staining project, you may apply Colorfast™ and wait up to 8 weeks to apply stain. The mildewcide, algaecide, and lignin stabilizers in Colorfast™ will keep your wood protected during that time. (Score!) Be sure to clean off surface contaminants before staining. If any further sanding prep is needed, remember to reapply Colorfast™ to freshly sanded areas before staining for a consistent finish. 

6. Air and surface temperatures matter: Plan to apply Colorfast™ when air and surface temps are between 40°– 90°F (4°– 32°C). Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temps. Temps that are
too hot dry Colorfast™ too quickly, preventing proper penetration. Temps that are too cold will freeze Colorfast™, preventing both proper penetration and proper curing. 

7. Don’t get caught out in the rain: While Colorfast™ can be stained over as soon as it’s dry to the touch (usually in 2 hours or less). Full cure takes longer. A heavy rain could wash off both Colorfast™ and any stains applied over top, requiring extensive prep to remove the mess and reapplication of the product. Avoid rain both on the day of application and for a full 24 hours afterwards. You may also plan to cover surfaces if rain is expected.

8. Wood must be dry: Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at or below 19% moisture content level before applying Colorfast™. Damp wood can prevent Colorfast™ from penetrating properly and also increases the risk of water stains, rot, and peeling stain. 

9. Mix it up: Thoroughly mix Colorfast™ with a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. Scrape any settled material off the bottom of the pail and thoroughly mix it in. Stir Colorfast™ every 15–20 minutes throughout application to ensure all ingredients are always mixed in.

10. Spray it on: Using a large (515+) spray tip on an airless sprayer, apply on one heavy coat of  Colorfast™, covering all the wood and inside cracks and checks. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply Colorfast™ to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp. Colorfast™ goes on milky white, but don’t worry: it dries clear.

11. Lightly back-brush: Using a block brush on a pole, lightly brush out Colorfast™ to make sure all the bare wood gets covered, to catch drips, and to coat the insides of every crack and check. Colorfast™ will soak into the wood completely, so don’t worry about foaming. Any areas that remain wet (white) after 10 minutes should be brushed into drier areas.

12. Dry time: Allow Colorfast™ to dry until clear before applying the final stain over it. Often, this is within 2 hours, but check cracks and checks where it may take longer. 13. Apply stain: Once dry, apply two coats of Sashco’s Capture ®, Transformation Log & Timber, or Transformation Siding & Trim. No matter which stain you use, the first coat will go further, will not penetrate as much, will not require vigorous back-brushing, and will be lighter in color than normal. This is OK! It means that Colorfast™ is working as designed. 

* Do not apply Colorfast™ to fiber cement, concrete, or other cementitious materials.

Interior Application Instructions:

Interior prep is not as intense: Surfaces must still be clean and free of contaminants and loose wood fibers, but media blasting and power washing aren’t required except in extraordinary circumstances (like the home was flooded or was in a fire). A general rule of thumb on interior wood is to prep the wood the
way you want it to feel when finished. On the interior, smoother wood is best and usually desired.

Spray it: Apply Colorfast™ the same way you would on exterior wood. Be aware that Colorfast™ will go further on smooth, less porous interior wood.

Stain it: Cover Colorfast™ with 1–2 coats of Sashco’s Symphony ® interior clear coat for easier cleaning, to maintain the original bright wood color, and add a beautiful satin or gloss sheen. Colorfast™ is formulated to prevent interior wood from yellowing. Hooray! If a color is desired, apply 1 coat of Sashco’s Capture®, or Transformation Siding & Trim in the color of your choice, followed by 1–2 coats of Symphony ®. Download the Symphony ® application instructions at sashco.com/log-home. 

Sashco Colorfast Pre-Stain

What’s Really Important

It is well known by painters and stainers everywhere that the single most important factor in the longevity of any staining or painting job is the quality of the prep done beforehand. Clean, sound, warm, dry, and textured wood are the five characteristics of a well-prepped surface. Download Restoring the Dream, Sashco’s complete guide to log home refinishing and maintenance for details on these five factors and other keys to a successful and long-lasting (read: let’s not ever do a restoration like this on our home again) job. Find it at sashco.com/restoration. The second most important factor affecting the longevity of stain is the quantity of stain applied to the wood. Light mist coats will fail quickly, even with the best stains out there. Applying as much Colorfast™ as the wood will accept, while back- brushing and forcing it into the wood, results in dramatically improved performance and longevity of both Colorfast™ and the Sashco stain applied over top. This includes filling any cracks or checks in the wood with stain! The first coat is the only time Colorfast™ can penetrate into the wood. See proper staining in action! Watch the video at http://bit.ly/1BOuB7L

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614 

Transformation Log & Timber Application

Transformation Log & Timber is the low VOC formula of the original Transformation Log Stain by Sashco. It will transform your logs and vertical woodwork from dull and lifeless to rich and brilliant - especially for restoring older logs. Transformation is excellent for restoration log work. Transformation Log & Timber is the log home stain that's easy to remember because its name describes what you want and what it provides, Transformation! Perfect for new construction and restoration projects. Gloss sheen.  

