In this two-part series, we will discuss the reasons behind either stripping your log home or the other option of simply putting on another coat of stain. In this first part, let’s go over the reasons why you absolutely must strip your log home.
PART 1: STRIP
1) Do you like the color and finish of your log home? If not, you will need to strip. The only possible exception to this would be if you wish to stain your home DARKER, then you may be able to re-coat. However…
2) Stain compatibility is critical. Ideally, you will only re-coat your home with the same brand of stain as previously used. Changing products will almost invariably create adhesion issues. It is no different than it being preferable to painting bare metal, or even why you must strip your fingernails prior to applying a new color.
3) You must strip your home if your stain is failing. Failure would be if the stain is peeling or if it’s faded away to the point that it has disappeared from the surface. On film-forming finishes, you are mainly looking for peeling and looking for it darkening/turning black underneath. On penetrating finishes, a good test is to run your fingernail across the grain of the log and see if it leaves a white line. This will evidence the fact that there is no protection on the surface.
If you need expert advise to make this critical decision, then contact our staff for a consultation!
Part 2 of this topic will be in our next blog post, and we will discuss reasons why you may be able to re-coat your log home.
