Question for Log Man Jack - stain maintenance

Q Hey Log Man Jack, How often is it necessary to stain log homes.
ANSWER. Maintenance of the exterior of log homes is done by a process called staining. Conventional wood sided homes are commonly painted. Paint does not allow the wood grain to show and that is an attractive feature of log homes.

The number of years between maintenance coats of stain varies with the product used. Some products require repeated staining every year or so. Other products require two coats of stain plus one coat of clear coat with maintenance coats over a longer interval of time – usually three to six years. Yet other products suggest that two coats of the same product be applied initially. Then add a maintenance coat in 3-4-5 years.

Staining can be done with a bucket and brush or a sprayer. When a sprayer is used, the stain penetrates into the cracks and crevices more evenly than with a brush. It should be noted that when a sprayer is used, the windows and doors should be covered with a plastic wrap. The specialists seem to prefer brushing.

This initial staining will begin to wear off due mostly to sun, rain and snow. The need to apply maintenance coats of stain is most evident on the afternoon and evening side of log homes. It is necessary to restain weathered logs or wood to keep them looking fresh. Depending on the stain product used, this might need to be done again in three, four, five or six years. That is, your log home will need a new coat of stain plus clear coat. There are products on the market where the stain and clear coat can be mixed. Obviously, this reduces your work load and two-coat products are usually less expensive than three coat products.

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This information is brought to you by LogHomesByJack.com. Serving Virginia and the Southeast from Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina from the Piedmont Triad. Offering a very good combination of price, quality of materials and service. When in doubt, give Jack a shout. 800 767-4916.