 View the full data sheet here.

“A Better Way to Stain”

It‘s about Transformation: old and weathered logs brought to life again, or timbers refreshed with color when they were once only gray. These are the results we want for our dream home, but sometimes those results seem like a distant fantasy. We’ve seen other log and timber homes scorched by the sun and are afraid of the “big project” nature and the hefty price tag of maintaining our own. Contrary to common wisdom, having a great quality stain is only half the battle. The other half is what is neglected the most: routine maintenance. Over time, routine maintenance is truly the key to easier and less expensive staining. 

When done every 3-5 years, we find that routine maintenance saves a lot of time and money by eliminating much of the prep work before staining. Simply do a light power wash, allow the wood to dry, and apply a maintenance coat. No sanding or stain removal necessary. Your contractor will be happy you called him sooner rather than later, and your pocketbook will be, too. It’s that simple. 

Use a quality stain like Transformation Stain® Log & Timber and you’ll transform the look of your wood. Practice routine maintenance, and you’ll discover a better way to stain. 

For Sashco’s complete guide on a better way to stain, keep reading. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on the following key topics: 

Sampling 

To get the look you want, sample the stain on your wood. Prep Proper prep starts you down the right path. 

Application

Proper application of a quality stain ensures long-term performance. 

Routine Maintenance

Reduce long-term costs, time and effort.

 

 View the full data sheet here.

Sampling 

Proper sampling is where it starts. It is critical because the same stain can look very different on various species of wood. Different prep and application methods will also affect the final result. Therefore, sampling on your wood is the only way to make sure you get the color you want the first time. It’s easy: on a small, inconspicuous test area (we recommend a minimum 2 sq. ft. space), simply do each step the exact same way you will on all of your logs and timbers. 

• Prep the wood. 

• Apply the stain. 

• Let the stain dry (both between coats and after all coats are applied). 

• If working with a contractor, don’t allow the contractor to stain until you have thoroughly discussed and demonstrated the look you want. Show him/her the sample.

 • Don’t stain all of your logs and timbers before you verify that you’re achieving the look you want. It is best if you can be on-site when staining starts. Prep Proper substrate preparation and application mean greater longevity, better color, and better long-term performance. 

• Make sure it sticks: If you are changing from one stain product to another, contact us first. Transformation Log & Timber will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Be aware that any product already on the wood that contains waxes, non-drying oils, silicones, or anything that forms thick layers on the wood, can interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Transformation Log & Timber, or any stain, and must first be removed. Cleanliness is a virtue: Starting with an absolutely clean surface means better penetration and adhesion of the stain, which means better longevity and a more beautiful finish. 

• Media blast, vigorously power wash or sand wood surfaces using an Osborn® brush or 60—80 grit sand paper to remove failing stains and loose, unsound wood fibers, along with surface contaminants. 

• If mildew is present, apply Sashco’s CPR® in the brightener strength according to the directions, or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 20 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse. Fuzz be gone: For the best appearance, remove felting (wood fuzz) with Osborn brushes, Sashco’s Buffy Pad system or 60—80 grit sand paper once the wood is dry. Remove all sawdust with a broom, compressed air or a leaf blower. 

• Don’t delay: UV rays from the sun can damage cleaned wood surfaces in as little as 1 week; therefore, stain should be applied no more than 2 weeks after wood prep is completed. 

• Sunny with a chance of more sun: Plan to stain when the fore- cast is predicting clear, rain-free weather that will extend 1-2 days after the stain has been applied. If rain can’t be avoided, be sure to protect the stain from direct rainfall for 1-2 days after the stain is applied to prevent it from being washed off the surface. Preserve, please: Apply Sashco’s PeneTreat® for protection against wood rot and insects. Allow wood to dry at least 2-4 days. (Use a moisture meter to check it!) Osborn® is a trademark of Osborn International.

 

Application

Proper application of the stain, combined with the prep you’ve already done, will complete the transformation of your logs and timbers. 

