There are several characteristics of quality log home stains and several things you should look for. The following are things we’ve determined qualify a stain as a quality stain, not ordered by importance.
- Warranty
- Easy to clean up
- Eco-friendly
- Breathable
- Flexible
- High UV protection
- Not a lot of maintenance
It’s our opinion that breathability is the characteristic that most determines the quality of a stain. Logs will naturally attract moisture, regardless of finish, so the logs being able to breathe is crucial to the life of a log home. With so many cracks on the surface of the logs, it’s very easy for water to penetrate a log home stain. This can cause mildew and rotting and is why we love a good breathable stain.
In addition, when your stain is breathable, we believe, the overall costs of maintenance decreases. Breathable stains give finishes a dry surface to adhere to, rather than a damp one. Moisture making its way under a finish can cause peeling, cracking, and flaking.
Other Considerations:
If NOT new construction, be sure the stain you are adding is compatible with your existing stain, sealants, or chinking/caulking. If you’re constructing a new log home, selecting a stain that is compatible with the caulk and chink is your number one priority. Note: that It is also critical that you FIRST TEST to make sure the stain applied to both the logs and chinking/caulking provides the desired look.
888-LOG-GUYS have the experience to provide you with quality service and ensure you get the look you expect from your stain color.
