888LogGuys
It’s our opinion that breathability, UV protectant and log sealant are the corner stones to quality log home stain. Logs will naturally attract moisture, so the logs being able to breathe is crucial to the life of the log. Your finish should repel rain but be permeable to water vapor to allow trapped moisture in your logs to evaporate. 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 having a good breathable stain matters.
Although there are many different stain formulations among many brands, we can generally roll them into two basic categories: oil-penetrating (oil-based products are designed to penetrate further into the grain of the wood. This is why they always have a flat or matte finish. They essentially repel moisture due to the fact that oil and water don’t mix well) and film-forming stain (these stains can be of several chemical formulations including acrylic latex (water-based), oil (alkyd), or other variations. For the most part, they lay on the surface of the logs and provide a physical barrier to prevent moisture from entering into the wood). Both are different but offer solutions based on your need.
We further suggest, especially in hotter climates or areas with significant direct sun exposure, you use a stain booster that offers UV protection, such as UV Boost from Perma-Chink. Direct sun, while not as damaging as moisture, can cause log weakness and a greying discoloration of logs.
Understanding the pros and cons of log home stain is paramount to selecting the stain that offers the highest protection from the elements in your area. When it’s time to restore your log home or apply a maintenance re-coat, give the team at 888 Log Guys a call to receive advice from your log home experts!