1. Stay dry: 

Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at or below 19% moisture content level before applying stain. Damp wood can prevent the stain from penetrating properly and can eventually lead to peeling. 

2. Say no to mildew: 

Help keep surface mold and mildew at bay by adding more mildewcides to the stain. We recommend Stay Clean I/E™. (now replaced with M-1)

3. Mix it up: 

Thoroughly mix the stain. The preferred method is to use a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. No matter what method is used to mix the stain, you can ensure the most consistent color by: 

• Scraping all pigment off the bottom of the pail and thoroughly mixing it in. 

• Interblending pails with different lot numbers. 

• Stirring the stain every 10-15 minutes throughout application to keep the pigments evenly distributed through the stain. 

4. Warm feelings: 

Apply Transformation Log & Timber to wood surfaces that are no colder than 40°F (4°C) and no hotter than 90°F (32°C). Extreme temperatures will prevent proper penetration and drying of the stain. Plan your work so that surface temperatures fall within this range. Do not apply to surfaces in direct intense sunlight and work in sections to avoid lap marks. 

5. Spray it again, please: 

a. Spray on one heavy coat of Transformation Log & Timber stain. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply the stain. Don’t skimp. 

b. Vigorously brush the stain, pushing it into the wood and all cracks and checks, catching any drips. This promotes the best adhesion and penetration, and leaves an even, consistent coat of stain. 

• Wait until the first coat is dry (24 hrs.), then apply a light second coat of stain, spraying and back brushing as with the first coat. 

6. Bask in it:

Enjoy your beautiful log or timber home. 

Routine Maintenance 

Everyone knows that a $30 oil change twice a year beats a $2,000 mechanic’s bill. Routine maintenance on your logs or timbers could be the difference between $2,000 every 3-5 years or $20,000 to completely redo the job. It’s truly the key to “a better way to stain.” 

1. Cleanliness is still a virtue: 

• Lightly power wash your logs or timber to remove grease spots, pollen, bird droppings and other surface contaminants. 

• If mildew is present, apply Sashco’s CPR® in the cleaner strength according to the directions, or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 10 minutes, and then thoroughly rinse. Allow the surface to thoroughly dry. (This generally takes 2-4 days in ideal weather. To know for sure, use a moisture meter to check!) 

2. One more coat, please: 

• Spray on one maintenance coat of Transformation Stain® Log & Timber. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply the stain to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp. 

• Vigorously brush the stain, pushing it into the wood, catching any drips. This promotes the best adhesion and penetration, and leaves an even, consistent coat of stain. 

Clean Up

Clean brushes and equipment with mineral spirits. Hands may be cleaned with citrus-based hand cleaners, and then washed with soap and water. Follow local, state and federal guidelines for disposing of empty cans or any unused product. For rag disposal, see DANGER! statement.

Storage

Do not store in direct sunlight or hot conditions. Tightly reseal opened containers and store at temperatures between 50˚F and 90˚F (10˚C - 32˚C). If skinned over, remove the skin before thoroughly stirring the product.

 View the full data sheet here.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

Lap Marks in Stains Log and Wood Siding

 Lap Marks:
You can see the definite streak in the finish where one side is lighter than the other side. This happened when the logs were being finished. The applicator stopped at that point (probably at the end of the day) and then resumed later (probably the next morning). The overlap area of the finish will always cause a dark streak in the wall because of the build-up of finish in that particular area.

Prevention: When coating logs with stain or finish, never stop in the middle of a wall. Finish the entire wall before taking a break or quitting for the day. Coating across an entire log is also a good way to prevent lap marks.

Treatment: Other than stripping off the finish, you could go back and try to touch up the area, feathering from darker to lighter. This blending may not completely remove the lap mark but will make it less noticeable.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

Avoid Peeling Finishes and Sunburned Logs

In this photo you can see the finish has blistered, cracked, and is starting to peel. This has happened because the finish has lost its adhesion. (Notice the top area where the log has become sunburned and turned gray).

One of the factors for peeling is the moisture content of the logs when they were coated. If the logs were too wet (20% or higher), the logs will continue to dry out and as they dry the resident moisture will move from the center of the log outwards to the surface. The moisture will form on the surface of the log between the finish and the wood. If the finish is very thick and heavy, a blister will form because the moisture can't pass through the barrier of the finish. If your logs are still quite green, we suggest that you apply only one coat of a log keeper finish, such as TM5 First Treat or Colorfast. This will give the logs some protection while still allowing the moisture to escape out through the one coat of finish. Once the logs have dried out to 19% or less, then you can apply your final finish. You can test the moisture content of your logs with a Moisture Meter. Also, moisture can also occur from checks holding water. When heat from the sun reaches and heats the log’s surface, the moisture is pulled to the surface causing a break in the wood-to-finish adhesion.

Any type of finish, either oil or water based can peel. Remember, it is the amount of finish build up that will provide the potential for peeling. Penetrating finishes tend to peel less because instead of acting like a plastic coating on the logs, they don't build up into one thick coating (less "plastic") thus, allowing moisture to escape out through the thinner coating. They do tend to weather away over time and will need to be re-coated periodically to maintain their protective qualities.

The gray, sunburned area on the top of the log shown in the picture is a result of prolonged, direct sunlight. This can be prevented in new construction by extending the eaves and overhangs to allow for more protection from the sun. Also, avoid using clear finishes alone because they provide less UV protection from the sun. You could also plant shade trees to help deflect the direct sunlight.

If your logs are sunburned you can typically get by with sanding down the sunburned areas with 60-80 grit and then reapplying your finish. You will need to reapply the same number of coats as the rest of the wall to match the color of the rest of the wall. Tip: When you are reapplying the finish to match the rest of the wall it is better to apply too much and make the sanded areas look darker then to not add enough so they look lighter. The darker areas will tend to look natural where lighter areas will stick out and look distinctively unnatural.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Pickup in store - or ship to your door -in whichever woods your cabin dwells.

 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 

1101 SE 7th Avenue

Grand Rapids MN 55744

1-800-359-6614

 

 

 

 

Sapstain Control

 

Sapstain Control is the use of specially formulated wood treatment products that are used to protect peeled logs from mold and stain causing fungi. Mold, mildew, and sapstain increase the wood's ability to hold water, thus increasing chances of decay.

Tips for Applying Sapstain Control Logs should be decked at least two feet above ground level. Keep the area under the logs free of grass, weeds, or anything that would prevent air circulation. Leave space between logs to allow air circulation. Apply the sapstain control late in the day so there is less chance of evaporation before it has penetrated the log surface.

Note: Timber-Tec and TM-5 are compatible with borate based products like PeneTreat (see Tim-bor), however, Tim-bor should be applied FIRST. If the sapstain control has already been applied to the logs, the preferred method is to apply Tim-bor after the final rinse before applying finish to maximize the amount of material in the wood.

Why Use Sapstain Control? As house logs or timbers are peeled or sawn, their surfaces are susceptible to sapstain fungi. Fungi are tiny, threadlike organisms, which utilize wood, or carbohydrates stored in wood cells, for food. Besides food, fungi require the presence of air (oxygen), water and warm temperatures to survive and grow. These fungi, as they move through the wood, can leave behind a colored stain of blue, black, red or brown. It is most commonly known as Blue Stain. This enhanced cross section outlines the sapstain inside the wood. A sapstain control product was used to stop the sapstain from reaching the outer surface.   These are Permanent discolorations and can be either an asset or a detriment, depending on expectations. These stains do not affect the wood's strength, but it is nature´s first step at preparing wood for future rot. This sapstain occurs in the wood while mildew (black) or mold (white) grows on the surface of logs or timbers and aids in the absorption of water into the wood. To help prevent these fungi from entering wood, spray the wood within 24 hours after peeling with Timber-Tec, TM-5, or another sapstain control. Do not spray prior to rain, for the spray will be washed off or diluted. One last note is that species like Balsam Fir, Spruce, and Cedar are not as susceptible to sapstain as are the pines. Aspen and high moisture woods may need higher concentrations of sapstain control and more frequent applications.  Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614 Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc. 1101 SE 7th Avenue Grand Rapids MN 55744 www.loghelp.com

Sansin ENS

 

Sansin ENS on Vancouver Island Home

Sansin ENS is an environmentally-friendly highly durable glossy two-coat wood finish, designed for exterior vertical surfaces, siding, timber, furniture, windows and doors. It is exceptionally UV resistant, washable, low in VOC's, and non-flammable. Sansin ENS provides a rich and attractive coating with exceptional durability and weather protection. ENS is compatible to surfaces pre-treated using SDF or Classic. Sansin ENS offers excellent adhesion characteristics and can be applied over many waterbased or alkyd products to enhance protection and beauty. For increased protection use Sansin SDF or Sansin Classic for the first coat to ensure penetrating protection. Use ENS Naturals Top Coat or ENS Optimum for maintenance coats. 

Made in Canada.

Application Methods 

• For previously coated surfaces apply a small test area to ensure proper drying, adhesion and durability. 

• Brush using a good quality dual purpose brush. 

• Spray using hand or airless equipment with a .011-.013 tip. Set pressure to ensure desirable spray pattern. 

• Avoid high sheer pumps. 

• For a gloss finish, apply ENS Optimum Clear mixed 90:10 with the base color for the final coat. 

• If a low lustre sheen is required, use as final coat only. Use gloss for intermediate coats. 

Working Procedure 

• Apply ENS to all six sides of the wood, or for deep penetrating moisture protection, use Classic, SDF, Dec, KP-12 or Foundation as the first coat to surfaces like millwork and decks. 

• Stir well before and during application. 

• Spray application is preferred using air assist or airless spray equipment. 

• Apply a manageable film thickness. 

• Allow to dry. 

• Consider finish sanding for a smooth finish and remove dust. 

• Apply a second and third coat if necessary. Follow the above procedures. Ensure an adequate dry film thickness of 3 mils for optimum protection. 

• Do not overwork ENS as it is fast drying. 

• Do not apply in heat of day or direct sun. 

• Do not apply on wood that is warm to touch. 

• Do not apply if rain is expected or in near freezing temperatures. 

Maintenance 

Horizontal and vertical services require maintenance every 4-5 years. Maintenance is necessary when the surface shows signs of wear, such as fading or erosion. Low lustre finishes require more frequent maintenance than satin or high lustre finishes. Maintaining your wood on a regular basis will ensure long-lasting color retention, exceptional dimensional stabilization and effective water repellency. Periodically, clean the wood surface with a power washer or Sansin Multi-Wash to remove dirt and residue. How frequently maintenance coats are required will depend on the quality of prior preparation, quality of application and exposure levels. If fading or erosion is evident, prepare wood by using a power washer to lightly clean the wood surface; or use Sansin Multi-Wash. Then re-apply one maintenance coat of Sansin ENS according to instructions. Exposure, workmanship and color will affect the performance of the coating.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc.
1101 SE 7th Avenue
Grand Rapids MN 55744

www.loghelp.com 

 

Transformation Siding & Trim

Transformation Siding & Trim in Honey Timber on log cabin

Transformation Siding & Trim is a unique water and oil emulsion provides a very easy finish to apply, but the cured coating is both stunningly beautiful and durable. Transformation Siding & Trim penetrates properly prepared wood and is extremely resistant to UV degradation, moisture, and oxidation. The high quality transoxide pigments enhance the natural beauty of wood grain while imparting a mellow sheen to the logs. Transformation Siding & Trim is compatible with PeneTreat (see Tim-bor), Log Builder Caulking, and Log Jam Chinking. Matte finish.

 

Transformation Siding & Trim will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Be aware that any product already on the wood that contains waxes, non-drying oils, silicones, or anything that forms thick layers on the wood, can interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Transformation Log & Timber (or any stain) and must first be removed.

It’s about Transformation: old and weathered wood siding brought to life again, or trim stained with color to create the perfect accent. These are the results stain was made for, yet rarely do we observe this in the real world. We see our neighbor’s stain peeling or are reluctant to repair our own siding due to its “big project” nature and the hefty price tag. Contrary to common wisdom, having a great quality stain is only half the battle. The other half is what is neglected the most: routine maintenance. Over time, routine main- tenance is truly the key to easy and inexpensive staining. When applied correctly and maintained every 3-4 years, you can be assured that Transformation Stain® Siding & Trim won’t peel. This eliminates the time and expense of sanding the surface before applying a maintenance coat. Simply do a light power wash, allow the wood to dry and apply another coat. It’s that easy, and you’ll find that your “big project” wasn’t so big after all. Use a quality stain like Transformation Siding & Trim and you’ll transform the look of your wood. Practice routine maintenance and you’ll discover a better way to stain. For Sashco’s complete guide on “a better way to stain,” keep reading.

You’ll find step-by-step instructions on the following key topics:

Sampling

To get the look you want, sample the stain on your wood.

Prep

Proper prep starts you down the right path.

Application

Proper application of a quality stain ensures long-term performance.

Routine Maintenance

Reduce long-term costs, time and effort.

 

Questions on maintaining the legacy of your wood structure? Give us a call- 1-800-359-6614

Schroeder Log Home Supply, Inc.
1101 SE 7th Avenue
Grand Rapids MN 55744

www.loghelp.com